Commencement is Just Over 50 Days Away

Dear Seniors and MAT Grads,

You’re less than 50 days away from crossing the stage and beginning your next adventure!

Keep an eye on your inbox and the Commencement 2026 webpage for important updates and information to help you prepare for this milestone occasion.

First things first—Don’t forget to apply to graduate! Graduating seniors must submit their application by Friday, April 17 to participate in this spring’s ceremony. IMPORTANT: You will not be able to claim guest tickets for Commencement or Baccalaureate events until you complete the application process.

If eligible, you will find the application link in your student menu in Banner SSB. The process takes just a few minutes and includes opting in to the ceremony, providing your height for gown sizing, and confirming other key details. Please also record your name in Canvas to ensure it is pronounced correctly during the ceremony.

Commencement 2026

Sunday, May 17, 8:30 a.m., Ed Robson Arena
Doors open at 7 a.m.

Commencement Ceremony Ticket Information

Each graduate will have an opportunity to claim an anticipated maximum of seven guest tickets for Commencement, subject to availability. Please watch your inbox in the coming weeks for final ticketing details. After you’ve applied to graduate, eligible students will be able to access these free, general admission guest tickets via your CC Ticketmaster Account at the beginning of May, with specific instructions to come via email. A livestream of the ceremony will also be available online.

Commencement Speaker: Dee Bradley Baker ’86

The College is pleased to welcome Dee Bradley Baker ’86 back to campus as the 2026 Commencement speaker. A highly accomplished and versatile voice actor, Baker has built a decades-long career across television, film, and video games, known for bringing both iconic characters and entirely original voices to life. Learn more about Baker’s career and accomplishments on the Commencement website.

Announcing This Year’s Honorary Degree Recipient

Each year, CC awards honorary degrees to individuals whose exceptional achievements and contributions inspire our community. Through professional, scholarly, or artistic accomplishments, honorees reflect the values of curiosity, creativity, and leadership. This year, we are proud to recognize Christopher Benoit ’03.

Benoit is an attorney who has been shaped by the communities and mentors he has worked alongside throughout the Americas and has put that training to work both locally and internationally. After graduating from CC, Benoit accompanied genocide witnesses in Guatemala with NISGUA, organized in various worker centers in the U.S., and worked in Mexico with ProDESC defending communities affected by unscrupulous mining practices and forced labor. These experiences drew him to the University of Washington School of Law and to practice on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Based in the borderlands since 2009, Benoit and community partners founded a worker-led organization that changed state wage theft laws. With his law partner, Lynn Coyle, he exposed failures in the El Paso Police Department’s use-of-force oversight, resulting in systemic changes.

A male professional in a blue suit and red tie smiles while standing in an office setting with large windows and brick walls behind him.

As border enforcement intensified, Benoit’s practice changed. Benoit’s FOIA litigation uncovered surveillance of human rights lawyers, earning him and his client the Society of Professional Journalists’ Sunshine Award in 2022. In 2019, he and Coyle obtained a ruling putting ICE on notice of substandard medical care for hunger strikers. That fight continued alongside the ACLU of New Mexico in 2023 where litigation brought to light the truth behind the death by suicide of a young man at a private facility where inspectors had flagged critical safety failures.

In the last two years, alongside co-counsel, Benoit investigated deaths in expanding detention facilities, secured one of the first federal habeas wins challenging the unlawful detention of a DACA recipient, and forced the first evidentiary hearing on the government’s use of the Alien Enemies Act, winning release for a family facing deportation to El Salvador’s CECOT prison. He has also worked to ensure robust legal defense for immigrant rights organizations facing criminalization.

Benoit exemplifies the application of a liberal arts education in service of building community and power for the most vulnerable.

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

Honors Convocation

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

Honors Convocation is our 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 are welcome to attend, and a livestream of the ceremony will be available online.

Classes will be dismissed at 10:30 a.m. so that everyone can attend the ceremony.

Baccalaureate

Saturday, May 16, 3 p.m., Shove Memorial Chapel

Baccalaureate is a centuries-old graduation tradition, providing an opportunity to reflect on this rite of passage, hear from a faculty member, and celebrate our talented students. Students and their invited guests may attend in person (two guests per student).

Seniors who have applied to graduate will receive an email as we get closer to the ceremony with instructions for how to claim tickets to the Baccalaureate ceremony through Ticketmaster. A livestream of the ceremony will also be available online.

Announcing the Baccalaureate Speaker: Lori Driscoll ’94, Professor, Chair of Neuroscience & Psychology

A female professional smiles while seated indoors near large windows, wearing a dark blazer and a colorful beaded necklace.

A native of Colorado and a first-generation college student, Driscoll graduated from CC in 1994 with a degree in Psychology. A gap year job at a compounding pharmacy spurred Driscoll’s love of pharmacology, which she combined with her neuroscience background in her studies of Biopsychology at Cornell University.

After receiving her PhD in 2003, Driscoll returned to CC, where she has taught Psychology and Neuroscience courses for 23 years. Her research focuses on how early life adversity interacts with dietary factors to influence gut health and brain development and function.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! You are almost there!

View this email online.

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

You are receiving this email because you are a member of the Colorado College community. Thank you for the important work you do each day.

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

Around the Block – Campus News

Banner graphic with the words ‘Around the Block’ in bold white letters on black rectangles. The background is gold with repeating outlined cubes, with larger black cubes floating across the design.

Chris Gruschow ’26 Wins Award for Health Anxiety Research Abroad

A smiling, male presenting student stands along a canal lined with colorful historic buildings and docked boats, with clear blue sky overhead.

Chris Gruschow ’26 earned the Award for Academic Achievement Abroad from the Forum on Education Abroad for his research on health anxiety.

By Julia Fennell ’21

After spending a semester in Copenhagen conducting research on health anxiety, CC senior Chris Gruschow ’26 earned the Award for Academic Achievement Abroad from the nonprofit Forum on Education Abroad.

“Receiving the Award for Academic Achievement Abroad for my project on health anxiety means a great deal to me,” says Gruschow, a Neuroscience major. “It serves both as recognition of the hard work my coauthors and I put into this study, and as an acknowledgement of how transformative studying abroad was for me as well as how impactful it can be for many others.”

READ THE FULL STORY »

Students Simulate Ancient Greek and Roman Empire Battle Strategy

Students run across a gymnasium carrying long poles and round shields as part of a class activit

Students in Spring 2024 “Warfare in Greece and Rome” simulate being hoplites by wearing two backpacks, a helmet, and using cardboard silhouettes of a hoplite’s shield and of his weapons, which were cut PVC pipe segments. Photo by Eileen Broderick.

By Julia Fennell ’21

Students employed different military strategies from the Roman Empire and experienced what wielding ancient Greek and Roman armor was like through hands-on simulations in their Warfare in Greece and Rome class.

Associate Professor and Chair of Classics Richard Fernando Buxton taught students in Block 5 about how warfare was conducted in ancient Greece and Rome, the impact war had on society, and the development of military strategy and technology. Students learned why some forms of combat, such as that of the Roman legions, proved to be so effective.

READ THE FULL STORY »

Call for Nominations!

The CCE is now accepting nominations for their annual Community Engagement Recognition Night (CERN) awards! These awards recognize students, faculty, staff, and community organizations who have gone above and beyond in contributing to the public good. Nominations are accepted until midnight on Monday, April 6. To nominate a student, faculty or staff member, or community organization, review awards and sample nominations here, and then simply fill out this form. Accompanying cash awards are generously supported by the Class of 1981. Questions? Email cce@coloradocollege.edu.

Recipients will be honored at CERN on Thursday, April 30, from 4:30-6 p.m. in Bemis Great Hall. All are invited, we hope you can join us!

CC Athletics: DI and DIII, Together

Wednesday, April 1, 3-4 p.m. | Bemis Great Hall

What does it really take to compete in both Division I and Division III? Join Vice President and Director of Athletics Lesley Irvine for a closer look at CC’s unique athletics model. This Work of the College Series session will unpack how the College balances two distinct divisions, what it means for student-athletes, and the differences in recruiting, scholarships, training, and competition. You’ll also learn how athletics contributes to the broader CC experience.

Be sure to register today!

FAC Corner

Monkey See, Monkey Learn: The Curious World of Curious George

Friday, March 27, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Hans and Margaret Rey’s Curious George series is one of the most beloved and successful picture-book series of all time. The texts’ enduring power stems partly from the timeless beauty of Hans Rey’s illustrations, and partly from the (cautious) celebration of the title character’s curiosity, and, by extension, the celebration of childhood innocence. This talk will frame the Curious George series in the larger context of mid-twentieth century children’s picture books, and also, in the context of the Reys’ remarkable success story as Jewish refugees and immigrants who went on to live the American dream.

This lecture coincides with the upcoming theatre show Curious George: The Golden Meatball, on stage from July 25-August 2.

Themed Cocktail: Cheeky Monkey
Lecturer: Marc Napolitano, Assistant Professor of English, United States Air Force Academy
Tickets: $24 ($18 for FAC Members), includes your first drink

Photo of the Week

Three female students in tiger-themed costumes pose playfully with a large stuffed tiger at a festive indoor event.

First-place winners of the Tiger Lookalike, Willa McLaughlin ’27, Gabby Marchant ’27, Molly Vance ’27 pose with their prize. Photo by Jamie Cotten / Colorado College

View this email online.

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

You are receiving this email because you are a member of the Colorado College community. Thank you for the important work you do each day.

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

Today at CC Digest for Students

Announcements

Cornhole Tournament – Second Saturday Series

Colorado College Intramurals is excited for another round of the Second Saturday Series and the Blo…

Posted by aobringer

The Butler Center Presents: Leveraging Your Privilege for Good!

Join Peer Education in Leveraging Your Privilege For G…

Posted by hbrookskistler2025

The Butler Center: Block 7 Events and Programs!!!

Join The Butler Center during Block 7’s Events and Pro…

Posted by hbrookskistler2025

The Butler Center Presents: Draglesque!

The Butler Center proudly presents the 3rd Annual Drag Show: Drag…

Posted by hbrookskistler2025

Contact Improvisation Tomorrow

You are INVITED: Our blocky contact improvisation jam will be Saturday at 1:00-3:00 with an orientation class at 12:30 in Cossitt Gym’s South Studio (N & W of Worner Student Center)
This is for CC affili…

Posted by slauther

Weekly Meditation

//www.coloradocollege.edu/offices/chaplainsoffice/today@cc/Meditation%20at%20CC.png“>

Posted by ptalerico2024

Art Call

//www.coloradocollege.edu/offices/chaplainsoffice/today@cc/Student%20Art%20Call.png“>
Call for Student Art – Fill out form

Posted by ptalerico2024

Colorado College Memorial for Dr. Dwanna McKay

Colorado College Memorial for Dr. Dwanna McKay
Join us for a celebration of life for Dr. Dwanna McKay. Please make sure to RSVP.

RSVP REQUIRED

Posted by dgomezrivera2024

AH121 Global Architecture: The Taj Mahal to the 21st Century – Summer 2026 Block A with Visiting Professor Jessy Bell

Block A global architecture poster

Posted by carfsten

Save the Date! Medicinal Seeds and Seedings 3/31

Posted by aquinones2025

SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS & OUTAGES

For information about current and upcoming service interruptions and outages, please visit the Facilities home page.

Posted by sturco

📣Contribute to CC Leadership 📣

Passionate about contributing to the future of the College? Or are you interested in assisting the President with student needs and…

Posted by aflynn2025

Join the CCE Intern team! We have two open positions for the 26-27 Academic year.

…

Posted by c_vegarodriguez2025

Are you as stuck as a hippo in a bathtub?

Have a question on your mind? Perhaps you have been mulling over something for a while now. Perhaps it is a recent query. Maybe it is a far fuzzier something that still needs to be named.

Come by C-Spac…

Posted by efisher2024

Third Annual State of the Rockies Data Viz Night: RSVP now!

State of the Rockies’ Data Viz Night is coming up April 9th! You can now RSVP at this…

Posted by a_muellerhickler

NASU Annual Powwow

Join us on April 4, 2026 starting at 10 AM in the Ed Robson Arena for the annual NASU Powwow! Admission is free. Have questions? Reach out to kgosney@coloradocollege…

Posted by aquinones2025

Spiritual & Life Journey Presents: Sofia Fenner

//www.coloradocollege.edu/offices/chaplainsoffice/today@cc/Spiritual%20Life%20Journey.png“>

Posted by ptalerico2024

Freedom of Expression: Know Your Rights & Responsibilities Training

Join Lacy Karpilo, Dean of Students and VP for Student Li…

Posted by janderson2024

Sense of Place: Colorado College display

You’re invited to view “Sense of Place,” featuring the work and impact of Dr. Adrienne Lani…

Posted by aquinones2025

New Book Celebration-Natalie Gosnell

On Tuesday, March 31 at 4 p.m., we will be celebrating Associate Professor Natalie Gosnell with visiting co-author Janani Balasubramanian and their new book Art-Science Undisciplined: A Pla…

Posted by CKLOS

Senior Capstone Presentations – Music Department

…

Posted by spont2025

Enroll today! VIRTUAL Block C | GS222 Creative Careers: Professional Development for Artists & Creatives

Poster Advertising GS222 Creative Careers: Professional Development for Artists & Creatives This online summer course will change your future. Get the skills…

Posted by tschwarzman2025

Jazz Workshop and Jam Session-Wed. 4/1 at 6:30pm CAC Flex Room

You’re invited! Join CC Tiger Jazz Director Ricky Sweum and the House Band on Wednesday, April 1 in the CAC Flex Room.

Posted by lgregory

Revolutionary Love Meeting Monday

//www.coloradocollege.edu/offices/chaplainsoffice/today@cc/Revolutionary%20Love.png“>

Posted by ptalerico2024

Did you put your Verizon phone in the outgoing mail before spring break?

Did you put your Verizon phone in the outgoing mail before spring break? If you did, you need to come to the Mail Center and retrieve it. It was not packaged appropriately to be mailed.

Posted by ascriven

Exploring Careers with an Education Degree: Alumni Panel

Exploring Careers with an Education Degree: Alumni Panel
Interested in learning what you c…

Posted by r_webster2025

Extra dining dollars? Donate before they disappear!

Posted by r_rhea2025

Prize on War, Violence, and Human Values

Posted by tmoore

Pikes Peak Pride Parade: Looking for Co-Leaders

Posted by aquinones2025

Let’s Talk Life Post Grad: FGS Alumni Panel and Discussion

Join us for a lunch-time panel discussion with recent FGS alumni about life post-graduation, featuring Susanna Penfield (Political Science/Feminist &…

Posted by whampson2025

Visiting Series in Film and Culture: “Hybridity as Process” with Alisha Tejpal & Mireya Martinez

Join the Film & Media Studies Department on Monday March 30th at 3:30pm f…

Posted by mnaples2024

HAMLET! -This weekend ONLY

Come see Hamlet in Taylor Theatre THIS WEEKEND!
Friday: 6-8pm
Saturday: 6-8pm
Sunday: 6-8pm

This show will contain the foll…

Posted by m_rowleylange

4/3 Visiting Series in Film and Culture: “Small Files for a Small World” with Laura Marks

Join the Film & Media Studies Department on Friday, April 3rd at 1:00pm for…

Posted by mnaples2024

Come see Hamlet TODAY!

Come see Hamlet in Taylor Theatre THIS WEEKEND!
Friday: 6-8pm
Saturday: 6-8pm
Sunday: 6-8pm

This show will contain the foll…

Posted by m_rowleylange

Work of the College: Get the Inside Story on CC’s Unique Athletic Programs

CC is one of a kind in collegiate athletics, and here’s your chance to learn why. Join Lesley Irvine on Wednesday, April 1, 3–4 p.m. in Bemis Great Hall for an inside look at what it means to c…

Posted by rdeon

Call for Nominations!

The CCE is now accepting nominations for their annual awards! These awards recognize students, faculty, staff, and community organizations who have gone above and beyond in contributing to the public good. Nomi…

Posted by c_vegarodriguez2025

The Norman Lecture Series Presents: Dr. Myrriah Gómez

Posted by dgomezrivera2024

Save the Date: CCE Senior Symposium

All are invited to the Collaborative for Community Engagement Senior Symposium on April 21st, 3:30-5:00 PM Tutt Library starting in room 201. Come hear from Community Engaged Scholar seniors from 3:30-4:00 PM a…

Posted by c_vegarodriguez2025

TODAY!! First-Gen Fridays x Career Center: Networking Workshop!

Join us for our Networking Workshop with …

Posted by bsoto2024

Beginner Mountain Bike Ride with First-Gen Fridays and Outdoor Ed!

First-Gen Fridays x Outdoor Education Presents… Beg…

Posted by bsoto2024

The Butler Center x Career Center: Drop-in Career Coaching!

The Butler Center and the Career Center are colla…

Posted by bsoto2024

Events

Fearless Friday: Crocheted Surfaces Bounded by Knots with Fran Herr

Today from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Tutt Science 122 – Lecture Hall (Social Science)

Add to calendar: Apple/Outlook | Google

Posted by zharrington2025

Climb the Bell Tower

Today from 1:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Shove Tower (Roof)
//www.coloradocollege.edu/offices/chaplainsoffice/today@cc/Climb%20the%20Bell%20Tower.png“>
Add to calendar: Apple/Outlook | Google

Posted by ptalerico2024

CC Hillel Shabbat

Today from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Interfaith House
//www.coloradocollege.edu/offices/chaplainsoffice/today@cc/Shabbat.png“>
Add to calendar: Apple/Outlook | Google

Posted by ptalerico2024

FAC Libation Lecture: Monkey See, Monkey Learn: The Curious World of Curious George

Today from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Fine Arts Center

Hans and Margaret Rey’s Curious George series is one of the most beloved and successful pic…
Add to calendar: Apple/Outlook | Google

Posted by ksweeney

Adrienne Seward Exhibition

From 7:00 a.m. tomorrow to 11:00 p.m. Friday, April 3, 2026
–
This event is open to the general public. www.coloradocollege.edu/newsevents/calendar/details.html?EventID=67160&booking=1
Add to calendar: Apple/Outlook | Google

Posted by EVENT_CALENDAR

2026 RIO GRANDE STATE OF THE BASIN SYMPOSIUM

Tomorrow from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
adams state university
The Rio Grande State of the Basin symposium is this Saturday in Alamosa!
The Keynote speaker is Ben Goldfarb, author of Eager: “The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why they Matter,” and “…
Add to calendar: Apple/Outlook | Google

Posted by ebahermurphy2025

Diplomacy day

Tomorrow from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Hybl Community Center Main Space
Do you ever find yourself thinking “I like board games, but I wish they were more treacherous, intriguing and manipulative?” Well, we have you covered – come to Hybl at 12:30PM this Saturday and play Diplomacy …
Add to calendar: Apple/Outlook | Google

Posted by k_margis

Battle of the Bands!

Tomorrow from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Cornerstone Main Space
come watch 7 bands battle their way to play at llamapalooza! doors at 5:30 pm and music at 6 pm. no bags or water bottles please 🙂

jabbawocky vs T.R.A.N.N.I. vs defacto vs the colorado college men’s la…
Add to calendar: Apple/Outlook | Google

Posted by s_almgren

For the complete list of announcements and events, visit the Today at CC webpage.

Please note: Items published in “Today at CC” have been posted by members of the campus community. The views, information, or opinions expressed are solely those of the individuals posting the information and do not necessarily represent those of Colorado College.

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

This email was sent to you from communications@coloradocollege.edu

Today at CC Digest

Announcements

Cornhole Tournament – Second Saturday Series

Colorado College Intramurals is excited for another round of the Second Saturday Series and the Blo…

Posted by aobringer

The Butler Center Presents: Leveraging Your Privilege for Good!

Join Peer Education in Leveraging Your Privilege For G…

Posted by hbrookskistler2025