Bates College held its commencement ceremony for the Class of 2026 on May 31, with 480 graduates gathering alongside family, friends, faculty, staff, and members of the community. The event featured speeches highlighting both the achievements and shared qualities of the graduating class.
President Garry W. Jenkins opened the ceremony by recognizing accomplishments across academics and athletics. Jenkins said, “And a small handful of you were even crowned NCAA National Champions. And just this weekend, national runner-up.” He also noted national honors received by students: “Two of you are Goldwater Scholars. One of you is a Truman Scholar. One of you is a Watson fellow and a whopping 15 of you are Fulbright Scholars.” The crowd responded with strong applause for the 59 first-generation college graduates in attendance.
Jenkins described the class as possessing “uncommon, unlimited, unparalleled heart and humanity,” saying that whatever path they choose after graduation, their college will always support them: “You have all you need to succeed in whatever you choose. And whatever you choose, wherever life takes you, your college will always be here for you.”
Senior speaker Sebenele Lukhele from Manzini, Eswatini, spoke about his experience as an international student at Bates. Lukhele said he was drawn to Bates by its mission statement’s promise to cultivate intellectual discovery through engaging differences: “‘With ardor and devotion, we engage the transformative power of our differences…’ As an international student and a person of color preparing to move thousands of miles away from home, those words felt more than just empty rhetoric.” Lukhele discussed how he found community at Bates through meaningful coexistence among diverse backgrounds: “Diversity is easy to celebrate… but coexistence… requires effort, passion, and a willingness to be uncomfortable.”
Three honorary degrees were awarded during the ceremony: H. Scott Bierman received a Doctor of Humane Letters degree; Seema Hingorani also received a Doctor of Humane Letters; Deborah Harkness was conferred a Doctor of Letters degree. Ru Gunawardane will receive her doctorate at a later date due to a family emergency.
Author Deborah Harkness delivered the commencement address reflecting on historical context during uncertain times. Harkness said that uncertainty has always existed throughout history but can be met with curiosity rather than resistance: “A historian will regale you with countless examples dragged out of the past that prove there is nothing unprecedented under the sun.” She encouraged graduates to embrace ambiguity like Isaac Newton did—through relentless curiosity—and advised them: “First, you must start the great work with what is.” The ceremony concluded despite intermittent rain showers as graduates crossed Coram stage.
