For dates and times, see the Commencement Calendar of Events
Main Events
Ivy Exercises
Members of the Senior Class informally celebrate the Class by planting the customary ivy, reading the Class Poem and Class History, and singing the Class Song. Individual prizes and awards are announced. Tickets are not required.
Rain plans: In case of heavy rain, Ivy Exercises will move to Lansing-Chapman Hockey Rink.
Baccalaureate
Baccalaureate is a service of gratitude and remembrance that traditionally precedes Commencement Exercises, using the languages of many religions to celebrate the transformation of learning into wisdom. The Baccalaureate address is given by one of the honorary degree recipients. Admission is by ticket only.
Commencement
In addition to the formal academic procession and the awarding of degrees, Commencement includes recognition of the Olmsted Prize recipients, announcement of the William Bradford Turner Citizenship Prize, brief speeches by three members of the Senior Class, and the Commencement Address.
Rain Plans: In case of heavy rain or threat of lightning, the Chapel Bells will toll at 9 a.m. Sunday signaling that the ceremony will be moved to Lansing-Chapman Hockey Rink for indoor Commencement. Admission to the hockey rink is by ticket only. Additional seating will be available in Chandler Gymnasium where the ceremony will be broadcast on a large screen. Tickets are not required for seating in Chandler Gymnasium.
Please note: Because of the very limited seating capacity of Lansing-Chapman Hockey Rink, every effort will be made to hold the ceremony outdoors on West College Lawn. Guests are advised to come prepared with appropriate rain gear. Since the outdoor seating faces east, guests will find hats and sun visors useful on a sunny morning.
Other Commencement Events
Athletic Department Senior Recognition Reception
The Department will recognize the senior athletic award winners. Honorees will include All Conference (NESCAC), All-Americans, All Academic teams, post-graduate scholar award winners, and the 2009 Ephmanship Award recipients. The event is open to senior athletes and their families. Light refreshments will be served.
Graduates’ Reception
Immediately following Commencement Exercises, the graduates will gather with their guests and the Faculty on Chapin Hall lawn for informal greetings, congratulations, and farewells. A light lunch is served.
Lightnight
The Senior Class invites family, friends, and faculty to Lightnight, Commencement Eve festivities held in and around Paresky Center. There will be music and refreshments.
President’s Reception
President and Mrs. Schapiro will honor candidates for degrees at a reception in Paresky Center on Saturday, following Ivy Exercises. Candidates and their guests are cordially invited to attend.
Contact Information
Jefferson Strait, College Marshal: 413.597.2008 or Jefferson.Strait@williams.edu
Margaret Weyers, Assistant to the College Marshal: 413.597.2241 or Margaret.M.Weyers@williams.edu
commencement@williams.edu
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