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Baccalaureate 2019

Bates seniors and their guests pause for reflection and celebration

By Bates College

May 31^st, 2019

‘your joy in being yourselves together’

‘WHILE PROVIDING A SPACE FOR REFLECTION, THIS CEREMONY IS ALSO MEANT AS A TIME OF CELEBRATION — OF YOUR CREATIVITY, YOUR PASSIONS, YOUR JOY IN BEING YOURSELVES, AND MOST ESPECIALLY YOUR JOY IN BEING YOURSELVES TOGETHER.’ — PRESIDENT CLAYTON SPENCER

baccalaureate: it prefaces commencement

The Multifaith Chaplaincy organizes Baccalaureate each year on the Saturday before Commencement. It's a student-driven celebration with speeches, performances, and reflections.

Members of the Senior Dance Ensemble employ their talents for a pre-ceremony photograph.

prelude

Before the soon-to-be-Bates graduates process into the Baccalaureate service, they mingle with friends and family, getting some of the many pictures they’ll take this weekend. Loved ones also take time to write “blessing tags” and attach them to trellises that the seniors will walk under.

Gloria Churchwell and Dr. Kevin Churchwell hold a button that displays their son Arthur Chruchwell '19.

Baccalaureate 2019

Baccalaureate 2019

Baccalaureate 2019

Baccalaureate 2019

Baccalaureate 2019

Baccalaureate 2019

processional

The Senior Band plays while the seniors, decked out in cap and gown for the first time this weekend, process into the service.

The Class of 2019 processes and recesses through Archways adorned with prayers, poems, and blessings offered by family members.

Baccalaureate 2019

Baccalaureate 2019

Flanked by President Clayton Spencer and Mutlifaith Chaplain Brittany Longsdorf, Baccalaureate Speaker Francisco — Flanked by President Clayton Spencer and Mutlifaith Chaplain Brittany Longsdorf, Baccalaureate Speaker Francisco "Franky" Urueta exchanges his trademark fistbump with a processing senior.

Baccalaureate 2019

Baccalaureate 2019

Baccalaureate 2019

celebratory program

At the microphone, seniors reflect on their time at Bates. Britiny Lee reads a poem, “And My Journey Continues,” about her triumphs and disappointments. Sarah Rothmann speaks about coming out of her shell. Ella Bourland ’19 waxes eloquent about dorm and Commons food. Ted Burns talks about the friendships, fleeting and enduring, that emerged from a Page Hall Mario Super Smash Bros. Melee community.

After offering an acknowledgment of loved ones not in attendance, Emily Bowen '19 receives a hug from her mother, Kay Bowen.

Britiny Lee '19 performs her poem — Britiny Lee '19 performs her poem"And My Journey Continues."

Sarah ROthmann '19 leaves the stage after delivering her vignette, — Sarah ROthmann '19 leaves the stage after delivering her vignette, "A Moment from My Years at Bates."

Kudzaiishe Irene Mapfunde '19 and Isa Moise ’19 respond to Britiny Lee's poetry.

Baccalaureate 2019

Baccalaureate 2019

last song and dance

The Senior Dance Ensemble performs a number choreographed by seniors Flannery Black Ingersoll, Alexia Sahue, and Hanchen Zhang. The Senior A Capella ensemble performs Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now.” The Bollywood Dance Ensemble performs “Dance of Blessing.”

The Senior Dance Ensemble performs an Offering of dance choreographed by Flannery Black Ingersoll, Alexia Sahue and Hanchen Zhang.

Baccalaureate 2019

Baccalaureate 2019

Baccalaureate 2019

Baccalaureate 2019

Baccalaureate 2019

Baccalaureate 2019

Baccalaureate 2019

Franky's BACCAlaureate Address

The senior class chose Franky Urueta, a beloved custodian who works primarily in Pettengill Hall, to give the Baccalaureate Address.

Urueta encourages the graduates to inject positivity into the world. And “eat less sugar,” he says. “You are already sweet.”

Francisco — Francisco "Franky" Urueta of Facility Services signals his affection to the audience after delivering the Baccalaureate Address.

Baccalaureate 2019

Baccalaureate 2019

Video: Franky Urueta explains what happens 'when you look for good in others'

Watch a video by Theophil Syslo.

reflections and traditions

Pam Sickinger and Kay Bowen approach the Baccalaureate stage to deliver the Parent and Guardian Reflection.

Members of the audience bless those seated next to them as part of a ritual performed during the Interfaith Blessing.

Baccalaureate 2019

Baccalaureate 2019

Baccalaureate 2019

Baccalaureate 2019

Baccalaureate 2019

Baccalaureate 2019

Oliver Farnum lets loose as the Senior Band plays during the Recessional.

Gathering for pictures in Caps and gowns

Time for pictures, more pictures, and, of course, hugs.

Families and friends gather for post-Baccalaureate picture-taking in their caps and gowns.

Baccalaureate 2019

Baccalaureate 2019

Baccalaureate 2019

Baccalaureate 2019

Footnotes

Produced by the Bates Communications Office with photography by Phyllis Graber Jensen and video by Theophil Syslo

FootNotes

Produced by the Bates Communications Office with photography by Phyllis Graber Jensen and video by Theophil Syslo

© 2026 Bates College

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