The Baccalaureate Ceremony
A Tufts Tradition
The Baccalaureate Ceremony for the senior class is a tradition that began in 1864. Baccalaureate is a cherished moment during Commencement Weekend. It is the last time for the senior class to be together as a class before graduation. One senior is selected to give the Wendell Phillips Address, and the Tufts University President offers parting words to the class. The Baccalaureate Ceremony is a multifaith and multicultural celebration honoring a diversity of spiritualities, philosophies, and cultures at Tufts in the form of music, readings, and blessings. All are welcome, and generally all members of the senior class and their families attend.
05/21/2022 - Medford/Somerville, Mass. -Wendell Phillips speaker Rene LaPointe Jameson, E22, gives remarks during the Baccalaureate ceremony at Tufts University on May 21, 2022. (Alonso Nichols/Tufts University)
05/21/2022 - Medford/Somerville, Mass. - University Chaplain Elyse Winger gives remarks during the Baccalaureate ceremony at Tufts University on May 21, 2022. (Alonso Nichols/Tufts University)
05/21/2022 - Medford/Somerville, Mass. - Friends of Wendell Phillips speaker Rene LaPointe Jameson, E22, cheer during her remarks during the Baccalaureate ceremony at Tufts University on May 21, 2022. (Alonso Nichols/Tufts University)
View recordings of previous Baccalaureate Ceremonies below:
2020 - The Wendell Phillips Speaker for the Class of 2020 will speak at the rescheduled Commencement Ceremony