Congratulations are in order! Commencement Weekend is our chance to honor your accomplishments and celebrate you. We look forward to seeing you, your families, loved ones and friends gather together to take part in Smith’s time-honored traditions of Ivy Day, Illumination Night, and our Commencement Ceremony. We’re excited about sending graduates off to new adventures with the knowledge that your connection to Smith will always remain.
Seniors, get ready for the festivities and check out the to-do list for graduating students.
Schedule of Events
Smith Bookstore open from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
7–9 a.m. | Breakfast for students
Chase/Duckett, King/Scales, and Dawes For seniors and all students remaining on campus
11 a.m.–5 p.m. | Smith College Museum of Art Open Hours
Smith College Museum of Art Drop by the Smith College Museum of Art to explore the galleries, talk with museum staff, and visit the exhibitions Younes Rahmoun: Here, Now, Temporarily Ours: Contemporary Photography and Film, Thinking about Drawing, World in Process: Art from the SCMA Collection, and Figuration and Abstraction: Asian Art at SCMA.
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. | Lunch for students
Chase/Duckett, King/Scales, and Dawes For seniors and all students remaining on campus
1–1:45 p.m. | Ivy Day Leadership Orientation
Julia McWilliams Child ’34 Campus Center front steps, Chapin lawn A preview of weekend activities and leadership roles for Ivy Day for all members of sophomore push and junior ushers.
1:45–3 p.m. | Commencement Leadership Orientation
Comstock Courtyard A preview of Commencement and leadership roles for all members of sophomore push and junior ushers, the co-president of the Ada Comstock Scholars, the president of the senior class, and the president of the SGA.
3:30–4:30 p.m. | Baccalaureate, for seniors only
Helen Hills Hills Chapel Baccalaureate gives seniors an opportunity to pause, reflect upon, and rejoice in their accomplishments, challenges, and friendships. President Sarah Willie-LeBreton will deliver remarks to the senior class. Per Smith tradition, students are invited to wear graduation gowns but not caps, and an accessory in your class color—something yellow!
4–5 p.m. | 12-Step Recovery Program
Wright Hall 002 All are welcome to attend.
5–7:30 p.m. | The Smith Bell Ringers’ Open Practice
Mendenhall Bell Tower All students, alumnae, and families are welcome. Come meet the bell ringers and visit the tower. Those new to change ringing can get an introductory lesson, and general practice will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
5–7 p.m. | Senior Celebration Barbecue
Davis Meadow (rain locations: Chase/Duckett, Cutter/Ziskind, King/Scales, and Dawes)
Scott Dance Studio Performance by Celebrations, Smith’s oldest student-run dance company, showcasing student choreography and performance. Donations accepted.
Cutter/Ziskind, King/Scales, Chase/Duckett, Tyler, and Dawes
8 a.m. | Meeting of Sophomore Push
Outside President’s House
8:30 a.m. | Junior Ushers Assemble
Admission Office parking spaces
Ivy Day Activities
In the event of rain, the Alumnae Parade, Alumnae Awards Presentation, and Ivy Day Awards Convocation will be held in the Indoor Track and Tennis Facility (ITT). The signal for such a change in venue will be the ringing of the college bells at 8 a.m. The doors of the ITT will open at that time. Seniors should enter the main lobby of the ITT through the glass doors and will be instructed where to pick up their roses and line up. Junior ushers should assemble in the ITT by the overhead door. Alumnae will march through the double line of seniors and past the reviewing stand before being seated. The senior class, led by the junior ushers, will then follow.
In the event of an indoor Ivy Day ceremony, seating will be limited to accommodate space for the Alumnae Parade with priority reserved seating given to alumnae and graduating seniors. To accommodate additional guests that exceed the capacity limit, a livestream of the ceremony will be available in Sweeney Concert Hall located in Sage Hall.
In the event of unfavorable weather or other unforeseen circumstances that necessitate moving the ceremony indoors, please avoid leaving empty seats between groups so that we can more easily fill all the seats.
8:45 a.m. | Seniors assemble
President’s House, front Roses will be distributed to seniors. Seniors will then form two lines along the driveway, across Paradise Road and up to the Emerson House Archway in preparation for the Alumnae Parade and Ivy Day procession. Seniors should wear all-white attire and dark shoes. Please be on time.
8:45 a.m. | Alumnae Parade assembly
Chapin Drive, between the Campus Center and College Lane
9:15 a.m. | Alumnae Parade & Senior Class Procession
Led by the Festival Band, alumnae march toward the President’s House and the quadrangle, through the double lines of the senior class. Alumnae proceed through the Emerson House archway, around the quadrangle and past the reviewing stand on Martha Wilson House steps. Junior ushers follow the alumnae through the lines of seniors, leading the seniors into the quadrangle and past the reviewing stand.
Following the route of the alumnae, the senior class will be led by the junior ushers carrying the ivy chain into the quadrangle, past the reviewing stand, and will then be seated.
Immediately following parade | Invocation and Ivy Day Program
The Quadrangle
11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Tote lunch for seniors and remaining students on campus
Chapin lawn (Rain location: Julia McWilliams Child ’34 Campus Center Garden Lounge, Lower Level) Parents and guests may purchase lunches online.
11 a.m.–5 p.m. | Smith College Museum of Art Open Hours
Smith College Museum of Art Drop by the Smith College Museum of Art to explore the galleries, talk with museum staff, and visit the exhibitions Younes Rahmoun: Here, Now, Temporarily Ours: Contemporary Photography and Film, Thinking about Drawing, World in Process: Art from the SCMA Collection, and Figuration and Abstraction: Asian Art at SCMA.
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Athletics and ESS Open House
Ainsworth Gymnasium 151, Ainsworth level 1 entrance hallway All ESS graduates and ESS minors, as well as current and past athletes, are invited to stop by to visit with ESS faculty and Athletics coaching and administrative staff.
Noon–1 p.m. | Multicultural Family Brunch
Davis Meadow (rain location: Davis Center Ballroom) Invitation only. This event is sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs.
1–3 p.m. | POSSE Scholars Graduation Celebration
Skyline Reading Room, Neilson Library, fourth floor A celebration for the POSSE Scholars and their families. Invite-only.
Scott Dance Studio Performance by Celebrations, Smith’s oldest student-run dance company, showcasing student choreography and performance. Donations accepted.
2:30–4 p.m. | Residence Life Reception
Clark Hall, conference room and porch A reception for student staff members and House Presidents, seniors, and their families, as well as alums who have served in these roles.
2:30–4:30 p.m. | Hillyer Art Library Open House
Hillyer Art Library, Brown Fine Arts Center Explore Smith’s remarkable art library and browse collections covering the history, theory, criticism, and practice of the visual arts.
2:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. | Josten Library Open Hours
Josten Library, Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts Visit Smith’s performing arts library, which boasts inspiring architecture and an outstanding interdisciplinary collection of music, theater and dance books; playscripts; music scores; as well as audio, video and other resources.
2:30–4:30 p.m. | Neilson Library Open House
Neilson Library Welcome to Neilson Library! Take a self-guided tour of Neilson Library as designed by Maya Lin. Walk through the Neilson Library: Evolution exhibit in the 2nd floor gallery.
2:30–4:30 p.m. | Special Collections Open House
Special Collections Reading Room, Neilson Library, 3rd floor Visit the home of Smith’s Special Collections. Meet curators and archivists, view unique materials and learn about the College Archives, the Mortimer Rare Book Collection and the Sophia Smith Collection of Women’s History.
3–4 p.m. | Ivy Day Bellringing
Mendenhall Bell Tower The Smith College bell-ringers will ring for an hour on Ivy Day to celebrate the class of 2025. The ringing will be audible near the Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts on Green Street.
3–4:30 p.m. | Botanic Garden Open House
Lyman Plant House and Conservatory Drop in to Lyman Plant House and Conservatory to explore the collections, meet staff, and experience Habba from the current exhibition Younes Rahmoun: Here, Now, on display in The Church Exhibition Gallery, as well as the student-curated exhibit, Botanical Bodies: When identity blossoms on skin.
3–4:30 p.m. | Smith College Historic Clothing Collection Open House
Theatre T15, Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts, basement level Explore the college’s research archive of women’s clothing now in its 46th year. It is the subject of the new book Real Clothes, Real Lives: 200 Years of What Women Wore and an exhibition, co-curated with Rebecca Shea ’99, at the New York Historical Museum until mid-June. The cabinets will be open, and examples of garments and accessories will be on view.
The collection was founded by Beth Pfaltz Welsh ’79. Students from all parts of the curriculum serve as interns and research assistants. A course “Reading” Dress: Archival Studies of Clothing is taught each year. Items are selected from the collection for research and presentation in video form at the end of the course.
With Kiki Smith ’71, Professor of Theatre and Director of the Collection, Lizz Roos ’80 and Rebecca Shea ’99.
3–4:30 p.m. | Meridians Open House
Hosted by Meridians Editor, Professor Ginetta E.B. Candelario ‘90
Meridians, 22 Green Street Join us for the Meridians Open House as we celebrate 25 years of groundbreaking scholarship and activism. This event offers a chance to connect with our editorial team, explore the journal’s rich history, and learn more about our work.
3–5 p.m. | Smith Crew Boathouse Open House and Reception
Connecticut River Boathouse, Sportsman’s Marina, 1 Russell Street, Hadley All Smith crew alumnae, team members, and families are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be served. No shuttle service.
4–5 p.m. | 12-Step Recovery Program
Wright Hall 002 All are welcome to attend.
4–5 p.m. | Service of Remembrance
Helen Hills Hills Chapel A multifaith memorial service for reflecting, remembering and celebrating the lives of those who have died, focusing on Smith alums who have passed on since the last reunion. All are welcome.
5–6 p.m. | Commencement Choral Concert
Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage Hall The Glee Club and Chamber Singers present works chosen by members of the senior class.
5–7 p.m. | Dinner for students
Chase/Duckett and Dawes For seniors and all students remaining on campus.
7:45 p.m. | Junior Ushers meeting
Admission office parking spaces
8 p.m. | Senior Class Candle-Lighting Ceremony
Paradise Pond lawn, between the President’s House and Office of Admission Families and guests of seniors welcome.
8:15 p.m. | Meeting of Sophomore Push
In front of Seelye Hall
8:30 p.m. | Sophomore Push/Senior Step Singing
Seelye Hall steps Families and guests of seniors welcome.
8:30–10 p.m. | Ada Comstock Illumination Night Celebration
Boutelle-Day Poetry Center, Wright Hall 102, and Wright Hall upper lobby
8:30–10 p.m. | Illumination of Upper Campus
Rain location: Julia McWilliams Child ’34 Campus Center Live music by the Jay Messer Quintet. All are welcome to walk through campus and enjoy this Smith College tradition.
9–10:30 a.m. | Commencement Rehearsal, seniors only
Indoor Track and Tennis Facility Attendance is mandatory for all seniors, junior ushers, sophomore push, and candidates for advanced degrees.
9:45–10:45 a.m. | The Smith Experience with Vice President for Enrollment Joanna May
Leo Weinstein Auditorium, Wright Hall Vice President for Enrollment Joanna May will speak with three students about the experiences and opportunities that have shaped their time at Smith.
11 a.m.–5 p.m. | Smith College Museum of Art Open Hours
Smith College Museum of Art Drop by the Smith College Museum of Art to explore the galleries, talk with museum staff, and visit the exhibitions Younes Rahmoun: Here, Now, Temporarily Ours: Contemporary Photography and Film, Thinking about Drawing, World in Process: Art from the SCMA Collection, and Figuration and Abstraction: Asian Art at SCMA.
11 a.m.—12 p.m. | Smith Today: A Conversation with President Sarah Willie-LeBreton
Leo Weinstein Auditorium, Wright Hall President Sarah Willie-LeBreton will share insights on Smith today and answer audience questions.
11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Senior Luncheon
Chase/Duckett, King/Scales, Tyler, and Dawes For seniors and all students remaining on campus.
11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. | The Grécourt Society Ice Cream Stand
Julia McWilliams Child ’34 Campus Center, main level Smith’s legacy society honors those who have included Smith in their estate plans. All alumnae are invited to enjoy free ice cream and learn more about The Grécourt Society and ways to become a member.
2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m. | International Students, Alums and Families Gathering
Lewis Global Studies Center, Wright Hall 127, and Wright Hall upper lobby A gathering for international students, their families, international alums, and their guests. Grab a quick snack or caffeinate while joining informal conversations with each other and representatives of Smith’s Lewis Global Studies Center and International Alumnae Relations.
2:45–3:45 p.m. | Jandon Center for Community Engagement Reception
Jandon Center for Community Engagement, Wright Hall 013 The Jandon team welcomes you to celebrate our graduating fellows, CESC concentrators, CSO members, tutors, volunteers, and all others who have supported our partners beyond Smith. We hope to see you and your loved ones for light refreshments and crafting activities.
3:15–4:15 p.m. | Study Abroad Students and Alum Gathering
Lewis Global Studies Center, Wright Hall 127, and Wright Hall upper lobby A gathering for alums who studied abroad and their guests. Grab a quick snack or caffeinate while joining informal conversations with each other and representatives of Smith’s Lewis Global Studies Center and former Smith Programs Abroad faculty directors.
4–5 p.m. | 12–Step Recovery Program
Wright Hall 002 All are welcome to attend.
4:30–5:30 p.m. | Chamber Ensemble Concert
Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage Hall Special chamber music recital featuring graduating seniors.
4:30–6 p.m. | Meridians Alumnae Author Reception
Honoring 25 Alumnae Authors as We Celebrate 25 Years of Meridians: feminism, race, transnationalism at Smith
Meridians, 22 Green Street Join us in celebrating the 25-year Anniversary of Meridians with a special reception honoring 25 Alumnae authors whose work has shaped the journal’s discourse on feminism, race, and transnationalism. This event will feature the presentation of a commemorative booklet highlighting their contributions, recognizing both their impact and the ongoing significance of Meridians’ enduring role in scholarship and activism.
5–7 p.m. | Dinner for students
Chase/Duckett and Dawes For seniors and all students remaining on campus.
5:30–7:45 p.m. | Commencement Shabbat Services and Dinner
Klingenstein Browsing Room, Neilson Library Please join us as we honor seniors and welcome returning alumnae at a Shabbat celebration consisting of a service at 5:30 p.m. and/or a festive, catered Kosher dinner at 6:30 p.m.
The meal is sponsored by the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life. Donations in honor of a graduating senior or reunion are welcome to support Jewish programming at Smith through the Florence “Florrie” Farber Einhorn ’66 Rabbi Discretionary Fund.
Scott Dance Studio Performance by Celebrations, Smith’s oldest student-run dance company, showcasing student choreography and performance. Donations accepted.
8–11 p.m. | Astronomy Open House
McConnell Hall foyer and McConnell roof observatory Open to all. Telescopic observations begin at 9 p.m. (weather permitting)
8:30–10:30 p.m. | Commencement Orchestra Concert
Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage Hall The Commencement Orchestra, conducted by Jonathan Hirsh, accompanies featured soloists from the senior class.
Smith Bookstore open from 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
7–9 a.m. | Breakfast for students
Cutter/Ziskind, King/Scales, Comstock, Chase/Duckett, Tyler, and Dawes The Campus Center Café is open for students, staff, and faculty. Orders may be placed through the GrubHub app.
8 a.m. | Meeting of Junior Ushers
Steps of Wilson House (Rain location: Indoor Track and Tennis Facility)
8 a.m. | Meeting of Sophomore Push
Steps of Comstock/Haynes Houses (Rain location: Indoor Track and Tennis Facility)
Commencement Activities
In the event of rain, the signal for indoor Commencement at the Indoor Track and Tennis Facility will be the ringing of the college bells beginning at 8 a.m. For indoor Commencement, the ITT doors will open at 8 a.m. Graduates will line up at 9:15 a.m. in Ainsworth Gymnasium.
Please note that the ITT’s maximum occupancy and fire code restrictions limit the number of indoor guests to 5,000. To accommodate guests that exceed the capacity limit, a livestream of the ceremony will be available in Sweeney Concert Hall located in Sage Hall.
In the event of unfavorable weather or other unforeseen circumstances that necessitate moving the ceremony indoors, please avoid leaving empty seats between groups so that we can more easily fill all the seats.
9:15 a.m. | Assembling for Commencement
All graduates must line up on Mandelle Road in front of Comstock and Haynes houses. Seniors should arrive wearing full regalia.
Audience members should be seated by 9:45 a.m. Seats cannot be saved for those arriving later. Tape, signs, and other items placed on chairs to save seats will be removed by college personnel.
10 a.m. | Commencement Exercises
The Quadrangle
immediately following Commencement | Diploma Circle
Graduating seniors only. Graduates will march out of the quadrangle onto the Laura Scales/Franklin King terrace. No family members or friends will be permitted near the diploma circle. Please stay in line to expedite the distribution of diplomas. (In the event of an indoor Commencement, the diploma circle will be held in Ainsworth Gymnasium.)
11 a.m.–4 p.m. | Smith College Museum of Art Open Hours
Smith College Museum of Art Drop by the Smith College Museum of Art to explore the galleries, talk with museum staff, and visit the exhibitions Younes Rahmoun: Here, Now, Temporarily Ours: Contemporary Photography and Film, Thinking about Drawing, World in Process: Art from the SCMA Collection, and Figuration and Abstraction: Asian Art at SCMA.
12:30–2:30 p.m. | Commencement Lunch honoring seniors and graduate students
Chapin*, Chase/Duckett, Comstock/Haynes, Cutter/Ziskind (includes Kosher), Julia McWilliams Child ’34 Campus Center Carroll Room 208*, Dawes, Gillett/Northrop, King/Scales, Lamont, and Tyler. Immediately following Commencement exercises, families and friends are invited to this special celebratory meal honoring seniors and graduate students. Please register in advance.
*additional seating: Chapin Tent for Chapin and the Campus Center guests.
(Listed in alphabetical order by department.)
Friday, May 16
Anthropology 2:30–4 p.m. Kahn Institute, 21 Henshaw Ave
English, Poetry Center, and Poetry Concentration 3–4:30 p.m. Boutelle-Day Poetry Center, Wright Hall
Saturday, May 17
Africana Studies 2:30–4 p.m. Julia McWilliams Child ’34 Campus Center 102
American Studies and Sociology 2:30–4:30 p.m. Mary Maples Dunn Conference Room, Pierce Hall
Art 3–4:30 p.m. Jannotta Gallery, Hillyer, Brown Fine Arts Center
Education and Child Study 3–4 p.m. Gill Hall Gym, Campus School of Smith College
Picker Engineering Program 2:30–4 p.m. Ford Hall 022 and 024
Environmental Science and Policy, Landscape Studies, and Environmental Concentrations 2:15–4 p.m. Center for the Environment, Ecological Design and Sustainability, Wright Hall 005
Film and Media Studies 4–5 p.m. Kahn Institute, 21 Henshaw Avenue
French 4–5 p.m. Lewis Global Studies Center Lounge and Library, Wright Hall
Geosciences 3–5 p.m. Clark Science Center patio (rain location: Burton Hall foyer)
German and Italian Studies 3–5 p.m. Boathouse lawn (Rain location: Hatfield Hall 105)
Government 2:15–3:30 p.m. Seelye Hall 207
History 2:15–4:15 p.m. Julia McWilliams Child ’34 Campus Center TV Lounge
Jewish Studies 3–5 p.m. Dewey Hall front porch (Rain location: Dewey Common Room)
Performing Arts (Music, Theatre, and Dance) 3–5 p.m. Mezzanine level, Josten Library, Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts
Philosophy 3:30–5 p.m. Philosophy Study, Dewey Hall
Physics 2:30–4 p.m. McConnell Hall 324
Psychology 2:30–4 p.m. McConnell Hall Foyer
Religion 3–5 p.m. Dewey Hall front porch (Rain location: Dewey Common Room)
Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies 3–5 p.m. Dewey Hall front porch (Rain location: Dewey Common Room)
Sociology and American Studies 2:30–4:30 p.m. Mary Maples Dunn Conference Room, Pierce Hall
Spanish and Portuguese 2:15–3:30 p.m. Julia McWilliams Child ’34 Campus Center 204
Statistical and Data Sciences 3:30–5 p.m. Lanning Fountain lawn (rain location: Burton Math Forum, Burton 3rd floor)
Study of Women and Gender 3:30–5 p.m. Julia McWilliams Child ’34 Campus Center 205
World Literatures 3–5 p.m. Lewis Global Studies Center Lounge and Library, Wright Hall
Ivy Day & Commencement Participation Policy
Event attendance is limited to faculty, staff, graduating students and their guests, and alums and their registered guests participating in Reunion Weekend. Prior to your arrival on campus, please familiarize yourself with the security measures and policies listed to ensure a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone in attendance.
All others wishing to participate in these events may join us via livestream, which will be shared on the Smith College homepage the day of the events.
Failure to adhere fully to these policies may result in an individual being asked to leave or being immediately removed from the event. In addition, prohibited items will be taken away and any items that have been confiscated will not be returned.
We thank you for your cooperation.
Specifics
The history of academic regalia in the academy is intended to recognize and symbolize graduates’ unity and academic achievements. Students may adorn their caps and wear accompanying college-issued honor cords and stoles. This celebratory moment is for members of the class of 2025 and their families to revel in the accomplishments of all graduates. The policies of the college remain in effect and any violations of policy in regalia decorations or Commencement behavior may result in a student’s inability to participate in the ceremony.
Academic regalia is required for all graduating degree candidates.
Purses, diaper bags, small personal bags, and water bottles will be allowed during the events, but will be subject to search upon entry by Campus Safety Department officials and their designees.
Backpacks, rolling suitcases, large bags, duffle bags, and boxes are strictly prohibited.
Guests with prohibited items will need to leave them outside; there will not be storage areas inside the arena.
No animals other than service animals will be permitted.
Smoking by faculty, staff, students, and visitors is limited to outdoor areas more than 30 feet from any academic, administrative, or residential building.
Signs, banners, and flags of any kind (these will be confiscated by the Campus Safety Department or their designees)
Backpacks, rolling suitcases, large bags, duffle bags, and boxes
Weapons and projectiles, including but not limited to guns, firearms, knives of any size, stun guns/tasers, bats, and poles
Professional cameras and audio- or video-recording devices
Noise-making and sound-amplifying devices, including whistles, air horns, bullhorns, and PA systems
Balloons and other inflatable devices, as well as drones and unmanned aerial vehicles
Cigarettes, e-cigarettes, lighters, vapes, and any other drugs or alcohol
Any other items deemed inappropriate or dangerous, which is at the sole discretion of the Campus Safety Department and Smith College
Participants should be respectful of those around them and avoid blocking the view of others.
Participants should refrain from using profane, offensive, discriminatory, or harassing language, or engaging in any behavior that is detrimental to the experience of others in attendance.
Participants are not permitted to block aisles, stand on seats, or modify any chair placements or other event setup.
In the event of an emergency, guests will receive instruction from Campus Safety staff regarding emergency procedures.
Meet the Honorary Degree Recipients
Four remarkable leaders will offer words of wisdom to Smith graduates on Commencement Day. Learn a bit about each of them.
17th assistant secretary for health for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, accomplished physician, public health expert, and LGBTQ+ advocate
Emmy-award winning writer, academic, and mental health coach dedicated to advancing social, environmental, and personal change
Submit a Nomination
Any member of the Smith community—students, faculty, staff, alumnae, trustees—may nominate an individual for an honorary degree and/or to serve as Commencement speaker.
