Commencement 2023 Schedule of Events
*Please note that all events are subject to change.
Thursday, May 18
Division III Gallery Exhibit
All day in the Hampshire College Art Gallery in Harold F. Johnson Library
The Division III Gallery Exhibit is a large group show that features a selection of work in painting, comics, digital art, photography, installation, fabric arts, sculpture, and more, curated by a team of peers.
Interfaith Blessing of the Graduates
Noon–1:30 p.m. in the Spiritual Life Center (Enfield 63B)
Please join us for an interfaith blessing of our graduates. We welcome graduates, their families and friends, and Hampshire community members to this reception to honor the diversity of religious and spiritual practices of our graduating class. We will have speakers and lunch will be served.
Mandatory Graduate Informational Meeting
3–4 p.m. in the Main Lecture Hall in Franklin Patterson Hall
All graduating students are required to attend this informational session for Commencement.
Dessert Before Dinner
4:30–5:30 p.m. in The Red Barn
Reception for graduating class and Trustees. Families are welcome to participate.
Division III Gallery Exhibit Opening Reception
6–8 p.m. in the Hampshire College Art Gallery in the Harold F. Johnson Library
Join student co-curators and artists in the Hampshire College Art Gallery to kick off the Division III Gallery Exhibit!
Lavender Graduation
6–8 p.m. in the Prescott Courtyard (Outside of the Queer Community Alliance Center)
Join Community Advocacy & Restorative Practices in celebrating and honoring our LGBTQ+ graduates. We will gather over dinner to hear from special guests and present each graduate with a Lavender Graduation tassel to wear at commencement. In the case of rain, this event will be held in the Prescott Tavern.
Friday, May 19
Division III Gallery Exhibit
All day in the Hampshire College Art Gallery in Harold F. Johnson Library
The Division III Gallery Exhibit is a large group show that features a selection of work in painting, comics, digital art, photography, installation, fabric arts, sculpture, and more, curated by a team of peers.
Division III Showcase
1–3 p.m. in Franklin Patterson Hall
Come enjoy a sampling of Division III projects presented by Hampshire's graduates. The showcase includes academic presentations, performances, film screenings, and readings. View the schedule.
Community Bell Ringing
3:15–4 p.m. in front of Harold F. Johnson Library
Immediately following the Division III Showcase, we ask everyone to join us at the Division Free Bell at the Harold F. Johnson Library. Learn about the history of the bell, and celebrate graduating students as they ring it to mark the successful culmination of their Hampshire education.
Community Commencement Reception
4–5:30 p.m. under the Charles and Polly Longsworth Solar Canopy
Join graduating students, friends, and families to celebrate their Commencement with drinks and hors d'oeuvres.
Celebratory Bonfire
8–10 p.m. at the Enfield Fire Pit
Graduates and their families are invited to join Alumni & Family Relations for a bonfire, s’mores, music, and drinks. Weather permitting.
Saturday, May 20
Division III Gallery Exhibit
All day in the Hampshire College Art Gallery in Harold F. Johnson Library
The Division III Gallery Exhibit is a large group show that features a selection of work in painting, comics, digital art, photography, installation, fabric arts, sculpture, and more, curated by a team of peers.
Coffee and pastries
9 a.m.–2 p.m. R.W. Kern Center
Please join us in the R.W. Kern Center for Pierce Brothers Coffee and pastries.
Commencement Ceremony
11 a.m.–1 p.m. under the tent on the library lawn
Join us for a celebration of our 2023 graduates! Commencement will involve several community speakers and recognition of each graduate. The Commencement procession will begin at 10:45 a.m. followed by the ceremony at 11 a.m. If you're unable to join us in person, the Commencement ceremony will be livestreamed on YouTube and a full video will be posted after the event.
OPENING OF THE CEREMONY
James Patten, Postal Assistant
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
WELCOME
Jose Fuentes 05F, Chair of the Board of Trustees
CELEBRATORY ADDRESS
Ed Wingenbach, President
STUDENT MODERATOR
Caleb Stoloski 20F
STAFF TOAST
James Patten
FACULTY TOAST
Melissa Burch, Associate Professor of Cognitive Development
STUDENT ADDRESS
Pinko Higgins 21F
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha, Disability and Transformative Justice Movement Worker, Author, Curator, Educator, and Performer
ALUMNI TOAST
Elle Chan 87F, Founder and Co-CEO, Trademark Event Productions, Inc.
CONFERRAL OF DEGREES
Ed Wingenbach, President
Omar Dahi, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty
CLOSING OF THE CEREMONY
James Patten
Celebratory Reception
Following the Commencement ceremony on the library lawn
Please join us for ice cream and lunch after the ceremony concludes. Graduates are also invited to visit the Alumni & Family Relations information table in front of the Robert Crown Center to receive a gift from the College!