Convocation & Earle Bridge Crossing

Earle Bridge on WPI campus surrounded by autumn foliage

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. 

 

Follow WPI Commencement

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.


 

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

Scenes From Earle Bridge Crossings Over the Years

large group of people
WPI Class of 2024 processional in front of the Washburn Shops on the way to Earle Bridge
WPI Class of 2024 processional passing Boynton Hall on the way to Earle Bridge
woman in a crowd
WPI Class of 2024 master’s students crossing Earle Bridge
people cheering graduates
Smiling onlookers wave pom-poms as they watch the WPI Class of 2024 march by
Eight friends from WPI Class of 2024 standing in a group, laughing and smile together
graduates
WPI Class of 2024 PhD graduates
WPI Class of 2024 members walk together after crossing Earle Bridge