University of Notre Dame

Commencement 2026

Honoring achievement at the 181st commencement ceremonies.

The class of 2026 is ready to take their place as the newest alumni of Our Lady's University.

These women and men have worked to acquire the knowledge needed to be a force for good in the world. This page details the celebration and reflection of Commencement 2026, from the preparations made for this momentous occasion, to the stories of those participating in the ceremonies, to the sights and sounds of the ceremony itself.

Notre Dame graduates in black caps and gowns stand in silhouette against a sunburst sky inside Notre Dame Stadium, with packed spectator stands and seated graduates visible below them.

Commencement 2026

The Commencement of Class 2026

A smiling woman in a religious habit and Notre Dame blue and gold doctoral regalia speaks at a commencement podium, with the blurred Notre Dame Commencement seal visible behind her. Commencement Address
A young man with curly hair and glasses in Notre Dame graduation regalia addresses the crowd from the University of Notre Dame commencement podium. Laetare Medal Acceptance Address
A young man with curly hair and glasses in Notre Dame graduation regalia addresses the crowd from the University of Notre Dame commencement podium. Valedictory Address
A blonde colored hair graduate in sunglasses embraces another graduate in a black gown and blue/gold stole at a Notre Dame commencement. Parent reflections
A smiling man in Notre Dame blue and gold doctoral regalia and glasses speaks at the University of Notre Dame commencement podium, wearing a presidential chain of office. Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C.: Charge to the Class of 2026

Commencement videos and transcripts

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Last visit to the Grotto

On May 14th, seniors made their last visit to the Grotto together as a class. The event marks the end of Senior Week and the beginning of Commencement Weekend.

Hundreds of Notre Dame students hold lit candles and programs, facing a priest in white vestments at an outdoor service.
A young woman speaks into a microphone outdoors on the University of Notre Dame campus, wearing a brown hoodie, with Crowley Hall of Music visible in the background. What is one class you'll always remember?
  • Collage of diverse, smiling Notre Dame students; some in blue graduation caps and gowns, others in casual clothes.

    News

    Class of 2026: Meet some of the graduates

    Formed by a rich education and possessed of mature faith in service to others, members of the class of 2026 leave Notre Dame prepared to take their places at the forefront of discovery, innovation and human achievement.

Hand holding navy blue University of Notre Dame du Lac diploma cover with gold lettering and seal. Golden Dome blurred.

Notre Dame to confer 3,335 degrees over Commencement Weekend, May 16-17

The University of Notre Dame’s 181st Commencement Ceremony took take place on Sunday (May 17) in Notre Dame Stadium.

Sights of the Class of 2026

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