Commencement: Academics: Thomas College: Waterville, Maine

132nd Commencement Ceremonies

Commencement at Thomas College is a joyous celebration of the achievements of our graduating students. The festivities spans two days starts with Honors Convocation and Senior Class Dinner and finishes triumphantly in our time-honored commencement ceremony.

For information on accessibility and accommodations, visit our Commencement Accessibility Resources page.

Friday, May 15, 2026

Rehearsal

- Time: 1:00 p.m.
- Location: In the lobby of the Ayotte Building at the Welcome Center next to Admissions and the Mail Room.
- Graduate Division students should bring their hoods to rehearsal. A cap and gown are not required for rehearsal.

Honors Convocation

Honors Convocation recognizes undergraduate students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 or higher at the time of Commencement, members of the Alpha Chi Honor Society, Veteran and active service students who wish to be recognized, The Thomas Scholar, Class Marshals, Class Speakers, and faculty award recipients.

- Time: 4:00 p.m.
- Location: Harold Alfond Athletic Center
- Eligible students and their families will be invited to participate in Honors convocation via email in late April.

Class of 2026 Dinner

Time: 5:30 p.m.
Menu and other dinner details are located on the registration page under the main image.

Please Note: Seating for dinner is limited and pre-registration is required.

Saturday, May 16, 2026

Commencement

Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Harold Alfond Athletic Center

SEATING

Seating is first come, first served with no limit on the number of guests a student may bring. For information on accessible seating, please see our section on Commencement Accessibility Resources.

Doors open at 10:00 a.m.!

PARKING

There will be ample parking available upon arrival at Thomas College for Commencement. The Department of Safety & Security will be on site to direct guests to available parking lots at both campus entrances. All parking areas connect to the Alfond Athletic Center via uncovered, paved walkways.

For information on accessible parking, please see our section on Commencement Accessibility Resources.

Staff will be available throughout campus to assist with parking and directions. To ensure a smooth flow of traffic, please follow the guidelines below:

Attendees approaching by West River Road northbound, may enter campus at the Vining Drive Entrance on the right.
Attendees approaching by West River Road southbound, may enter campus at the Main Entrance, Sheridan Drive on the left.
Attendees with VIP or reserved parking should enter campus at the Main Entrance, Sheridan Drive, and will be directed to the reserved parking areas.

Please refer to our campus parking map.

LODGING

Waterville offers a range of lodging options, including hotels, inns, and Airbnb. You can find additional lodging in Augusta, which is about 25 minutes south of campus. Local options include: