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!