Commencement 2020

On May 31, Amherst held a virtual celebration for the Class of 2020. (Photo by Marcus DeMaio)

The Amherst College Mammoth opens the virtual celebration by answering a mysterious phone call.

Tenzin Kunor, director of diversity and student leadership, congratulates the class of 2020. Background photo by Maria Stenzel.

David Hansen, the Julian H. Gibbs 1946 Professor of Chemistry, tells the class of 2020, “You should be so proud of yourselves.” Background photo by Maria Stenzel.

Vanessa Fong, professor of anthropology, tells the graduates that they are part of a “history-making, history-changing cohort.” Background photo by Maria Stenzel.

Catherine Epstein, provost and dean of the faculty, reminds the graduates of the in-person ceremony that will take place in 2021. Background photo by Maria Stenzel.

Virtual rounds of applause for the class of 2020.

President Biddy Martin opens the live portion of the celebration from her home on campus, welcoming and congratulating the class of 2020 and their families and friends.

President Martin invites all the seniors to open their gift boxes. Each box contains, among other things, a letter from BIddy, a mortarboard hat, a stuffed mammoth, Ruth Bader Ginsburg tea, and an Amherst mug.

President Martin announces the winners of the Obed Finch Slingerland Memorial Prize, shared by Justin Chen (upper left) and Kathleen Despina Krieg (right), and the Woods-Travis Prize, Gregory David Carroll (lower left).

Surprise special guest U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg shares an inspirational message with the graduates.

Stanley Oscar Dunwell III, the peer-selected student commencement speaker, greets classmates while in character for each of his four years at Amherst.

Stanley experiences WiFi trouble! Oh no!! Not to worry. Biddy helps out and Stanley is good to go!

“We did it!” Stanley Dunwell exclaims. He goes on to say, “Amherst gave us what we needed to become the people we are today.”

Coordinated by Choral Director Arianne Abela, members of the Amherst Choral Society from the classes of 1957-2023 sing “Three Gifts,” a tradition at Commencement and Convocation.

A virtual but very purple degree is awarded in “A Mammoth Graduation.”

President Biddy Martin dons regalia to officially confer the degrees to the class of 2020.

Since our seniors can’t be here in person to accept their degrees, College staff placed a sign on the main quad for every graduating senior. Photo by Jiayi Liu.

Congratulations, class of 2020! We are so proud of each and every one of you, and look forward to seeing you in 2021 for your on-campus Commencement.