The University welcomes families, friends, and alumni to Rochester to honor the achievements of the Class of 2026 and honorary guests during Commencement Weekend, May 15–17. The 176th University Commencement Ceremony will be held at 8:45 a.m. on Friday, May 15, in Fauver Stadium at the Brian F. Prince Athletic Complex on the River Campus. Visit the Commencement website to get details, schedules, FAQs, and more to help you prepare.

A new study coauthored by Ron Kaniel, the Jay S. and Jeanne P. Benet Professor of Finance at Simon Business School, finds that elite firms’ notorious “revolving door” culture isn’t arbitrary but a rational way to signal talent and boost profits.

A new, inexpensive urine test, developed through a partnership that includes URochester, the Mayo Clinic, and the Clinic for Special Children in Pennsylvania, is making it easier, faster, and far less expensive to identify a common inherited nerve disorder called SORD-related neuropathy. The test can detect people that some genetic tests miss, and could speed access to emerging treatments and trials.

These annual awards celebrate leaders and organizations at all levels of the URochester community whose accomplishments cultivate a profound sense of belonging and thriving for all. Nominations from all members of the University community are encouraged for awards honoring students, staff, faculty, departments and teams, bargaining groups, and community members and organizations. Submit nominations online through Friday, January 23.

The University’s International Theatre Program presents The Philosophy of Andy Warhol, a fragmented, funny, and haunting portrait of a world obsessed with image—and the artists trapped within it. Performances run through December 6 in Smith Theater, Sloan Performing Arts Center.

All undergraduate students are invited to join Anne-Marie Algier, associate vice president for University student life and dean of students, for a casual baking session using her family recipes on Friday, December 5, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Register in CCC.

The Data Bloom contest, hosted by the University Libraries Data Services and Liaison Team, is open to students in all departments, disciplines, and programs. Students are encouraged to submit data visualizations made for classes, independent projects, internships, employments, or their own original creations. Submissions are accepted through December 19.