What You Need to Know for Commencement 2026
Caps off, Orange! has arrived! It’s time to celebrate your academic accomplishments with family, friends and the entire University community.
The University’s Commencement exercises will be held in the JMA Wireless Dome Sunday, May 10, beginning with the degree candidates’ procession at 9:30 a.m.
Mike Tirico ’88, NBC Sports broadcaster and vice chair of Syracuse University’s Board of Trustees, will deliver the Commencement address.
School and college convocations and Commencement will be livestreamed. Visit the to view the ceremonies online.
At Sunday’s Commencement, around 6,679 students are expected to graduate.
Syracuse University Acting Chancellor J. Michael Haynie will address the graduates and confer degrees. Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Lois Agnew will give the welcome.
The University will recognize six honorary degree recipients:
- Ruth Chen, a professor of practice in biomedical and chemical engineering in the ;
- Mantosh Dewan, president, SUNY Distinguished Service Professor and the Alan and Marlene Norton Presidential Chair at Upstate Medical University;
- Clifford J. Ensley ’69, ’70, G’71, founder and chief executive officer of Leisure Merchandising Corporation;
- Linda M. LeMura G’83, G’87, president of Le Moyne College;
- Joanne M. Mahoney ’87, L’90, president of the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry; and
- Chancellor Kent Syverud, the 12th chancellor and president of Syracuse University.
Sam Clemence, Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professor Emeritus, is mace bearer.
Tadodaho Sidney Hill, of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, will give the ceremonial opening. Fr. Gerry Waterman, Hendricks Chapel chaplain, and advisor, Catholic Association, Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse, will give the invocation. Alonna D. Berry ’11, president of the Syracuse University Alumni Association, will welcome the newest alumni.
Student Marshals and Scholars
Representing the Class of 2026, Chidera Olalere and Silke Pion are the senior class marshals and will lead graduates during the ceremony.
Along with the all-University marshals, 23 student marshals represent the 13 schools and colleges at the University. The marshals will lead the degree candidates of their respective schools or colleges.
Twelve seniors have been designated as Syracuse University Scholars. This is the highest undergraduate honor the University bestows. University Scholar Sadie Shaula Meyer, College of Engineering and Computer Science and College of Arts and Sciences, was selected as the student speaker on behalf of the Class of 2026.
Retiring faculty members who have been recommended to receive the title of emeritus by the University Senate to the Syracuse University Board of Trustees will be recognized by Jamie L. Winders, vice provost for faculty affairs.
The University Marshal is Kira Reed, associate professor of management, Martin J. Whitman School of Management. Associate University Marshal is Tula Goenka G’86, professor and graduate program director, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.
Also during the ceremonies, Army and Air Force ROTC cadets will present the colors.
The Syracuse University Wind Ensemble will perform under the direction of conductors Timothy W. Diem and Bradley P. Ethington.
The national anthem will be sung by Bridget Backer ’26, College of Visual and Performing Arts, and Catherine Grace Cosenza ’26, College of Visual and Performing Arts, will sing the alma mater.
Security and Other Important Information
To ensure a safe and enjoyable event, all guests and degree candidates will go through , including metal detection, prior to entering all Convocation and Commencement venues. The University has a , which will be in effect for Commencement weekend.
Get the OrangeNow App for the Commencement Experience
Download the and choose the “Commencement Experience” for easy access to Commencement weekend details and to receive push notifications related to the weekend’s events.
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Class of 2026 Giving Campaign
before Friday, May 8, to receive special orange, white and silver cords to wear at Commencement!
Fill up the Wishing Well!
Are you a soon-to-be grad or a friend or family member of someone graduating? Mark the milestone with a gift in honor of the Class of 2026 and to have it featured on our Wishing Well website!
More information about Commencement 2026 can be found at .
