Caps? Ready. Cameras? Charged. Heartstrings? Already pulling. Commencement 2026 is almost here, Gulls! On Saturday, May 16, we’ll take over Hempstead Stadium to celebrate the Class of 2026 as they make their final walk across the Endicott stage and officially join the alumni family.
Before the big day, consider this your go-to guide: parking, timing, livestreams, coffee stops, all of it. Read up, plan ahead, and get ready for a morning full of loud cheers, proud moments, and main character energy from start to finish.
And as if the weekend couldn’t get more memorable, we heard that the Endicott choir will be performing “I Had the Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing during Friday’s ceremonies, chosen unanimously by the seniors.
So yes, it’s safe to say the emotions will already be running high.
“It struck me as a song that hit the upbeat vibe we are going for, while still being sentimental,” said Rebecca Kenneally, Chair of Performing Arts at Endicott. “Sure, it's a romantic love song, but it doesn’t have to be. There’s a line: ‘I finally found someone to stand by me.’ This senior class certainly stands by each other, and I know they’ve had the time of their lives.”
Consider this your official warning: bring tissues.
Who is this year’s Commencement speaker?
Award-winning journalist, documentarian, and media entrepreneur Soledad O’Brien—known for her influential career across broadcast news, documentary storytelling, and public affairs media—will deliver this year’s Commencement address.
What time should I arrive?
Commencement begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Hempstead Stadium (and yes, we’re celebrating rain or shine, so come prepared!). Guest seating opens at 8 a.m., and we kindly ask everyone to be seated by 9:45 a.m. so you don’t miss a moment of the procession.
Graduates, it’s your time! Please arrive by 8:45 a.m. and head to the Field House on the second floor of the Post Center to line up and get ready for the big walk.
Will the ceremony be available to view online?
Yes, the ceremony will be live-streamed on YouTube.
Where can I park?
All guests will park off campus in the lot listed on your ticket, which is assigned based on the graduating student’s last name. Please stick to your assigned lot to help everything run smoothly and make sure there’s space for everyone—we promise, it’ll make arrival easier for you and your fellow Gulls!
Shuttles will be running all day, starting at 7:30 a.m., with about a 20-minute ride to campus. Accessible transportation will also be available if you’d like to keep your group together. And if you’re unsure where to go, Endicott volunteers will be on site to guide you.
If your graduating student’s LAST NAME starts with A–K, parking is located at:
Dunham Ridge
48 Dunham Road
Beverly, Mass. 01915
If your graduating student’s LAST NAME starts with L–Z, parking is located at:
North Shore Music Theater
54 Dunham Road
Beverly, Mass. 01915
Pro tip: arrive early and carpool if you can, as there’s no general access parking available on campus. And once the celebration wraps up, all students must be off campus by 3 p.m.
Accessible parking
Limited accessible parking is available on campus on a first-come, first-served basis for vehicles with a valid state-issued handicap placard. Guests should enter through the East Gate and be ready to show their placard to attendants when they arrive—we’ll help get you where you need to go.
Parking off-site? No problem. All shuttles will include accessible seating to make getting to and from campus easy and comfortable for everyone.
Will there be flowers available on campus for purchase?
Yes! Endicott’s Triumph Chapter of Mortar Board, a national honor society for seniors, will host its annual Commencement Flower Sale. These fresh bouquets come in a variety of colors and make a thoughtful gift for any graduating senior.
Bouquets are $40 each, and all proceeds support Endicott’s Mortar Board Triumph Chapter. Flowers will be available for pick-up on the day of Commencement, and we recommend preordering to guarantee yours, as only a limited number will be available for purchase that day.
Will food and beverages be available during the ceremony?
During Commencement, Starbucks in the Callahan Center and Einstein Bros. Bagels in the Ginger Judge Science Center will be open with a limited menu, so whether you need a caffeine boost or a quick bite, they’ve got you covered before the ceremony begins.
Is the ceremony accessible?
Yes! Closed captioning will be provided for all guests, and all field seating is accessible. Guests with handicap placards can park on campus, and elevators are available inside our buildings if needed. If you have any questions, please email us at commencement@endicott.edu.
What can I bring inside?
To keep things safe and speedy at the gate, all bags are subject to inspection before entry. We recommend bringing only small bags (think handbags, purses, or camera bags no bigger than 12” x 12” x 6”). Please leave large totes, backpacks, briefcases, and wrapped gifts at home—they won’t be allowed inside.
Will there be professional photos taken?
E-lluminations will be on-site to take photographs of your graduate as they receive their diploma and exit the stage. Learn more about photography at Commencement events.
When is the ceremony over?
The ceremony is expected to end around 12:30–1 p.m. All graduates are expected to remain on the field and seated until the conclusion of the ceremony and their procession out of the stadium. In support of the entire Class of 2026 and our campus community, please do not depart the ceremony early.