Three students in commencement regalia walking on the Amherst College quad after graduation

Class of 2020 In-Person Commencement

The long-awaited in-person Commencement for the class of 2020 took place on June 12, 2022 and featured pandemic-delayed reunions, inspirational speeches, and more. 

Video & More

Don’t Call It a Commencement

President Martin wearing regalia in her home
President Biddy Martin

May 31, 2020

With this year’s graduation exercises postponed, Amherst conferred degrees on seniors during the virtual “Celebration of the Class of 2020.” The event featured remarks from President Biddy Martin and Stanley O. Dunwell III ’20, and one surprise appearance.

News Story

Class of 2020 Virtual Celebration

May 31, 2020

Our senior celebration included video messages from the community, an appearance by the student commencement speaker, a performance by the Choral Society, and a surprise special guest. Read transcript.

Order of the Program

President Biddy Martin
President Biddy Martin

Stanley Dunwell
Stanley Oscar Dunwell III ’20
  1. Faculty and Staff Congratulations to the Class of 2020 
  2. Welcome from President Biddy Martin (2:30)
  3. A Message from a Special Guest (10:09)
  4. Greetings from Stanley Oscar Dunwell III, Class of 2020 Student Commencement Speaker (14:55)
  5. Singing of “Three Gifts” (21:55)
  6. Remarks from Biddy Martin (25:05)
  7. A Mammoth Graduation (38:45)
  8. Conferral of Degrees (39:40)
  9. Class of 2020 Graduate Names (43:35)

Virtual Celebration Slideshow

all the signs with students' names are seen on the Quad from above
cartoon mammoth answers a cell phone call
photo collage of students and Tenzin Kunor
photo collage of students and Professor David Hansen
photo collage of students and Vanessa Fong
photo of a past commencement and Provost Catherine Epstein
group of people offering congratulations to the seniors
President Biddy Martin in her house
a gift box containing a letter from Biddy Martin, a mortar board hat, a stuffed mammoth, an Amherst mug, and an Amherst cap
Biddy Martin and three students
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Stanley Oscar Dunwell III in four photos from each of his years at Amherst
Stanley in a series of photos talks on the phone with Biddy Martin and gets wifi equipment
Stanley holds up a teabag with Ruth Bader Ginsburg's image on it
many photos of choir members and others all singing together virtually
in animated film, the president mammoth gives a diploma to a graduating mammoth
President Martin in official regalia
signs with student names on the quad
list of names scrolling on screen
close-up of diploma being held by a graduate

A Snapshot of the Resilient Class of 2020

On May 31, 2020 the College recognized and honored the Class of 2020 graduates in a virtual celebration. See facts and figures about the students of the Class of 2020.

News Story
Johnson Chapel in spring

Senior Awards & Prizes 2020

See the list of Class of 2020 award winners.

Senior Awards
President Biddy Martin in her office

Letter from President Martin

Read President Biddy Martin’s letter to the Class of 2020 announcing a virtual celebration on May 31, 2020, and an on-campus celebration in 2021.

Biddy’s Letter
Students stand holding hands around the War Memorial

Looking Back on the Class of 2020

View photos of the Class of 2020 over the past four years, beginning with Orientation 2016.

Flickr Album
Mammoth looks into the camera

Class of 2020 Social Graphics

Show your pride! Choose from a variety of Instagram filters, Facebook frames, and more.

Graphics