One Hundred and Twenty-Third
Commencement
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Commencement 2026
Elizabethtown College celebrated its 123rd Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 10 a.m. Both traditional and School of Graduate and Professional Studies candidates for degree conferral were recognized at this ceremony.
Commemorative Commencement Programs
As part of the College’s commitment to sustainability, the 2026 Commencement program will be provided in digital format only, prior to and during the ceremony. The digital program can be viewed, downloaded, shared on any device, or printed at home (either in full or by selected pages).
Each graduate will receive a complimentary commemorative program by mail following the ceremony. Additional copies of the commemorative program will be available for purchase through the College and will be mailed following the ceremony.
View the Digital Commencement Program Order Additional Printed ProgramsShare Your Post-Graduation Plans
Graduates are invited to participate in a brief survey to share their post-graduation plans and reflect on their Blue Jay experience.
The survey is anonymous and takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete. As a thank you, all respondent who completes the survey will be entered to win one of four College Store gift cards worth $50!
The feedback of our graduates is invaluable. It helps the College continue to build the highest quality programs possible for current and prospective students, as well as keep our alumni connected in meaningful ways.
Complete the Survey2026 Commencement Speaker
Tom Baldridge H'17
Nonprofit Business Leader
Tom Baldrige H’17, a nonprofit business leader and community advocate, will serve as Elizabethtown College’s 2026 Commencement speaker. Baldrige will address the Class of 2026 during the College’s 123rd Commencement exercises on Saturday, May 9, at 10 a.m., in the Dell.
Baldrige has more than three decades of leadership experience in nonprofit and civic organizations. He is the current interim president and CEO of Pennon, the parent organization of WITF public media. He previously served as president and CEO of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and was named a recipient of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives’ Life Member Award in 2024. Baldrige has longstanding ties to Etown, and has served on the College’s Leadership Council and received an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree in 2017.
Read More About Tom Baldridge
“I am deeply honored to have been invited to address the Class of 2026. I have always been a great admirer of Elizabethtown College and their unique approach to education and community, and I look forward to sharing that admiration with the students, faculty, and family as they rightly celebrate their special day.”
-Tom Baldridge H'17
2026 Commencement Student Speaker
Alysse Smith '26
Biology, Health Professions Concentration & Spanish and Chemistry Minor | Silver Spring, Md.
Alysse Smith '26 will serve as the Commencement student speaker for the Class of 2026. A Biology major with a Health Professions concentration and minors in Spanish and Chemistry, Smith is an engaged leader on campus who is passionate about amplifying voices and inspiring meaningful change. She has served on executive cabinets for both the Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA) and the Honors Program, and is actively involved as a Blue Jay Ambassador, Peer Mentor, Peer Tutor, and Ubuntu Mentor.
Read MoreGraduate Photography
Commencement Ceremony Photos
Professional photographs of each graduate receiving a degree will be available for purchase following the ceremony through Island Photography.
There is no obligation to purchase, and photo packages start at just $7.95. Questions or concerns can be directed to Island Photography by email or by calling 800-869-0908.
Frequently Asked Questions
Post-Commencement FAQ
Diplomas will be mailed within one week after final grades have been finalized.
Graduates participating in Commencement must depart college housing by 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 9.
Non-graduating students must depart 24 hours after their last in-person final or by 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, whichever comes first.
Students must adhere to this schedule unless approved by Residence Life for a late stay.