The Class of 2026 marks Commencement with strong record of achievement
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
From internships to international study, University of Richmond graduates leave campus prepared for careers, service, and advanced study.
During the University of Richmond’s Commencement weekend, May 8-10, more than 1,000 students will be celebrated for the journeys that brought them here and the futures they are about to launch.
At the main Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 10, about 840 undergraduate students from the School of Arts & Sciences, Robins School of Business, and Jepson School of Leadership Studies will cross the stage — a defining moment that marks both an ending and a beginning.
UR alum, NFL football star, and talented vocalist Kobie Turner, who plays for the Los Angeles Rams, is University of Richmond’s 2026 main Commencement ceremony speaker on Sunday, May 10. The student speaker for this ceremony is Ben Nguyen.
From Richmond, they’re heading everywhere from Nashville and Chicago to Singapore and Madrid, securing roles at globally recognized organizations like Barclays, Goldman Sachs, Google, and Teach for America. Others are continuing their academic journeys at some of the world’s most competitive graduate programs, including Duke, Georgetown, Harvard, Oxford, and Yale.
Their paths to this moment have been anything but ordinary. Nearly three-quarters of the class studied abroad, immersing themselves in cultures and coursework far beyond campus. Eighty-five percent completed internships or summer research, gaining hands-on experience with organizations ranging from federal legal offices to international institutions in Geneva. And across disciplines, students translated classroom learning into tangible impact, whether presenting original research, managing investment funds, or leading service initiatives throughout the Richmond community.
Campus Traditions
Commencement weekend is as much about tradition as it is about achievement. Before they receive their degrees, these students will participate in several beloved campus traditions throughout the weekend.
The celebration begins Friday as schools, departments, and organizations host ceremonies and receptions honoring graduating seniors and their accomplishments.
On Saturday night, graduating seniors will gather for the Candlelight Ceremony, one of the University’s longest-standing traditions. As dusk settles over Westhampton Lake, seniors line the shoreline, candles in hand for a reflective and celebratory moment. A student address, delivered this year by Gareth Woo, adds meaning to the evening, which is capped off with a fireworks display.
Just hours before Commencement, seniors will take part in the Graduate Walk — a symbolic final journey across campus. Beginning at Gateway Village, the procession winds past familiar landmarks —Gottwald, the Forum, Westhampton Lake, the Humanities Building, Jepson Hall, and the International Center, before culminating at the Robins Center Arena where Commencement is held.
SPCS & Law Ceremonies
Saturday, May 9 will include Commencement ceremonies for the School of Professional & Continuing Studies and the University of Richmond School of Law.
Nearly 100 students will receive a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or certificate from SPCS. Graduates of the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies program in the School of Professional & Continuing Studies completed more than 6,000 hours of practicum, gaining exceptional leadership experience in five public school divisions and multiple independent schools throughout the Richmond region.
The University of Richmond School of Law will award 136 juris doctor degrees. Approximately 21% of law school graduates earned the Carrico Center Pro Bono Certificate, which recognizes students who complete at least 120 hours of service during their three years of law school. Collectively, the Class of 2026 Pro Bono Certificate recipients have performed more than 3,700 hours of service.