CHESTERTOWN — Former two-term Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan will deliver the commencement address to Washington College’s Class of 2026 on Sunday, May 17.
During the ceremony, Hogan will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in recognition of his career in public service.
Commencement will start at 10 a.m. on the front lawn, and is open to the public.
The official live feed is https://youtube.com/live/wb3k2CnlN_k?feature=share
If inclement weather is expected and the ceremony is moved indoors, Washington College will send out an email and make a Facebook post on Friday, May 15.
The indoor venue will be the Johnson Fitness Center; graduates will be limited to six ticketed guests.
Hogan will be making his third trip to Chestertown in 2025-26.
He was here in late November when he discussed civic engagement and future partnerships around higher education.
Hogan spent the afternoon meeting with faculty and staff across key academic centers, beginning with a visit to the Innovation Plant in the 800-block of High Street and the site of the future Warehime School of Business on campus. The tour focused on the college’s efforts to foster entrepreneurship and support regional economic development, according to a news release.
Hogan also toured the Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience and the Center for Environment & Society.
Interim college President Bryan Matthews, the chair of the Board of Visitors and Governors, Kent County Commissioners and Chestertown Mayor Meghan Efland also were in attendance.
Hogan returned to campus on April 11, when Washington College celebrated its annual Admitted Students Day.
To start off graduation 2026 weekend, the public is invited to the Sophie Kerr Prize award ceremony on Friday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Gibson Center for the Arts.
Finalists will read from their work before the winner is announced.
The Sophie Kerr Prize, awarded to the graduating Washington College senior deemed to have demonstrated the best potential for future achievement in a literary endeavor, is the largest undergraduate literary prize in the country.
Last year’s winner received $74,000 and change.
As stipulated by the will of college benefactor Sophie Kerr, the prize check itself will be awarded Sunday as part of the college’s 243rd commencement.
