2024 Commencement Schedule [Preliminary]
Friday, May 24, 2024
2 to 9 p.m.
Welcome Center and Housing Check-in for seniors and families. Alumni House (see parking map)
2:30 to 4:00 p.m
Artist talk at the Mead
"Who stole Ukrainian art? A Short Survey of Modernism in Ukraine"talk by Konstantin Akinsha, curator of the new Mead exhibit “The Juncture.” The short life of Ukrainian modernism reflects the tragic events of the history of Ukraine in the 20th century. As works by Ukrainian modernists were discovered decades later, they were often labeled “Russian." Ukrainian art historians are now working to reclaim Ukrainian art appropriated by Russians. This lecture will shed light on the validity of Ukrainian claims and the Russian response to them. Stirn Auditorium
5 p.m.
Commencement Rehearsal. Mandatory for seniors; families need not attend. Main Quadrangle (Johnson Chapel in case of rain).
Saturday, May 25, 2024
8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Welcome Center and Housing Check-in for seniors and families. Alumni House (see parking map).
9 a.m.
Phi Beta Kappa Meeting. Induction ceremony for new members of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest honor society of arts and sciences. Students elected to membership in this honor society are those of the highest standing. Stirn Auditorium
10 a.m.
Baccalaureate Celebration. Seniors play a significant role in this interfaith gathering that includes music, readings, dance and an address. Johnson Chapel
11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Conversations with Honored Guests
12:30 to 2:00 p.m.
Luncheon for seniors, families, faculty and staff. If there is inclement weather, additional seating will be available in Valentine Dining Hall. Valentine Quadrangle
1:00 p.m.
Sigma Xi Meeting. Induction ceremony for new members of The Scientific Research Society. Lewis-Sebring Dining Commons, Valentine Dining Hall
1:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Departmental Events
2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Conversations with Honored Guests
3:15 to 4:15 p.m.
Conversations with Honored Guests
4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
President’s Garden Reception
President Michael A. Elliott ’92 hosts a gathering for seniors, families, faculty and staff. President’s House
8:00 p.m.
Choral Society Concert. The Choral Society includes the Glee Club and the Concert Choir, directed by Arianne Abela. The performance will feature music from all over the world as well as traditional Amherst songs. The Choral Society performs their annual Commencement Concert to honor our graduating class. This concert is free. General seating. Doors open 30-minutes before the concert.
Buckley Recital Hall, Arms Music Center
Sunday, May 26, 2024
8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Welcome Center Open. Alumni House (see parking map).
10 a.m.
The 203rd Commencement. Addresses by President Michael A. Elliott ’92 and a graduate of the Class of 2024
Presentation of Honorary Degrees and the Phebe and Zephaniah Swift Moore Teaching Awards. Main Quadrangle (livestreamed at Amherst.edu/go/webcast)
12:30 to 2 p.m.
Luncheon for seniors, families, faculty and staff. In the event of inclement weather, additional seating will be available in Valentine Dining Hall. Valentine Quadrangle
Note: Barring severe weather, Commencement is held outdoors on the Main Quadrangle, a shaded green space in the center of campus with ample seating. Tickets are required only if Commencement is moved indoors. Due to occupancy limitations, each graduating student is limited to two ticketed guests, should the ceremony be moved indoors. Ticketed guests will be seated in the indoor venue, and remaining family and friends will have the opportunity to watch a livestream of the event from multiple locations on campus. Indoor tickets are distributed to graduates during Commencement weekend. To learn the location of Sunday’s Commencement ceremony, call (413) 542-INFO (4636) or go to Amherst.edu/commencement after 8 a.m. on Sunday.