Dear CC Seniors and MAT Graduates,

The finish line is just a couple blocks away. You're almost there!

It's time to start getting ready for the big day—Commencement 2026 takes place Sunday, May 17, at 8:30 a.m., at Ed Robson Arena.

In the weeks ahead, you will receive periodic Commencement emails with important reminders and updates. Please keep a close eye on your inbox and the Commencement 2026 webpage to ensure you have all the information you need to plan for this important occasion. 

First things first—Don’t forget to apply to graduate! Graduating seniors must submit their application to graduate by Friday, April 17, in order to walk in the ceremony this spring. If eligible, you will find the application on your student menu in Banner SSB. It only takes a few minutes to opt into the ceremony, provide height information for a gown, and confirm other key details. Please also record your name in Canvas to ensure proper pronunciation at the ceremony. 

IMPORTANT: You will not be able to claim guest tickets for Commencement or Baccalaureate until you complete the apply-to-graduate process. 

The College is pleased to welcome renowned voice actor Dee Bradley Baker ’86 back to campus to deliver the 2026 Commencement Address. Baker is one of Hollywood’s most celebrated voice actors, with a career of more than 30 years across television, film, and video games and recognition as a twice Emmy-nominated performer.  

Baker earned a BA in Philosophy from Colorado College with extensive study in German, plus a wide-ranging mix of biology and art courses. 

He also spent much of his time at CC in choir, singing, and on stage—an early foundation for his performance career. Baker is a passionate advocate for the practical power of a liberal arts education in a changing world.  

He is known for voicing Captain Rex and the clone troopers in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, all five members of Star Wars: The Bad Batch, Perry the Platypus in Phineas and Ferb, Klaus in American Dad! and Squilliam in SpongeBob SquarePants. His game credits include Gravemind (Halo), Variks (Destiny), and Hammond/Wrecking Ball (Overwatch).  

He also mentors aspiring voice actors through his free website iwanttobeavoiceactor.com and is an avid Halloween yard creator and bug photographer.

In addition to Commencement, other related events and festivities include:

Tuesday, May 5, 11 a.m., Shove Memorial Chapel

This is CC’s opportunity to honor outstanding students and faculty. The annual program includes departmental awards, all-college awards, faculty teaching and professorships, and awards from the CC Student Government Association. All members of the campus community and guests are welcome to attend, and a livestream of Honors Convocation will be available online. 

Saturday, May 16, 3 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. Seniors who have applied to graduate will receive an email as we get closer to the ceremony with instructions for how to claim tickets (up to two guests per student) to Baccalaureate. A livestream of Baccalaureate will also be available online. 

Academic departments typically hold receptions on the Saturday afternoon following Baccalaureate, at locations on and off campus. Stay tuned for more details on the Commencement website and watch for an invitation directly from your academic department.

Details about guest ticket allotment and ticketing process for the Commencement ceremony are forthcoming. Watch your inbox for additional information in the coming weeks. Livestreaming will also be available online for Commencement, Honors Convocation, and Baccalaureate events. 

Visit www.coloradocollege.edu/commencement for the full Commencement season schedule and additional event details. Logistical information, Baccalaureate speaker and Honorary Degree bios, and more will be added in the coming weeks.

On behalf of the entire CC community, we are so proud to honor the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 and our MAT graduates! 

14 E. Cache La Poudre St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903