History of Kenyon’s Baccalaureate
Baccalaureate is historically a worship service at which a sermon is preached for the graduating class. During much of its history as an Episcopal college, Kenyon held the Baccalaureate service in the chapel according to the forms set forth in the Book of Common Prayer and featuring a prominent member of the clergy as a preacher. In recent years, the College's custom has been to expand this venerable ceremony in ways that highlight Kenyon's academic mission and make the occasion accessible to the broader College community.
As with Opening Convocation and Commencement, the Baccalaureate procession lines up on either side of Middle Path between the Marriott Park Gates and the Church of the Holy Spirit.
To accommodate the growing number of graduates and family members over the years, the ceremony has moved to an outdoor setting. Academic and spiritual texts and chosen and read by a few select seniors to represent an aspect of their particular fields of study or to speak on behalf of communities of faith at Kenyon. In place of a sermon, an address is given by a representative of the College who has been selected by a vote of the graduating class. The invocation and benediction, which call to mind the historic purpose of Baccalaureate, are carefully framed by the participating religious leaders to reflect Kenyon's commitment to being an open and inclusive community.
2022 Baccalaureate
The 2022 Baccalaureate speaker was Assistant Professor of Psychology Leah Dickens. Watch the ceremony online.
2020-2021 Celebrations
In 2020, the Baccalaureate address was given by Assistant Professor of Sociology Austin Johnson as part of the Senior Celebration. In 2021, the address was given by Professor Emeritus of Anthropology Ed Schortman during the in-person Commencement ceremony.
2019 Baccalaureate
The 2019 Baccalaureate speaker was Professor of Mathematics Judy Holdener. Watch the ceremony online.
2018 Baccalaureate
The 2018 Baccalaureate speaker was Sarah Heidt '97, associate professor of English. Watch the ceremony online.
2017 Baccalaureate
The 2017 Baccalaureate speaker was Ivonne García, associate provost and associate professor of English. Watch the ceremony online.
2016 Baccalaureate
The 2016 Baccalaureate speaker was Mike Durham, substance abuse educator and counselor at Kenyon. Watch Mike Durham's talk online.
2015 Baccalaureate
The 2015 Baccalaureate speaker was Kenyon's Donald L. Rogan Professor of Religious Studies Royal Rhodes. Watch Professor Rhodes' talk online.
2014 Baccalaureate
The 2014 Baccalaureate speaker was Associate Professor of Economics Jay Corrigan. Watch Professor Corrigan's talk online.