Celebrating the Accomplishments of our Graduating Students

Commencement 2026

Watch the ceremony
Information For Students
Information For Students

Join the Celebration

Three graduates, two women and one man, are smiling and posing together in their graduation caps and gowns. The woman on the left is wearing a blue and gold sash, while the man in the middle has a beard and glasses. The third graduate on the right is also smiling broadly. They are in a celebratory atmosphere, surrounded by fellow graduates in the background.

Commemorating our Graduating Class of 2026

Thank you to all the family members, friends, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members who joined us in celebrating the accomplishments of the Graduating Class of 2026 on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the University Field House.

  • Graduate Ceremony: 9 to 11 a.m. ET
  • Undergraduate Ceremony: 2 to 4 p.m. ET

The ceremonies were livestreamed on YouTube for those who were unable to attend in person.

Congratulations again to the Graduating Class of 2026 — we are proud of all you have achieved!

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Program Book

Tickets are required to attend commencement ceremonies in person

Tickets are by invitation of a graduating student
For other ticketing questions or concerns, please contact the Commencement Committee.

Moments from the Ceremony

A person wearing a graduation gown and cap, with long hair, stands amidst a crowd in an indoor venue, likely during a graduation ceremony.
A group of seven graduates in blue caps and gowns celebrate outdoors in front of a building, holding their diplomas and cheering with raised arms.
A graduate wearing a black cap and gown with colorful kente stoles, holding a diploma, appears focused and proud as she stands among fellow graduates in a crowded auditorium.
A group of women wearing vibrant, patterned dresses are marching and playing musical instruments, including drums, while smiling and engaging with an audience in a gymnasium setting.
A group of diverse graduates wearing black caps and gowns, smiling together at a graduation ceremony. Some graduates are adorned with colorful stoles, and they are standing in a line in a gymnasium setting.
A group of six women, dressed in academic regalia, stand together on stage. The background features a blue curtain with a university emblem. Flowers are arranged in the foreground. The women display a range of colors in their robes, including blue and red, and appear to be celebrating a special occasion, likely a graduation or academic ceremony.
A group of graduates wearing black caps and gowns, seated in an auditorium. They appear focused and attentive, with one graduate wearing a colorful sash, while others have distinctive hairstyles. The background includes a blurred audience and a projector screen.
Four individuals are standing together on stage, smiling and posing for a photo during a graduation ceremony. The first person, on the left, is wearing a blue academic robe and glasses. The second person, in the center, is in a black graduation gown and holding a framed certificate. The third person, also in a black gown, is wearing a purple academic hood and appears to be speaking. The fourth person, on the right, is in a black gown with a white stole. In the background, there is a large American flag and draped fabric in blue.
A smiling graduate wearing a cap and gown, with hands raised in celebration, stands on stage against a blurred background featuring a university emblem.
A man in a blue graduation gown and cap, wearing a colorful stole, is being honored on stage by two women. One woman is dressed in a green academic robe, and the other in a black gown, both are smiling as they assist with the ceremonial attire. The background features blue drapery, indicating an academic ceremony.
Three graduates stand together outside a building, smiling and holding their diplomas. The man on the left wears sunglasses and a graduation cap, along with a blue robe and a sash. The graduate in the center, also in a cap and gown, wears a multi-colored stole. The woman on the right, in a black robe and cap, holds a bouquet of flowers. Bright sunlight and greenery are visible in the background.
A group of graduates wearing black caps and gowns smiles for the camera, holding diplomas and adorned with colorful stoles and floral arrangements. The scene is set outside, with greenery and a brick building in the background.
A group of five graduates wearing black caps and gowns, holding diplomas and bouquets of flowers, smiling and celebrating outdoors.
A graduate with curly hair waves to the audience while wearing a cap and gown, adorned with colorful stoles. The background features other graduates and an audience in a large indoor venue.
Three graduates pose together, wearing caps and gowns, with smiles on their faces. The woman on the left has long dark hair and is wearing a blue and yellow stole. The man in the middle has a beard and glasses, while the woman on the right has short hair and is wearing a patterned shawl. They are celebrating in a crowded graduation venue.
A group of graduates in academic regalia celebrating at a graduation ceremony. Some are wearing blue gowns and caps, while others wear red gowns. The atmosphere is festive, with attendees in the background.
A graduation ceremony scene featuring a man in a graduation gown receiving a hood from a woman, while two other men in academic regalia observe. The background includes a blue backdrop with a symbolic emblem.
A group of graduates in blue caps and gowns walks across a stage, smiling and celebrating during a commencement ceremony. The backdrop features blue drapes and a large screen displaying the audience. Some graduates wear sashes, and faculty members in traditional academic regalia are present.
Two women celebrate at a graduation event, one wearing a cap and gown holding a diploma, while the other poses with a balloon that says "Congrats." In the background, a crowd cheers and a tent displays "Commencement Gifts."
Two young men are standing together, both wearing graduation gowns and adorned with colorful leis. They are smiling and posing for the photo, with one making a "shaka" hand gesture. Behind them is a brick building with the word "HOUSE" visible.

Graduate Commencement Ceremony

  • Friday, May 15, 2026 | 9 to 11 a.m. ET

Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony

  • Friday, May 15, 2026 | 2 to 4 p.m. ET
Commencement Ceremony - Close Vision

Keynote Speakers

The commencement keynote speaker for each ceremony is a notable figure selected to offer advice and reflections to our graduating classes as they prepare to share with the world their knowledge and skills gained at Gallaudet University.

This year, we are honored to have Honorary Chair Yohei Sasakawa deliver the keynote address for the graduate ceremony, and Nyle DiMarco, ’13 as the keynote presenter for the undergraduate ceremony.

A smiling elderly man with a short beard, wearing a light blue suit jacket over a pink shirt. He has a small orange ribbon pinned to his lapel and is set against a soft blue background.

Mr. Yohei Sasakawa

Honorary Chair, The Nippon Foundation, and global humanitarian

Doctor of Humane Letters

Graduate Ceremony Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient

Biography
A close-up portrait of a man with short, styled hair and a well-groomed beard, wearing a dark blue sweater. He has a serious expression and is facing the camera against a soft purple background.

Mr. Nyle DiMarco, '13

Emmy-nominated filmmaker, actor, and international human rights advocate

Doctor of Arts

Undergraduate Ceremony Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient

Biography

Keynote speakers have been a part of Gallaudet University’s commencement tradition since 1869. The Archives and Deaf Collections maintains an annually updated list of those who have addressed our graduates over the years.

Past Keynote Speakers

Student Commencement Speakers

These students speakers will share their journeys, insights, and advice to their graduating classes to prepare them for the future after Gallaudet University. It is an honor for these students to be selected as Undergraduate or Graduate Commencement Speaker.

A woman wearing a maroon hijab and a light-colored, loose-fitting top smiles confidently, with her arms crossed, in a well-lit indoor setting.

Wadha Alshammari

M.A. in Deaf Education

Graduate Class of 2026 Speaker

Biography
A person with short, styled hair and glasses is wearing a white shirt and a black vest. They are looking directly at the camera with a slight smile, showing confidence. The background is a gradient of dark green.

Christopher “Salt” Morton

B.A. in Communication Studies (online)

Undergraduate Class of 2026 Speaker

Biography

Gallaudet University has selected undergraduate and graduate students to speak to their graduating classes since 1991. If you would like to know who were our previous student speakers, our Archives and Deaf Collections updates the list annually.

Past Student Speakers

Faculty Emerit

A smiling older man with a beard and glasses, wearing a light-colored button-up shirt, stands in front of a window with natural light.

Dr. Benjamin Bahan

Deaf Studies

Professor Emeritus

A smiling older woman with short, silver hair and glasses, wearing a black long-sleeve shirt, stands with her hands on her hips in front of a green wooden wall.

Dr. Beth S. Benedict

Communication Studies

Professor Emerita

A smiling woman with curly brown hair is wearing a dark blue polo shirt with a logo. She is standing in front of a decorative stone column, with a red wall in the background.

Prof. Sarah Burton Doleac

Physical Education and Recreation

Professor Emerita

A smiling woman with long, curly hair, wearing a blue shirt and a beaded necklace, stands outdoors with greenery in the background.

Dr. Arlene B. Kelly

Deaf Studies

Professor Emerita

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a white lace cardigan over a light-colored top, smiles at the camera. She is standing in a well-lit indoor space with a modern design.

Dr. Laura-Ann Petitto

Educational Neuroscience

Professor Emerita

A smiling woman with braided hair wears a black blazer over a red and white patterned blouse. She stands in an indoor setting with blurred backgrounds, conveying a professional and friendly demeanor.

Dr. Carolyn McCaskill

Deaf Studies

Professor Emerita

A woman with short, styled brown and black hair wearing glasses and gold hoop earrings, smiling in front of a blurred background. She is dressed in a white blazer.

Dr. Elizabeth A. Moore

Social Work

Professor Emerita

Commencement Awards

Each year in May, we recognize the accomplishments of students who have demonstrated academic excellence and exceptional leadership in their fields.

Please join us in celebrating our Award recipients and their outstanding scholarly achievements!

Undergraduate Awards
Graduate Awards
Past Awards
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Tim Cook presenting to the audience at a Gallaudet Commencement ceremony

Past Commencements

Join previous classes in reliving the memories and inspiration of their graduation ceremonies.

Watch below and be inspired by the words of these accomplished leaders such as notable speakers including Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum of Mount Holyoke College and author, Dr. Annelies Kusters of Heriot-Watt University, Scotland, Dr. Naomi Caselli of Boston University, and so many more.

Watch now and be inspired by the words of these accomplished leaders

FAQs

  • These recommendations are intended for graduating students who test positive for COVID prior to commencement. Graduating students who show symptoms of COVID will not be allowed to attend the ceremony.
  • Students with COVID within days 1-5, who are not showing active symptoms such as cough and/or fever will be allowed to sit in a designated room in the fieldhouse apart from the commencement ceremony and will watch the event on TV in the separate area. They will be brought into the ceremony by a volunteer worker and walk on stage to receive their degrees and then return to the designated space to watch the rest of the ceremony.
  • Students can test out after their 5th day of isolation to return to daily activities and attend commencement activities as normal, but should mask up until day 10. 
    • This includes walking on the stage. 
  • Students with COVID and not showing symptoms should be masked up at all times while sitting in the designated room.
  • Exception to the mask policy: Students will be allowed to walk at the end of the ceremony with a modified walk that could include mask removal for a brief amount of time for photographs.
  • There will be no attendance for rehearsal.

Tickets are required for entrance to commencement. You must have a ticket by invitation of a graduating student, or be a volunteer, to attend.

Information for Students

You can find the GradFest Checklist to help prepare you for the Commencement week festivities. The Checklist includes information on the GradFest, cap and gown orders, ceremony schedule, ticketing, housing and meal accommodations, events, and more.

If you have any specific questions that are not answered on the webpage, please feel free to contact the Commencement Team via the contact form below. We are here to assist you in any way we can.

Contact Us

Honorary Chair Yohei Sasakawa

Yohei Sasakawa, Honorary Chair of The Nippon Foundation and a globally recognized humanitarian and human rights leader, will deliver the graduate commencement address. During the ceremony, Gallaudet will confer the honorary degree of Doctors of Humane Letters upon Honorary Chair Sasakawa in recognition of his extraordinary leadership and longstanding contributions to advancing opportunities for Deaf and hard of hearing communities worldwide.

Honorary Chair Sasakawa is the Honorary Chair of The Nippon Foundation, Japan’s largest private philanthropic organization and one of the world’s foremost supporters of education and disability inclusion. For more than three decades, he has partnered with Gallaudet University to strengthen access to higher education for Deaf students globally.

Under his leadership, The Nippon Foundation established scholarship funds that have supported more than 400 international Deaf students at Gallaudet and partner institutions. These investments have expanded opportunities for Deaf scholars and researchers across continents and strengthened global Deaf leadership networks.

The Nippon Foundation has supported initiatives to promote bilingual deaf education, advance sign language research, expand postsecondary education networks for Deaf students, advocate for sign language rights, and promote disability inclusion in public and private sectors. Through sustained global partnerships, Honorary Chair Sasakawa has helped elevate disability rights within international policy conversations.

In addition to his longstanding commitment to disability inclusion, Honorary Chair Sasakawa has devoted his life to advancing human rights, public health, and humanitarian initiatives worldwide. His work has addressed issues including poverty alleviation, global health, peacebuilding, and the elimination of stigma and discrimination against marginalized communities.

Honorary Chair Sasakawa has received numerous international honors recognizing his humanitarian leadership and public service.

Nyle DiMarco

Nyle DiMarco, ’13, Emmy-nominated filmmaker, actor, and Deaf activist, will deliver the undergraduate commencement address. During the ceremony, Gallaudet will confer the honorary degree of Doctors of Humane Letters upon Mr. DiMarco in recognition of his extraordinary leadership and longstanding contributions to advancing opportunities for Deaf and hard of hearing communities worldwide.

A 2013 graduate of Gallaudet University with a degree in mathematics, Mr. DiMarco has become one of the most visible Deaf leaders in media and entertainment. He first gained national recognition as the first Deaf winner of America’s Next Top Model (2015) and later Dancing With the Stars (2016), using those platforms to highlight Deaf culture and language to mainstream audiences.

In 2025, Mr. DiMarco made Emmy history as the first Deaf filmmaker nominated in a directing category for his co-directing of the Apple TV+ documentary Deaf President Now! alongside Academy Award winner Davis Guggenheim. The film chronicles the historic 1988 student-led protest at Gallaudet University that reshaped leadership at the institution and became a pivotal moment in the disability rights movement.

Mr. DiMarco also created and executive-produced Netflix’s Deaf U, a reality series following Gallaudet students, and ensured significant Deaf representation behind the camera. His 2022 memoir, Deaf Utopia: A Memoir — and a Love Letter to a Way of Life, was a New York Times Best Seller.

Beyond entertainment, Mr. DiMarco is an international advocate for Deaf rights as human rights. Through the Nyle DiMarco Foundation, founded in 2016, he supports bilingual education, language access, and resources for Deaf children and families worldwide. He has worked with global organizations including the United Nations and the World Economic Forum to advance disability inclusion and equity.

Wadha Alshammari

Wadha brings a powerful perspective shaped by her international upbringing and early experiences navigating limited access to Deaf education. After becoming Deaf at a young age and losing both parents, she was raised by her siblings, who became her first advocates and teachers.

Despite being told that her dream of becoming an educator was “impossible,” she forged her own path, grounding her work in identity, perseverance, and the understanding that success is rarely linear. Wadha’s experiences bring depth and reflection to this year’s Commencement.

Christopher “Salt” Morton

Salt is the first undergraduate student speaker representing one of Gallaudet’s online programs. Salt has walked solo across North America, from California to New Jersey, a journey that has shaped his reflections on resilience, vulnerability, integrity, and accountability. His story highlights how meaningful challenges can shape character and strengthen one’s commitment to growth.