Commencement Livestream
The Class of 2026 commencement was streamed live on the web on May 17, 2026.
Commencement Program 2026
Processional
鈥淧omp and Circumstance, March No. 1 in D, Trio,鈥� Sir Edward Elgar
Introduction
James C. Bean 鈥�77, Chair, Board of Trustees
The National Anthem
鈥淭he Star Spangled Banner,鈥� Francis Scott Key
Abigail T Samson, Ananya Venkatachalam, Aaron Joseph Zhang
Welcome
Harriet B. Nembhard, President
Henry T. Mudd Prize
Harriet B. Nembhard, President
Student Keynote
Aditi Bonthu
鈥淭he Mudd Way鈥�
Keynote Address
Laurie Leshin, Space Scientist and Higher Education Leader
Awarding of Degree of Doctor of Science and Humane Letters
Harriet B. Nembhard, President
Conferring of Degrees
Presiding
James C. Bean 鈥�77, Chair, Board of Trustees
Presentation of Candidates
Talithia Williams, Chair of the Faculty
Reading of Candidate Names
Thyra Briggs, Vice President for Admission and Financial Aid
Awarding of Diplomas
Harriet B. Nembhard, President
Recognition of the Candidates
Cynthia Martinez, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Welcome to the Alumni Association
Grace Credo 鈥�96, President, Alumni Association
President鈥檚 Address
Harriet B. Nembhard, President
Recessional
鈥淭he Rondeau,鈥� Jean-Joseph Mouret
The audience will remain standing, allowing the academic procession to exit the site first.
Reception
Jon C. and Jean A.S. Strauss Plaza
The Commencement Marshals
Bearer of the Mace
Talithia Williams
Trustee Marshals
Stephen C. Adolph
Darryl Wright
Faculty Marshals
William Alves
Peter Saeta
Student Affairs Marshals
Gabriela Gamiz
Chris Sundberg
Student Marshals
Maya Jenkins
McKenna A. McMurray