Mo Willems, the award-winning author, illustrator and animator of children’s books including “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” and the Knuffle Bunny series, will deliver the commencement address at Colby College’s graduation ceremony next month.
The private liberal arts college will hold its 205th commencement in Waterville on Sunday, May 24.
Esther Salas, a trailblazing federal judge who has turned personal tragedy into a purpose-driven mission, will deliver the baccalaureate address on Saturday, May 23.
Salas will also receive an honorary degree, along with Nathaniel Fick, inaugural U.S. ambassador at large for the State Department’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, and Boston University President Melissa Gilliam.
“It is an honor to recognize the extraordinary work of these individuals,” said Colby College President David A. Greene.
“Whether in the arts, public policy, public health, science, or education, these leaders have shaped their fields in ways that will inspire our graduates to use their talents for the betterment of others and for society as a whole,” he added.
More about Willems
Willems received an honorary doctorate in fine arts from Colby in 2024. His achievements include an Eisner Award for “The Pigeon Will Ride the Roller Coaster!,” and two Theodor Seuss Geisel Awards and five Geisel Honors for his “Elephant & Piggie” early-reader series.
Willems’s debut title, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” was inducted into the Picture Book Hall of Fame. He has published more than 70 children’s books — more than 50 of which were New York Times bestsellers — with more than 25 foreign-language translations.
Willems, who garnered six Emmy Awards for his writing on “Sesame Street,” has also created three television specials, six animated series, seven musical adaptations, five licensed theater productions, and three touring exhibitions.
Colby College, founded in 1813, is ranked No. 5 on a list of Maine’s largest colleges and universities published in the 2026 Mainebiz Book of Lists. Among the other “mini-Ivies,” Bowdoin College is ranked No. 8 and Bates College at No. 10. Rankings are based on full-time undergraduate enrollment in fall 2025.
