Commencement 2026
Commencement for the Class of 2026 is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, at 8:30 a.m., at Ed Robson Arena on the Colorado College campus.
Important Details
Schedule is subject to change. Additional event details will be published here as they are finalized.
Friday, April 17
Deadline for seniors to apply to graduate.
Tuesday, May 5
Honors Convocation
11 a.m.
Shove Memorial Chapel
Colorado College honors outstanding students and faculty during its annual Honors Convocation. Honors Convocation includes departmental awards, all-college awards, and awards from the CC Student Government Association. Students awardees will be notified in advance that they have received an award and should attend Honors Convocation. All students are welcome to attend to support their classmates.
Wednesday, May 13
Champagne Showers
Noon
Worner Quad and JLK McHugh Commons
Thursday, May 14
Cap and Gown Pickup
9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
CC Bookstore, Yalich Student Services Center
Friday, May 15
Cap and Gown Pickup
9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
CC Bookstore: Yalich Student Services Center
Commencement Rehearsal (Mandatory)
11 a.m.
Ed Robson Arena
All graduates are required to attend the rehearsal to walk in Sunday's ceremony. Lineup will be the same as on Commencement morning. Graduates will practice lineup and stage direction, have a final chance to record their name pronunciation in NameCoach, and hear logistical reminders.
Individual or Group Cap and Gown Photos
1-4 p.m.
Chapman Room, Ed Robson Arena
Phi Beta Kappa Induction Ceremony (by invitation only)
3 p.m.
Celeste Theatre, Cornerstone Arts Center
Saturday, May 16
Legacy Brunch (invitation only)
9:30-11:30 a.m.
Tutt Alumni House, 1205 N Cascade Ave
This event is by invitation only for graduates whose parents or grandparents are Colorado College alumni.
Senior Class Photo
2-3 p.m.
Palmer Steps
A cap and gown are required to participate in the senior class photo.
Senior Lineup for Baccalaureate
Following the senior class photo, graduates will line up in the Tutt Science Quad before processing into Shove Memorial Chapel for the Baccalaureate ceremony.
Baccalaureate Ceremony
3-4 p.m.
Shove Memorial Chapel
A baccalaureate is a centuries-old graduation tradition. This ceremony provides a quiet, intimate opportunity to reflect on the rite of passage of graduation, hear from a faculty member, and enjoy students' talents. Students and their invited guests (two per student) may attend in person, and an online livestream of the ceremony will be available. Cap and gown required for graduates.
Departmental Receptions
4:30-7 p.m.
Location: Various
Academic departments typically hold receptions on Saturday at locations on and off campus. Invitations will come directly from academic departments.
Sunday, May 17
Graduates Assemble
7:15 a.m.
Tava Quad
Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2026
8:30-11 a.m.
Ed Robson Arena
The ceremony will take place in CC's Ed Robson Arena, which opened its doors in 2021. A designated number of tickets (estimated seven per student) will be available for each graduate. More instructions for claiming these free tickets will be forthcoming, and tickets can be claimed through the Ticketmaster system at the beginning of May.
Reception
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Tava Quad
Graduates, their families and friends, students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to gather and celebrate the Class of 2026 outside on Tava Quad following the Commencement ceremony.
Monday, May 18
Final checkout from campus housing for seniors
Tickets
Each graduate will have an opportunity to claim an anticipated maximum of 7 tickets for Commencement, subject to availability. Students will be able to access these free general admission guest tickets via their CC Ticketmaster Account Manager at the beginning of May, with specific instructions to come via email. After tickets have been loaded onto accounts, graduates must transfer those tickets to their guests via Ticketmaster. To reserve accessible seating for guests, please contact Harris Varnum at hvarnum2023@coloradocollege.edu.
Additional information on the ticketing process coming soon.
Livestream
Honors Convocation, Baccalaureate, and Commencement will all be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person at www.coloradocollege.edu/live.
Lodging
Hotel Discounts
We’ve partnered with several local hotels to offer discounts for CC parents, families, and friends in town for Commencement. Use the booking links below to claim your discounted rate:
- Hilton Garden Inn Colorado Springs Downtown
125 N Cascade Ave (0.8 mi from Robson Arena)
- Hyatt Place Colorado Springs Downtown
201 East Kiowa Street (1.2 mi from Robson Arena)
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites
105 N Spruce St (1.5 mi from Robson Arena)
Use discount code CCC or call and say you are with "Colorado College Commencement 2026"
- Hampton Inn & Suites Colorado Springs
2910 Geyser Dr (5.5 mi from Robson Arena)
Transportation
ZEB Shuttle
The City of Colorado Springs' ZEB Free Downtown Shuttle runs along Tejon St., with pickups every 7-10 minutes depending on the date and time. Conveniently, there's a stop at the intersection of Tejon and Dale St. just outside of Ed Robson Arena. Check the route and schedule online for details.
Accessibility Information
Colorado College welcomes participants with disabilities. Please contact Sara Rotunno srotunno@coloradocollege.edu (719) 227-8294 for details on specific needs or to request accommodations. Advance notice may be necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
Accessible Parking: The third level of the Ed Robson Arena parking garage is reserved for guests with limited mobility who require parking close to the venue entrance. Accessible parking is available on all levels of the Robson Arena parking garage and in other parking lots on campus as well. Golf carts will be available from other parking areas across campus to transport guests to Ed Robson Arena.
Arena Accommodations: Ed Robson Arena meets or exceeds all structural and service requirements as stipulated by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Restrooms, drinking fountains, phones, and counters are accessible to guests with disabilities.
Note: Accessible seating is limited. ADA and limited mobility seating in Ed Robson Arena is available on a first-come, first-served basis and goes quickly. Students should consider this as they reserve tickets for guests with limited mobility and/or accommodation needs and will be prompted within Ticketmaster to reserve accessible seating by contacting the Director of Ticket Operations at Harris Varnum at hvarnum2023@coloradocollege.edu. Accessible ticket requests must come directly from the Graduate using their CC email address.
For the hearing impaired, assisted listening devices will be available for checkout at Guest Services on a first come, first served basis. Sign language interpretation and live captioning will be displayed on the jumbotron at Ed Robson Arena. Guests may also view captions on their mobile devices by pulling up the livestream at www.coloradocollege.edu/live. Finally, guests may scan a QR code (displayed throughout the venue) to access a website with text-only live captioning that can be translated live into multiple languages.
A limited number of large-print programs will be available at Guest Services on the concourse level of the arena.
American Medical Response will be located at Guest Services.
Arena Elevator Locations
- Main Entrance Elevator — accesses the Ground and Concourse Levels
- Parking Garage Elevators — one on east side, one on west side, accesses all levels
Important Ed Robson Arena Policies
Robson Arena is a CLEAR BAG POLICY venue — For the enjoyment of all guests, Ed Robson Arena has a clear bag policy that will be enforced during Commencement weekend. Only clear bags and small clutch-sized purses will be allowed at entry. A limited supply of clear bags will be available on a first come first served basis at the entrance; additional will be available for purchase at the CC Book Store just south of the main arena entrance (Book Store hours on Sunday, May 17: 6:30 a.m.–1 p.m.). For more details on this policy, click here.
Can I bring an empty refillable bottle into Ed Robson Arena?
No empty bottles, cans, or outside containers of ANY kind are permitted in Ed Robson Arena. Visitors who attempt to bring in an empty water bottle will be asked to return it to their vehicles or throw it away.
No Smoking — Colorado College is a smoke-free campus. Smoking is not permitted on campus grounds or in any campus buildings.
No Weapons — The college forbids weapons of any kind to be brought onto campus, to include Robson Arena and parking garage, including but not limited to firearms, ammunition, pellet guns, air guns, paintball guns, stun guns, tasers, smoke devices, bows/arrows, swords, large knives, explosives, and fireworks.
Parking
Where can I park on campus?
Commencement attendees may park anywhere on campus (no fees or permits apply).
The third level of the Ed Robson Arena parking garage is reserved for guests with limited mobility who require parking close to the venue. Accessible parking is available on all levels of the Robson Arena parking garage and in other parking lots on campus as well.
Golf carts will be available from other parking areas across campus to transport guests to Ed Robson Arena.
Tickets
Full details on the ticketing process and allotment for graduates coming soon!
What if we need more than my max allotment of tickets?
Students needing additional tickets may request extra tickets from fellow-graduates who are not using all of theirs and coordinate directly with them for transfer via Ticketmaster.
All tickets are electronic and must be scanned from a mobile device (no printed tickets). Ushers will help direct you upon entry.
Other
When should I arrive for the Commencement ceremony?
Details on specific entry time to Ed Robson Arena will be included in a Know Before You Go email sent to ticket holders a week before Commencement. Remember to give yourself time to park, enter the arena, and be seated by 8:20 a.m. The event will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m.
How long is the Commencement ceremony?
Commencement begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. and will conclude by 11 a.m.
What should I wear to Commencement?
There isn't a specific dress code for the event. Feel free to dress up if you'd like, but casual attire is also acceptable. Arena temperatures can be on the cool side, so a light jacket or sweater are a good idea; and comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around campus and safely navigating the stairs of Ed Robson Arena.
What else do we need to check out while we're in town?
The Pikes Peak Region has a wonderful variety of dining options, outdoor activities, and other attractions to enjoy while you're in town. Here are a few helpful resources to maximize your Colorado Springs experience!
Downtown Colorado Springs
Visit Colorado Springs
Springs Magazine
High Altitude Tips — Colorado Springs' elevation is 6,035 feet. If you're traveling from a lower elevation and unaccustomed to the transition, check out these tips to prevent altitude sickness.
We know how meaningful it can be for families of international students to attend Commencement celebrations. Family members who wish to visit the U.S. may need to apply for a tourist visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. Per U.S. Department of State Guidelines, International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) does not provide documentation for tourist visa applications.
If you wish to provide your family with a formal letter of invitation, ISSS has a template available for use. Proof of your enrollment or graduation from Colorado College can be requested through the Office of the Registrar. Students are always welcome to contact the ISSS team at isss@coloradocollege.edu with additional questions.
Interested in representing your country with a themed graduation stole?
International stoles are available to purchase online through the following vendors:
Before you order: International stoles may also be available through certain affinity-based student clubs and organizations, so double-check before you purchase one!
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Speakers
Commencement
Dee Bradley Baker '86
The College is pleased to welcome Dee Bradley Baker '86 back to campus to deliver the 2026 Commencement address.
Baker is one of Hollywood’s most accomplished and versatile voice actors, with a career spanning more than three decades across television, film, video games, and live-action productions.
Baker earned a BA in Philosophy at Colorado College, complemented by studies in German, biology and art. His time at CC also included significant choir, singing, and stage performance, experiences that helped shape the artist he would become. He is a passionate advocate for a liberal arts education and sees a well-fed, curious mind as a practical advantage in a rapidly changing world.
Baker first drew wide attention as the voice of the rock god Olmec on Nickelodeon’s Legends of the Hidden Temple, and soon after helped bring iconic Looney Tunes characters back to the big screen as Daffy Duck and Taz in the original Space Jam. Since then, he has become one of the most in-demand performers in the industry.
His extraordinary acting range is on full display in Lucasfilm Animation’s Star Wars: The Clone Wars, where he voices Captain Rex and the clone troopers—crafting each as a distinct individual. He expanded that feat in Star Wars: The Bad Batch, portraying all five members of the titular squad.
Among his best-known roles are Perry the Platypus (Phineas and Ferb), Klaus and Rogu in American Dad!—part of his recognition as a twice Emmy-nominated performer—and multiple characters in SpongeBob SquarePants, including Bubble Bass. He is also renowned for creature and animal vocal performance, including Appa and Momo in Avatar: The Last Airbender. More than half of his work is non-human vocal performance.
His game work includes Gravemind in the Halo series, Variks in Destiny, and Hammond (Wrecking Ball) in Overwatch. He also provides Eagly’s vocalizations in James Gunn’s Peacemaker. Outside the booth, Baker mentors performers through his free website iwanttobeavoiceactor.com and is an avid Halloween yard creator and bug photographer.
Baccalaureate
Lori Driscoll '94, Professor, Chair of Neuroscience & Psychology
A native of Colorado and a first-generation college student, Driscoll graduated from CC in 1994 with a degree in Psychology. A gap year job at a compounding pharmacy spurred Driscoll’s love of pharmacology, which she combined with her neuroscience background in her studies of Biopsychology at Cornell University. After receiving her PhD in 2003, Driscoll returned to CC, where she has taught Psychology and Neuroscience courses for 23 years. Her research focuses on how early life adversity interacts with dietary factors to influence gut health and brain development and function.
Honorary Degree
Also at Commencement, Colorado College will confer an honorary degree upon:
