A swirl of emotions lingered through the air of the L.P. Young Student Center as KSC’s Class of 2026 filtered in and out of the building for the annual Commencement Fair. The Commencement Fair is one of the final steps that seniors take prior to graduation in order to ensure they receive their cap and gown and all of their information is in order for the big day.
This year, a table of four women parked right outside the Hungry Owl took charge of the fair. Those women were Director of Student Involvement Jess Gagne Cloutier, Kimberly Harkness, KSC alum ‘85, Degree Completion Specialist Emily Dick and Associate Director of Institutional Research Vicki Hurlburt.
“What I see the students get most excited about is picking up their caps and gowns,” Gagne Cloutier said. “There’s a sadness yet excitement that lies in that step.”
When asked what goes into organizing the Commencement Fair, Gagne Cloutier said, “Behind the scenes, it’s our last chance to make sure students’ information is correct, they have their honors satchels and that their diploma is being sent to the right place.”
“Students should come excited and be ready to answer a couple of questions and begin that countdown to graduation,” Gagne Cloutier added.
“I would encourage juniors to look ahead as rising seniors and apply to graduate before the summer, and there will be a reminder about that sent out soon,” Dick said. “Anyone expecting to complete their requirements within the next academic year should submit their application to graduate through self-service.”
Gagne Cloutier, Dick and Harkness each shared their personal favorite parts of running the Commencement Fair each year.
“When they pick up their caps and gowns, you can see that it really becomes real,” Gagne Cloutier said. “It’s nice to see those little moments where students’ faces say, ‘Oh my God, it’s really happening.’”
“Seeing students get excited about having honors or celebrating friends, all those celebrations kind of begin [at the fair]. We get to see all the little snippets ahead of the big day,” Gagne Cloutier added.
“I do all of the audits [for KSC] and it’s really nice to actually watch all of the students progress across the stage,” Dick shared. “There are many instances where it’s the first time I get to put a name and a face together, because I see all of the names alone, and it’s nice to get to celebrate students in person.”
Harkness drew on her own personal experience graduating from KSC in her response. “Because I was a student here and graduated, I know that graduation is the point where you reflect on how traditions continue, but at the same time, how different the college has grown to be,” she said. “I’m always struck by what’s changed and what has also stayed the same.”
Harkness noted that she especially enjoys the Clap Out ceremony that occurs as part of Commencement.
“I remember when I was clapped out at graduation, I had no idea it was happening,” Harkness said. “It was so different from Clap In, where you’re like a deer in headlights. You can see a massive transformation from Clap In, where [students] don’t really know anybody and it’s a surprise, to Clap Out, where there’s that excitement and joy. There are so many different emotions.”
Harkness also commented from the faculty’s perspective. “You can see on a faculty member’s face when they see their favorite student, and it’s someone who’s made it through all odds and challenges. It’s really nice to see that connection through Clap Out,” she said.
“Ultimately, we’re sending students out into the world to go do great things with their education,” Dick said.
“It’s pretty special,” Gagne Cloutier added.
Any graduating student who did not attend the Commencement Fair should reach out to Gagne Cloutier at jcloutier1@keene.edu to ensure they have a smooth graduation.
Serena Taylor can be contacted at
staylor@kscequinox.com
