Convocation & Earle Bridge Crossing
Convocation
What Is Convocation?
- Convocation 2026 will occur prior to the graduating class crossing over Earle Bridge.
- The program includes speakers sharing their reflections and experiences during their time at WPI, as well as musical and dance performances by WPI students.
- The ceremony is planned and performed by members of the graduating class, offering a quieter, more intimate opportunity to reflect on the past few years.
Ceremony Details
This is a special, student-only ceremony planned and performed by members of the Class of 2026.
- Date: May 12, 2026
- Time: 1:30 p.m., Doors open at 1:00 p.m.
- Location: Harrington Auditorium
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Program:
- Reflective speeches by selected speakers who share their experiences during their time at WPI.
- Musical and dance performances by WPI students.
- Rain Date: May 13 at 12:00 p.m.
Earle Bridge Crossing
- Following Convocation, the graduating class will proceed to cross the Earle Bridge as part of a significant graduation tradition.
- Faculty: If you are attending Convocation, you will be led by the President to the Bridge in time for the ceremonial crossing.
- Staff: All staff are invited to join the celebration and cheer on our graduating students. Please line the walkway in front of the Bridge, near Boynton Hall, by 2:25 p.m. to show your support.
- Graduating students should arrive in full regalia and be ready for the Earle Bridge Crossing.
Attending Convocation
- Seating in Harrington Auditorium will be limited to graduating students and faculty members only.
- Alternative viewing is will be available in Salisbury Labs 115
- Signage with the program link/QR Code will be placed on sandwich boards outside Harrington Auditorium and in other key campus locations.
- Graduating students should arrive in full regalia and prepared for the Earle Bridge Crossing to follow Convocation.
Livestreams
Convocation Ceremony
| Processional |
WPI Brass Ensemble "Trumpet Tune," by Henry Purcell |
| Opening Remarks |
Omkar Tikar - Computer Science '26 (MS) Vice President, Graduate Student Government |
| Welcome | Grace J. Wang, 17th President of Worcester Polytechnic Institute |
| Reflections | Aires Miguens - Data Science, '26 (MS) |
| Musical Performance |
Ropeswing Sunday Band "Linger," by The Cranberries Anya Crapo, Vocals - Biomedical Engineering, '26 (BS) Ricardo Croes-Ball, Bass Guitar - Electrical and Computer Engineering, '26 (BS) Emma DeMartino, Cello - Biomedical Engineering, '25 John Howland, Drums - Chemical Engineering '26 (BS) Gwen Locke, Guitar - Architectural Engineering, '26 (BS) Maddie Talbot, Vocals - Biomedical Engineering '26 (BS) and Biomedical Engineering '26 (MENGR) |
| Reflections | Nigel St. Jean - Environmental Engineering '26 (BS) and Environmental and Sustainability Studies '26 (BA) |
| Musical Performance |
Joseph Dumas - Architectural Engineering '26 (BS) and Fire Protection Engineering '27 (MS) “Listen,” by Beyoncé |
| Reflections | Maria Anastasia Masouti - Data Science, '26 (BS) |
| Musical Performance |
Optimal Band “Everlong,” by Foo Fighters Ryan Bailey, Lead Guitar - Aerospace Engineering, '27 Maddux Berry, Vocals & Guitar - Computer Science '26 (BS) and Computer Science '26 (MS) Cole Cammarata, Bass Guitar - Environmental Engineering, '26 (BS) Oliver Johnson, Drum Set - Chemical Engineering, '26 (BS) Andrew Nobrega, Keyboard - Mechanical Engineering, '26 (BS) |
| Closing Remarks | Abigail Poole - Biochemistry, '26 (BS) and Senior Class Board Chair |
| Recessional |
WPI Brass Ensemble “Gaudeamus Igitur” (traditional) |
Convocation Committee
Paula Gibbons; Abigail Poole; Nathaniel Powers; Prior Waskan; Marissa Whalley; Kim Wykes, Committee Advisor
Special Thanks
Douglas Olsen - Faculty, Department of Humanities and Arts
Calendar
See More EventsScenes From Earle Bridge Crossings Over the Years