Video: 2018 Commencement Ceremony

May 20, 2018

Watch the entire Commencement ceremony, from the formal opening to the last diploma being awarded.

President Biddy Martin addressing the Class of 2018 during Commencement

Presidential Address: Commencement 2018

Watch the video and read a transcript of President Biddy Martin’s address to the Class of 2018.

Video & Transcript
Senior Speaker Noor Meloy Qasim

Senior Class Speech

Noor Meloy Qasim ’18 was chosen by her class to speak at Commencement.

Video

President Martin to the Class of 2018: “Let the Poetic Be Your Guide”

Amherst graduates process onto the quad during Commencement 2018
As the rain held off and thousands of loved ones looked on, Amherst awarded B.A. degrees to more than 480 seniors

Commencement 2018

In a speech full of references to literature, song and political theory, Amherst President Biddy Martin encouraged the College’s class of 2018 to “bring a poetic approach to politics.” The event also featured an address by student speaker Noor Qasim ’18, the awarding of six honorary doctorates and performances by the Choral Society.

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Danielle S. Allen speaking at a microphone

Conversations with Honored Guests

Hear audio recordings of Saturday’s talks by honorary degree recipients.

Audio
Baccalaureate celebration in Johnson Chapel

Baccalaureate 2018

See photos of the Saturday morning multifaith gathering that included music, readings, dance and an address on “Hope in a Time of Polarization” by Rabbi Joshua Stanton ’08.

Photos
Rebecca Segal ’18 holds up her hand in oath, by an American flag

ROTC Commissioning Ceremony

See the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps ceremony commissioning Rebecca Segal ’18 as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. 

Photos
Three student Class Marshals and the Faculty Marshall in regalia

Senior Assembly 2018

Held the evening of the last day of classes, Senior Assembly is a traditional ceremony in which the Amherst College faculty honors the graduating students.

Speeches & Photos Flickr Album
blurred photo of students dancing

Senior Celebration

The Senior Celebration dinner and dance took place on May 2, 2018.

Flickr Album
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie smiles, looking slightly away from camera

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Among Six Honored at 2018 Commencement

Six leaders in the fields of literature and feminism, political theory, civil rights advocacy, environmental security, art history and epidemiology and children’s health received honorary degrees.

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