Class of 2026 Photo Gallery - Commencement Weekend

University community celebrates the remarkable Class of 2026

On May 15, the University of Rochester conferred academic degrees to more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students at its 176th Commencement ceremony. An audience of thousands, including family, friends, loved ones, faculty, staff, community members, and distinguished guests, watched the proceedings from Fauver Stadium on the River Campus. Thousands more tuned in online from across the globe.

Ready, set, graduate

Tassels straight, selfies snapped, and nerves turning into joy before the big moment

A University of Rochester graduate smiles as another graduate helps place her academic hood during Commencement Weekend.

Five University of Rochester graduates pose together in decorated academic regalia during Commencement Weekend.

A University of Rochester graduate adjusts his academic hood before the Commencement Weekend ceremony.

University of Rochester graduates gather near the UR2026 letters outside Wilson Commons during Commencement Weekend.

Three University of Rochester graduates pose for a photo during Commencement Weekend.

University of Rochester graduates gather near large UR2026 letters during Commencement Weekend.

Two University of Rochester graduates pose together in the sunlight during Commencement Weekend.

Three University of Rochester graduates pose together in academic regalia during Commencement Weekend.

Five University of Rochester graduates pose together in caps and gowns during Commencement Weekend.

University of Rochester graduates smile together while taking a selfie during Commencement Weekend.

A crowd of University of Rochester graduates gathers on campus during Commencement Weekend.

University of Rochester graduates pose together in academic regalia before the Commencement Weekend ceremony.

Two University of Rochester graduates take a selfie together during Commencement Weekend.

Two University of Rochester graduates laugh as one lifts the other for a photo during Commencement Weekend.

University of Rochester graduates laugh together before the Commencement Weekend ceremony.

University of Rochester graduates smile together while taking photos before the Commencement Weekend ceremony.

A University of Rochester graduate adjusts his academic hood before the Commencement Weekend ceremony.

A University of Rochester graduate smiles while adjusting his academic hood during Commencement Weekend.

University of Rochester graduates jump in celebration on the grass during Commencement Weekend.

A University of Rochester graduate runs across the grass in a motion-blurred photo during Commencement Weekend.

Scholars on the move

Graduates, mentors, and leaders march as one toward the Commencement stage

Student musicians perform during the University of Rochester’s Commencement Weekend ceremony.

University of Rochester graduates stand together near the stadium seating during Commencement Weekend

University of Rochester graduates walk in a line during Commencement Weekend.

University of Rochester graduates wave while walking in procession during Commencement Weekend.

University of Rochester graduates walk past the Robert B. Goergen Athletic Center during Commencement Weekend.

University of Rochester graduates wave while walking in procession during Commencement Weekend.

A University of Rochester faculty member holds a ceremonial mace onstage during Commencement Weekend.

University of Rochester faculty process down the blue carpet carrying ceremonial maces during Commencement Weekend.

A University of Rochester graduate smiles during Commencement Weekend with Rush Rhees Library in the background.

University of Rochester graduates stand together during Commencement Weekend with Rush Rhees Library in the background.

University of Rochester graduates walk in procession with Rush Rhees Library in the background during Commencement Weekend.

University of Rochester graduates look toward the stage during Commencement Weekend.

A University of Rochester faculty member smiles in academic regalia during Commencement Weekend.

University of Rochester graduates walk down the blue carpet during Commencement Weekend.

A University of Rochester graduate smiles while adjusting her cap during Commencement Weekend.

University of Rochester faculty carry school banners during the Commencement Weekend procession.

University of Rochester graduates line up near the stage with Rush Rhees Library in the background during Commencement Weekend.

University of Rochester graduates process down the blue carpet during Commencement Weekend.

University of Rochester graduates stand in line at Fauver Stadium during Commencement Weekend.

Aerial view of the University of Rochester Commencement Weekend ceremony at Fauver Stadium.

Meliora mortarboards

Caps carry personal messages, proud tributes, and ever-better dreams

Two University of Rochester graduates wear decorated caps during Commencement Weekend, including one that reads Guided by God. Proverbs 16:9.

A University of Rochester graduate wears a graduation cap decorated with blue and white flowers during Commencement Weekend.

A University of Rochester graduate wears a decorated cap with flowers and the words Life finds 2026 during Commencement Weekend.

A University of Rochester graduate wears a decorated cap with pink flowers and gems during Commencement Weekend.

A University of Rochester graduate wears a decorated cap reading You long for eternity somewhere not one second during Commencement Weekend.

Close-up of a University of Rochester graduation cap with a gold 2026 tassel during Commencement Weekend.

A University of Rochester graduate wears a decorated 2026 cap trimmed with lace and pearls during Commencement Weekend.

A University of Rochester graduate smiles while wearing a white cowboy hat over his cap during Commencement Weekend.

A University of Rochester graduate wears a decorated cap with blue flowers and a bird design during Commencement Weekend.

University of Rochester graduates process through campus, including one wearing a decorated frog-themed cap during Commencement Weekend.

Voices from the podium

From heartfelt reflections to rallying calls

University of Rochester speaker delivers remarks from the Commencement Weekend podium.

University of Rochester speaker delivers remarks from the Commencement Weekend podium.

University of Rochester speaker delivers remarks from the Commencement Weekend podium.

Reverend Robin Y. Franklin, Director, Chaplaincy Services, Strong Memorial Hospital delivers the invocation

University of Rochester President Sarah C. Mangelsdorf delivers presidential remarks during commencement. // University of Rochester's Commencement ceremony — marking the conferral of academic degrees for all undergraduate and graduate students — takes place at Fauver Stadium at the Brian F. Prince Athletic Complex May 15, 2026.

A University of Rochester speaker stands at the Commencement Weekend podium with flowers in the foreground.

A University of Rochester speaker addresses the Commencement Weekend crowd while another speaker sits onstage

University of Rochester president Sarah C. Mangelsdorf delivers presidential remarks

H. Christopher Boehning ’87, ’88 (MS), Chair, Board of Trustees delivers the Board ofTrustees Welcome

H. Christopher Boehning ’87, ’88 (MS), Chair, Board of Trustees delivers the Board ofTrustees Welcome

Jeannine Shao Collins ’86 delivers the Commencement Address

Jeannine Shao Collins ’86 delivers the Commencement Address

Jeannine Shao Collins ’86 delivers the commencement address.

Jeannine Shao Collins ’86 delivers the Commencement Address

Undergraduate Student Speaker Gulsinam Akhmadzhanova ’26 delivers Remarks from the Class of 2026

Gulsinam Akhmadzhanova ’26 delivers remarks to the undergraduate graduate class

Undergraduate Student Speaker Gulsinam Akhmadzhanova ’26 delivers Remarks from the Class of 2026

Graduate Student Speaker Onesmo Mushi ’26W (PhD) delivers Remarks from the Class of 2026

Remarks from the Class of 2026 Graduate Student Speaker Onesmo Mushi ’26W (PhD)

Remarks from the Class of 2026 Graduate Student Speaker Onesmo Mushi ’26W (PhD)

The regalia effect

Caps, gowns, hoods, and URochester color turn the ceremony into a sea of celebration

University of Rochester graduates applaud during the Commencement Weekend ceremony.

University of Rochester graduates laugh and talk together during the Commencement Weekend ceremony.

University of Rochester graduates sit among the crowd during the Commencement Weekend ceremony.

A large crowd of University of Rochester graduates fills Fauver Stadium during the Commencement Weekend ceremony.

Wide shot of University of Rochester graduates, faculty, and guests facing the stage during the Commencement Weekend ceremony.

Wide shot of the University of Rochester Commencement Weekend ceremony at Fauver Stadium.

Two University of Rochester graduates smile together during Commencement Weekend.

University of Rochester graduates laugh together during Commencement Weekend.

University of Rochester graduates in blue academic regalia smile and applaud during Commencement Weekend.

University of Rochester graduates sit together during the Commencement Weekend ceremony.

University of Rochester graduates in blue doctoral regalia look toward the stage during Commencement Weekend.

University of Rochester graduates applaud and smile during the Commencement Weekend ceremony.

University of Rochester graduates listen during the Commencement Weekend ceremony with Rush Rhees Library in the background.

University of Rochester graduates sit among a large crowd during the Commencement Weekend ceremony.

University of Rochester graduates in blue doctoral regalia react during the Commencement Weekend ceremony.

University of Rochester graduates applaud and cheer during the Commencement Weekend ceremony.

Wide shot of University of Rochester graduates, faculty, and guests gathered at Fauver Stadium for the Commencement Weekend ceremony.

University of Rochester graduates sit among the crowd during the Commencement Weekend ceremony.

University of Rochester graduates applaud during the Commencement Weekend ceremony at Fauver Stadium.

University of Rochester graduates play with a beach ball during the Commencement Weekend ceremony at Fauver Stadium.

Degrees of joy

High-fives, applause, and happy tears as degrees become reality

University of Rochester graduates cheer and clap during the Commencement Weekend ceremony.

University of Rochester graduates celebrate in a packed Fauver Stadium during Commencement Weekend.

A University of Rochester graduate waves from the crowd during Commencement Weekend.

University of Rochester graduates stand and celebrate in Fauver Stadium during Commencement Weekend.

University of Rochester graduates cheer and raise their hands during Commencement Weekend.

University of Rochester graduates stand together during the Commencement Weekend ceremony.

University of Rochester graduates applaud with Rush Rhees Library in the background during Commencement Weekend.

University of Rochester graduates smile and adjust their caps during Commencement Weekend.

University of Rochester graduates stand and clap during the Commencement Weekend ceremony.

University of Rochester graduates in caps and gowns applaud during Commencement Weekend.

University of Rochester graduates applaud during the Commencement Weekend ceremony.

University of Rochester graduates smile and celebrate in a packed Fauver Stadium during Commencement Weekend.

University of Rochester graduates wave, clap, and cheer during the Commencement Weekend ceremony.

University of Rochester graduates stand and celebrate among the crowd at Fauver Stadium during Commencement Weekend.

University of Rochester graduates wave and cheer during the Commencement Weekend ceremony.

University of Rochester graduates adjust their caps during the Commencement Weekend ceremony.

University of Rochester graduates smile and applaud during Commencement Weekend with Rush Rhees Library in the background.

University of Rochester graduates cheer and applaud during the Commencement Weekend ceremony at Fauver Stadium.

University of Rochester graduates in blue doctoral regalia stand and applaud during Commencement Weekend.

Out into the afterglow

Graduates and guests carry the joy of Commencement beyond the ceremony

University of Rochester graduates wave and smile from the crowd during Commencement Weekend.

A wide crowd fills Fauver Stadium following the University of Rochester Commencement ceremony.

University of Rochester faculty stand in blue doctoral regalia with Rush Rhees Library in the background.

Big letters, bigger moments

Graduates turn MELIORA and UR2026 into backdrops for pride, joy, and one more photo

Ever better, everywhere

Graduates, families, and friends capture milestone moments across campus

More to explore

Watch the Commencement ceremony broadcast

Open and download the Commencement book