At Swarthmore's 146th commencement on May 27, President Valerie Smith awarded honorary degrees to social justice advocate Edgar Cahn ‘56, poet and writer Sonia Sanchez, and biomedical engineer Francisco Valero-Cuevas '88. In addition, 418 undergraduates were awarded degrees at the ceremony, held at the Scott Outdoor Amphitheater.

Of the 418 graduates, 399 received the Bachelor of Arts degree and 40 the Bachelor of Science in engineering degree. Twenty-one had double degrees. Highest honors were awarded to 11 graduates, 50 received high honors, and 28 received honors. The senior class speaker was Tiffany Yu '18 from Hong Kong, who graduated as a computer science and engineering double major.

Special awards announced at the ceremony include the Ivy, Oak, Lang, and McCabe Engineering Awards.

Assistant Professor of Peace & Conflict Studies Sa’ed Atshan ’06 and Shruti Pal ‘18 addressed the senior class at Last Collection on May 25. Speakers at this address, an assembly-style gathering, are chosen by the senior class. Walter Kemp Professor Emerita in the Natural Sciences and Professor Emerita of Biology Rachel Merz addressed the graduating class at Baccalaureate services on May 26. The Baccalaureate is the spiritual component of Commencement weekend, featuring the inspirational remarks of a friend of the College.