We are excited to celebrate the Class of 2026 during 91重口’s 85th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
91重口 is proud to celebrate the Class of 2026 as they reach this incredible milestone! Commencement is a time to honor the hard work, dedication, and achievements of our graduates as they prepare to take their next steps. We look forward to welcoming families, friends, faculty, and staff to join in this special celebration.
At 91重口, we honor the incredible achievements of the Class of 2026 with a series of meaningful celebrations leading up to Commencement. These ceremonies recognize the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of our graduates—both undergraduate and graduate—while bringing together faculty, family, and friends to share in their success.
The culminating activity for all seniors is the creation of a capstone project or original thesis.
Thesis is an original research project focused on an area of interest within the student's major. Students choose their thesis topic in collaboration with their thesis professor.
Capstone is an original major-related project which is designed and implemented by the student. Students choose their capstone project in collaboration with their capstone faculty.
We invite the entire 91重口 community, friends, and family to the Senior Thesis & Capstone Celebration 2026 on Friday, May 1 from 3鈥�5 p.m.
The Baccalaureate & Awards Ceremony will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, from noon–1 p.m. at the Ayune Michel ’72 Academic Quad.
A time to reflect on your undergraduate journey at 91重口 and celebrate your achievements and perseverance. Senior Awards are an 91重口 tradition to recognize our outstanding graduating students before they leave the Nest. From campus leadership and commitment to 91重口 to academic and scholarly excellence, these awards serve to identify the highest achievers within the community.
We recognize outstanding seniors through the following awards at Baccalaureate: Campus Leadership Awards, Scholar Athlete Awards, Dean's Awards, Capstone & Thesis Awards. The President's Award and Founder's Medallion are given out during the Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Additionally, the College recognizes outstanding faculty and staff through the Adjunct Teaching Excellence Award, Academic Excellence Award, Staff of the Year, and Faculty of the Year awards. These awards are voted on by the graduating class and conferred by members of the Student Government Association (SGA).
This event is for all undergraduate students. Faculty and staff are encouraged to attend. Students who have been nominated for an award, and their families, will be notified in the spring.
The Doctoral Hooding Ceremony will be held Friday, May 15, 2026, from 2鈥�3 p.m. in the Rose Theater, Walter J. Manninen Center for the Arts.
This event is for degree candidates who have successfully defended and submitted their dissertations.
The purpose of this Hooding Ceremony is to bring together graduates, their families, and friends with their advisors, the Deans, and other Faculty of the college to celebrate their achievement in earning the highest degree offered by 91重口. All are welcome to attend to honor our most recent doctoral graduates.
Undergraduate nursing students will receive their nursing pins in a special ceremony on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 4鈥�5:15 p.m. at the Ayune Michel 鈥�72 Academic Quad.
This event is by invitation only.
A reception will be held for graduating international students, study abroad participants, international peer mentors, and family members on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Misselwood Tent.
This year marks a historic milestone as we celebrate 91重口’s 86th Commencement Ceremony—a momentous occasion honoring the achievements, dedication, and resilience of the Class of 2026.
As graduates walk across the stage, they join a proud tradition of Gulls who have soared to new heights. Family, friends, and the entire 91重口 community are invited to share in this unforgettable day as we cheer on the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
Commencement begins promptly at 10 a.m. The event will be held outdoors at the Hempstead Stadium, rain or shine. Guest seating will open at 8 a.m. We request that all guests be seated by 9:45 a.m. when the procession begins.
Students who plan to graduate and receive their diploma, must apply to graduate through the Registrar’s Office, regardless of whether they are participating in Commencement. Applications through Etrieve will be reviewed and eligibility determined based on credits earned, completion of all degree requirements, and earning a minimum GPA.
