Congratulations to the Class of 2026! On May 15, Gallaudet University celebrated a new generation of leaders at Commencement 2026.
During the graduate ceremony, graduating students were treated to a speech by Yohei Sasakawa, H-’26, Honorary Chair of the Nippon Foundation. He encouraged the graduates in attendance to “work toward a society in which more persons with disabilities can fully participate”. Sasakawa was also awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters during the ceremony.
Graduate Student Speaker Wadha Alshammari, G-’26, wants to transform education for deaf children in Saudi Arabia. “I hope you share your brilliance with the world,” she said to her fellow graduates.
The undergraduate ceremony welcomed Nyle DiMarco, ’13 & H-’26, as the keynote speaker. During the ceremony, DiMarco was awarded a Doctor of Arts honorary degree and recalled the lessons he learned as a Gallaudet student that still guide him today. He encouraged the new graduates to “go change things” as they move on to the next stage of their journeys.
Undergraduate Student Speaker Salt Morton, ’26, reflected on the legacy of Gallaudet and reminded his classmates to represent the university with pride.
You can relive Commencement 2026 by scrolling through the photos below. You can also watch recordings of both the Graduate Ceremony and Undergraduate Ceremony online.
More Commencement 2026:
- Honorary Chair Yohei Sasakawa’s graduate ceremony address
- Graduate Student Speaker Wadha Alshammari has big dreams for deaf education in Saudi Arabia
- Nyle DiMarco’s undergraduate ceremony address
- Undergraduate Student Speaker Salt Morton takes life one step at a time
- From partying to a PhD: keeping up with Reggie Bess
Jump: Undergraduate Ceremony | Graduate Ceremony | Class Photos
Undergraduate Ceremony
Graduate Ceremony
Class Photos
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