Commencement

Contact

General Inquiries:
commencement@colby-sawyer.edu

Media Inquiries:
Office of Marketing & Communications
communications@colby-sawyer.edu

Schedule of Events

Commencement Eve – Friday, May 8, 2026
2–3:30 p.m.	Scholars & Leaders Ceremony, Sawyer Theater, Sawyer Fine Arts Center Capstone, baccalaureate and program recognition awards; honor society cords; and leadership, community and achievement awards. The Nancy Beyer Opler Award for Excellence in Advising will be presented to an outstanding advisor nominated by students. For more information, contact Kristine Bainton, executive assistant for the Office of the Academic Vice President & Dean of Faculty, 603.526.3760, kristine.bainton@colby-sawyer.edu.
3:30-5 p.m.	Family Happy Hour, Galligan's Pub at Lethbridge Lodge Gather with family and friends to celebrate. Cash bar (card preferred).
4–5:30 p.m.	Nursing Pinning Ceremony, Sawyer Center Theater, Sawyer Fine Arts Center Faculty present graduating student nurses with pins and welcome them to the profession. For more information, contact Ben Sipe, administrative coordinator for the School of Nursing & Health Sciences, benjamin.sipe@colby-sawyer.edu.
5 p.m.	Graduate Dinner, Dining Room, Ware Student Center Seniors dine on their favorite foods, including an Italian buffet. Join them for their senior meal. Purchase Graduate Dinner tickets online.
7:30–8:15 p.m.	Family Wacky Bingo, Dining Hall, Ware Student Center A favorite campus activity with family and friends. For more information, contact Amanda Moak, director of student activities, amanda.moak@colby-sawyer.edu.

Commencement Day – Saturday, May 9, 2026
8:30-9:30 a.m.	Breakfast for the Class of 2026, Dining Room, Ware Student Center
9 a.m.	Commencement Seating Begins, Hogan Sports Center Families and friends join graduates, trustees, faculty and staff for the ceremony. Tickets are not required; families are encouraged to limit guests to 4-6 per graduate. Allioops! Florals will sell flower bouquets.
10:30 a.m.	Commencement, Hogan Sports Center Graduates and members of the college and community are recognized for excellence and outstanding contributions to Colby-Sawyer. *Immediately following Commencement* Reception, Pierce Park* Graduates and guests join President Dean McCurdy, faculty, staff and friends for light refreshments. *In the event of inclement weather, the reception will be held in Wheeler Hall and the Lower Dining Hall.

Commencement Day – Saturday, May 9, 2026

8:30-9:30 a.m.

Breakfast for the Class of 2026, Dining Room, Ware Student Center

9 a.m.

Commencement Seating Begins, Hogan Sports Center

Families and friends join graduates, trustees, faculty and staff for the ceremony. Tickets are not required; families are encouraged to limit guests to 4-6 per graduate.

Allioops! Florals will sell flower bouquets.

10:30 a.m.

Commencement, Hogan Sports Center

Graduates and members of the college and community are recognized for excellence and outstanding contributions to Colby-Sawyer.

Immediately following Commencement

Reception, Pierce Park*
Graduates and guests join President Dean McCurdy, faculty, staff and friends for light refreshments.

*In the event of inclement weather, the reception will be held in Wheeler Hall and the Lower Dining Hall.