Commencement 2024 Schedule of Events

Monday, May 13

Lavender Graduation 

6–8 p.m. in the Prescott Courtyard (Outside of the Queer Community Alliance Center) 

Join Community Advocacy and 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.

Tuesday, May 14

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. 

Thursday, May 16

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. 

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.

Div-Free Reception

4–5 p.m. in the Franklin Patterson Hall Courtyard

Join SPARC (Supporting your Purpose through Action, Resources, and Connections), Alumni Relations, and current staff who are Hampshire graduates for snacks immediately following the mandatory meeting. Gifts for all new graduates! 

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 Showcase! 

Friday, May 17

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. You may pick up a schedule in the Franklin Patterson Hall lobby beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday. The online schedule will be posted the week of the showcase here.

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. 

Saturday, 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.

Coffee and pastries

9 a.m.–2 p.m. in the R.W. Kern Center

Please join us in the R.W. Kern Center for 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 2024 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
Waylen Frost, Dining Commons Cashier

WELCOME
Jose Fuentes 05F, Chair of the Board of Trustees

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Javiera Benavente, Assistant Dean of Collaborative & Community Engaged Learning

CELEBRATORY ADDRESS
Ed Wingenbach, President

STUDENT MODERATOR
Abdul Raffey Shakoor 21S

STAFF TOAST
Waylen Frost

FACULTY TOAST
Nathan McClain, Assistant Professor of Creative Writing & African American Literary Arts

STUDENT ADDRESS
Elijah Pluchino 20F

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Chelsea Manning

ALUMNI TOAST
Ananda Valenzuela 07F

CONFERRAL OF DEGREES
Ed Wingenbach, President
Gary Hawkins, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty

CLOSING OF THE CEREMONY
Waylen Frost