Commencement 2025 Schedule of Events

Please note that all events are subject to change.

Monday, May 12


Lavender CELEBRATION

5-7 p.m. in the Prescott Courtyard (Outside of the Queer Community Alliance Center)

Join the Queer Community Alliance Center in celebrating and honoring our LGBTQ+ graduates. We will gather to hear from special guests and present each graduate with a rainbow graduation tassel to wear at Commencement as well as other celebratory graduate favors.

Thursday, May 15


Interfaith GATHERing for the Graduates

Noon–1:30 p.m. in the Spiritual Life Center (Enfield 63B)

Please join us for an interfaith gathering for 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 offer a chance for people to speak 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.

Friday, May 16


Division III Gallery Exhibit

10 a.m.–8 p.m. in the Hampshire College Art Gallery in Harold F. Johnson Library

The Division III Gallery Exhibit is a 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 17


Division III Gallery Exhibit

10 a.m.–8 p.m. in the Hampshire College Art Gallery in Harold F. Johnson Library

The Division III Gallery Exhibit is a 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

Open 9 a.m.–2 p.m. in the R.W. Kern Center

Please join us in the R.W. Kern Center for a light continental breakfast from 9–10:30 a.m.

Commencement Ceremony

11 a.m.–1 p.m. under the tent on the library lawn

Join us for a celebration of our 2025 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

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

Zeynep Yurekli 21F

STAFF TOAST

Jim Patten, Post Office Manager

FACULTY TOAST

Jina Fast, SHIFT Assistant Professor of Applied Ethics and the Common Good

STUDENT ADDRESS

Ambar Hart 21F & Broden Grimm 21F

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Manuel "Manny" Castro 02F, Nationally Recognized Immigrant Rights Advocate, Nonprofit and Public Sector Leader

ALUMNI TOAST

Julie Schecter 71F GP22

CONFERRAL OF DEGREES

Ed Wingenbach, President & Gary Hawkins, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty

CLOSING OF THE CEREMONY