Commencement
Congrats, Class of 2026!
Commencement marks a defining moment in the Albion College experience—and we are excited to honor the Class of 2026 this spring!
The Spring Commencement Ceremony will be held Saturday, May 9 at 1 p.m. on the Campus Quad. While some details are still being finalized, more information—including how to apply to be a senior class speaker and the announcement of the keynote speaker—will be shared soon.
Please order Commencement regalia online. The online store will remain open through March 17, 2026. Orders will be available for pickup at The Brit Shop in April.
Spring 2026 Commencement Schedule of Events
| Event | Date and Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Lavender Celebration | Thursday, April 30, 5-7 p.m. | Upper Baldwin |
| Commencement Rehearsal | Friday, May 8, 2-3 p.m. | Campus Quadrangle |
| Champagne Toast & Senior Sendoff | Friday, May 8, 3-4 p.m. | Shaheen Atrium, Science Complex |
| Multicultural Stoling Celebrations | Friday, May 8, 6:30-8 p.m. | Shaheen Atrium, Science Complex |
| Graduation Kickoff Tent Party | Friday, May 8, 8-10 p.m. | Green space across from Goodrich Chapel |
| Baccalaureate Ceremony | Saturday, May 9, 10-10:45 a.m. | Goodrich Chapel |
| Complimentary Commencement Brunch | Saturday, May 9, 10:30-12:30 p.m. | Lower and Upper Baldwin |
| Commencement Ceremony | Saturday, May 9, 1-3:30 p.m. | Campus Quadrangle |
Questions? Please consult the FAQs below or email [email protected].
Commencement Speakers
Apply to be a Senior Class Speaker!
Faculty Farewell
Attention Seniors!
We are excited to offer opportunities for members of the Class of 2026 to serve as speakers during the following Commencement weekend events: Champagne Toast and Senior Send Off (May 8 at 3 p.m.), Interfaith Baccalaureate (May 9 at 10 a.m.), and Commencement Ceremony (May 9 at 1 p.m.)!
Students who are interested in being a senior class speaker are required to submit an online application, proposal, and selfie video using the Senior Class Speaker Form. Videos should include an introduction of yourself, why you’d be a great speaker, and the topic you intend to speak about during Commencement. Submissions must also include a 300 word proposal that summarizes your speech and how it relates to the theme of make your mark.
The deadline to submit an application and video for the Spring 2026 Commencement exercises is Monday, March 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Late submissions are not accepted. Decisions will be announced in early April.
Eligibility
To be considered as one of the three senior class speakers, you must:
- Be a member of the graduating class in good academic and judicial standing.
- Submit your Senior Class Speaker application by Monday, March 23, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
- [If selected] Submit your speech in advance by Friday, April 24 and participate in designated rehearsals, to be determined.
- Be willing to be a media mogul on stage and across Albion social media channels.
Speech Guidelines
Senior class speeches should focus on the following guidelines to be considered:
- Address peers from the graduating class and be mindful of the broader audience of Albion faculty and staff, families and supporters, and honored guests gathered for the event.
- Inspire and encourage fellow Brits through common insights and shared experiences.
- Share your story of how your time at Albion helped to shape your life, your future professional journey, and/or your role as a member of society.
- Make sure you demonstrate a connection to the theme of make your mark.
- Be no more than 3 minutes in length – this translates to approximately one single-spaced page or 400 words total.
- Be submitted in full by Friday, April 24, 2025. (NOTE: Only those selected will need to submit full speeches.)
A committee of faculty and staff members will review submissions and make final speaker selections by early April, based on the following criteria:
- Clarity of ideas and organizational structure
- Authenticity and originality
- Appeal to a broad audience
- Quality of speech content
- Incorporation of the theme
- Connection to Albion’s mission and values
- Adherence to instructions and speech guidelines
Darren Mason, Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science
Darren Mason, professor of mathematics and computer science, will deliver the Faculty Farewell for the Class of 2026. As is tradition, the faculty member who welcomes the class during Matriculation Convocation has the honor of wishing them well as they head out into the world as graduates.
Professor Mason joined Albion College in 2001 and currently serves as chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science and director of the Actuarial Science Program. His teaching and research interests include actuarial science, quantitative finance, partial differential equations, and continuum mechanics. Known for his approachable teaching style and deep commitment to student success, he works closely with students to help them build strong analytical skills and prepare for in-demand careers in data science, finance, engineering, and related fields.
A first-generation college student, Professor Mason earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and Ph.D. in engineering mechanics from the University of Minnesota. He completed postdoctoral research at Carnegie Mellon University and previously served on the faculty at Michigan State University. At Albion, he has taught a wide range of courses in mathematics, statistics, and actuarial science and has helped develop one of the College’s most distinctive career pathways for students interested in quantitative professions.
Professor Mason is a veteran of the US Army National Guard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ceremony
When is Commencement?
Commencement is on Saturday, May 9. Line up is at noon, and the processional begins at 12:45 p.m. All guests must be in their seats by 12:30 p.m. The ceremony begins at 1 p.m. and lasts approximately two hours.
Will there be a live webcast for family members who are unable to attend?
Yes. The ceremony will be live streamed at albion.edu/commencement so your friends and family who are unable to attend in person can watch the ceremony live.
Graduation Regalia
All graduates participating in Commencement are required to wear formal regalia.
To reduce costs for graduates, Albion College transitioned to direct online ordering, allowing the College to significantly lower the price of graduation packages. The full regalia package—including a custom Albion College gown, black cap, and purple-and-gold tassel with your graduation year—is available for $40.50 at: https://oakhallcg.com/pages/albion.
The online store will remain open through March 17, 2026. Orders will be available for pickup at The Brit Shop in April.
Graduating Seniors
Do I need to register to graduate?
Yes, you must register for graduation with the Registrar’s Office.
Is there practice for Commencement?
Yes, mandatory Commencement rehearsal will take place at Goodrich Chapel on Friday, May 8 at 2 p.m. During this rehearsal, we will walk through everything you need to know for the next day, hand out honors cords, and conduct a brief survey about your time at Albion. Immediately following rehearsal, we invite you to join faculty, staff, and fellow graduates in the Science Complex Atrium for a celebratory champagne toast and sendoff.
Where do I get honor cords?
You will receive honor cords at Commencement Rehearsal. Only Albion academic honor cords will be passed out at graduation practice. Departmental or academic organization honor cords or pins will be handled by each department or organization.
How long do I have to move my stuff out of my room?
You have until 8 p.m. the day of Commencement to move out of your room, though it is recommended that you have 90 percent of your belongings packed before the ceremony. It will make your life a lot easier.
Guests, Tickets and Seating
Where can my family park?
Your family can park wherever they can find a spot on Saturday. Campus Safety will not ticket during the ceremony. Remember, all city parking guidelines must be followed.
Is there a procedure in place for inclement weather?
We will be outdoors. (In cases of inclement weather, Commencement takes place in the Dow Center. Lineup for graduating seniors will occur promptly at 12 p.m. We will communicate any change in location via email, and on the College’s website and social media accounts.)
Do guests need tickets to attend the ceremony?
Seating is unlimited, if held outdoors on the Campus Quadrangle, and tickets are NOT required.
If the ceremony is held indoors due to inclement weather, tickets will not be required for family members and supporters.
Parking and Navigating to Campus
Please reference this map for highlighted routes to campus.
Access and Accessibility
What is the best way for people with disabilities and those with physical limitations to access the Quadrangle for the commencement ceremony?
Individuals needing assistance should park in the lots on Cass and Oswego Streets immediately behind the library or in the lot behind Ferguson Hall. See the map for details. Albion staff will be providing rides on golf carts from these lots.
Is there an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter?
Yes, an American Sign Language interpreter will be in attendance and easily viewable for those attending in person and virtually.
Are there sufficient restrooms?
Yes, restrooms are available on all floors of Olin Hall, Kellogg Center, Ferguson Hall, and the Stockwell-Mudd Libraries. All restrooms are accessible.
Are chairs provided for seating in the Quad?
Yes, seating will be available for guests including those needing ADA accommodations. Please feel free to bring your own blanket or chairs to enjoy the ceremony from the lawn.
Senior Class Gift
The Senior Class Gift is a long-standing Albion College tradition that began in the late-1800s. The graduating class members choose a project that exemplifies their experiences as students and through which they want to impact the College. Senior Class Gift 2026 will be raising funds for the Briton Scholarship Fund.
Albion College Graduate Yard Signs
Yard Signs
“Proud of our Albion College Graduate” yard signs are available for purchase and pick-up on the day of Commencement outside of Mudd Library, while supplies last. Pre-order via the online order form or purchase on-site while supplies last. Proceeds benefit the 2026 Senior Class Gift: Career Closet.
Graduate Photos
Professional photography will be provided by Graduation Foto of graduates as they leave the stage with their diploma. Proofs will be sent out within three weeks post-ceremony.