205^th Colby College Commencement

Mo Willems, award-winning author, illustrator, and animator of beloved, witty children’s books, will address graduates and their families at Colby’s 205^th Commencement Sunday, May 24, 2026. The ceremony is free and open to the public.

Willems received an honorary degree from the college in 2024. Three other distinguished individuals will receive honorary degrees at the ceremony:

• Nathaniel Fick, inaugural U.S. ambassador at large for the State Department’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy;
• Dr. Melissa Gilliam, president of Boston University and acclaimed scientist; and
• Esther Salas, U.S. District Judge for the District of New Jersey, and the first Latina to hold this position in the state, who will have given the Baccalaureate address to the graduates, their families, and invited guests the day before.

Commencement is open to the public with general admission seating. Standing room will also be available on Miller Lawn. There is no limit to how many people graduating seniors may invite. In the case of extreme weather, the ceremony will be moved inside and students will have the opportunity to invite four guests. Should the forecast indicate that waiting to begin the ceremony would allow for it to be outside, it is possible the College could move the time to later in the day. A livestream will be available for those unable to attend in person.

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