Saturday, May 16th 2026.
Processional starting at 9:30am at
MassMutual Convention Center
1277 Main Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01103.
Saturday, May 16th 2026.
Processional starting at 9:30am at
MassMutual Convention Center
1277 Main Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01103.
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Keynote Speaker
James (Jim) W. Keyes is a global business leader, best-selling author, philanthropist, artist, musician, commercial pilot, and modern renaissance man. He is the former CEO of two internally recognized Fortune 500 companies, 7-Eleven, Inc. and Blockbuster, Inc. His business interests span retail, consumer products, technology, healthcare, cybersecurity, new space, energy, and advanced nuclear. He sits on several public company boards and serves as a board adviser to a venture capital firm and a number of start-up companies.
Keyes’ philanthropic initiatives have an equally broad focus, including serving a three-term seat on the Board of Governors for the American Red Cross, acting as the former Chairman of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and serving on the board of directors for institutions such as UT Southwestern Medical School, Cooper Institute, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Dallas Performing Arts Center, SMU Cox School of Business, Columbia Business School, and his alma mater, College of the Holy Cross.
Keyes is a personification of the American Dream, as he comes from humble beginnings. He was inducted in 2005 as a Member of the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans. In 2024, he received the Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award presented by Methodist Health System Foundation to recognize demonstrated community leadership.
With a lifelong commitment to education, Keyes is the founding director of the Dallas Education Foundation and the Education Is Freedom Foundation. He is the author of Education is Freedom: The Future Is in Your Hands, which provides the “what,” “why,” and “how” of learning. It outlines the importance of education for all humanity, the power of education to change our world, and the wisdom to unlock our personal freedom while preserving our democracy.
Commencement Week of Events:
Commencement Week of Events:
Honors Convocation *
Date: Sun., 4/19/26 – 1:30-3:00pm
Veritas Auditorium
Honors Convocation is a formal academic ceremony that recognizes students for outstanding scholastic achievement, leadership, and service. Faculty and administrators present honors and awards to celebrate student excellence across academic programs.
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Toast to the Class of 2026
Date: Mon., 5/11/26, 4:00pm
1st Floor of Library
This is the next step in your journey to having lifelong connections with each other, the college, and the generations of alumni that came before you. You are soon to become a proud member of the Elms College alumni community. Faculty, staff, administration, trustees, and alumni will join to honor the Class of 2026 and welcome you to the alumni community. A toast will be offered in your honor by the Alumni Association Board and all graduates in attendance will receive a special congratulatory gift.
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Graduate and Doctoral Hooding *
Date: Tues., 5/12/26 – 6:00pm
Veritas Auditorium
All graduate students and their families are invited to join us. Graduates must wear their gowns and carry their hoods (no caps). Report to Room 207 in Berchmans Hall at 5:30 P.M. for line-up.
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Baccalaureate Nursing Pinning Ceremony *
Date: Wed., 5/13/26 – 6:00pm
Veritas Auditorium
Graduates and their families are invited.
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Baccalaureate Mass, Undergraduate Honor Society Inductions, and Blessing of the Hoods *
Date: Fri., 5/15/26, 5:30pm
Veritas Auditorium
Baccalaureate Mass, a tradition at Catholic Institutions to celebrate and honor student success, dates back to medieval times. All graduates, regardless of religious affiliation, are welcome and encouraged to attend.
A special Blessing of the Hoods takes place at the Baccalaureate Mass.
Undergraduate Honor Society Inductions will be held at this time.
Gowns (no caps) are worn by all students. Undergraduates should carry their hoods. Students meet in Berchman’s gym at 5 P.M. Processing faculty and staff will wear full regalia.
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Commencement *
Date: Sat., 5/16/25, 9:00am
MassMutual Center
Students must arrive at 8 A.M. to check in and line up. Academic Processional & Ceremony begins promptly at 9:30 A.M. Family and Friends attending the 2026 Commencement Ceremony may enter the MassMutual Center beginning at 8 A.M. Seating is general admission.
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*denotes events open to family and friends
#Elms2026
If you have any questions, please email studentaffairs@elms.edu or call 413-265-2210