The obligatory cap toss: a Commencement tradition that never gets old. (Photos by Amy Manley unless otherwise noted)
Commencement 2026 in Photos
Congratulations, Class of 2026! Surrounded by family, friends, faculty and their fellow students, the University celebrated its newest graduates during the annual Commencement ceremony in the JMA Wireless Dome on Sunday, May 10.
NBC Sports broadcaster Mike Tirico ’88 returned to campus to deliver the keynote address. Acting Chancellor J. Michael Haynie conferred degrees on approximately 6,679 candidates.
These photos capture the energy, emotion and Orange pride of this milestone weekend. For more Commencement coverage, check out the keynote address by Tirico, Acting Chancellor Haynie’s remarks and student speaker and University Scholar Sadie Shaula Meyer ’26 addressing her fellow classmates.
Degrees in hand, Orange forever in their hearts.
All smiles from the Class of 2026.
Senior Class Marshals Chidera Olalere ’26 and Silke Pion ’26 lead their fellow graduates into the JMA Wireless Dome.
Sam Clemence, Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professor Emeritus, served as mace bearer for Commencement 2026.
Fr. Gerry Waterman, OFM Conv., Hendricks Chapel chaplain and advisor to the Catholic Association, Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse, delivers the invocation.
Acting Chancellor J. Michael Haynie addresses the graduates.
Tirico, an acclaimed sports broadcaster and vice chair of the Board of Trustees, delivers the Commencement keynote address.
Clifford J. Ensley ’69, ’70, G’71 (right), University trustee, entrepreneur and former Orange student-athlete, was awarded an honorary doctor of humane letters degree by Haynie.
Le Moyne College President Linda M. LeMura G’83, G’87 (right), the first female layperson to lead a Jesuit institution of higher education, received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from Haynie.
Dr. Ruth Chen (right), professor of practice in biomedical and chemical engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, received an honorary doctor of science degree from Board of Trustees Chair Jeffrey M. Scruggs.
Dr. Mantosh Dewan (right), president of Upstate Medical University and SUNY Distinguished Service Professor, received an honorary doctor of science degree from Haynie.
Joanne M. Mahoney ’87, L’90 (right), president of the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, received an honorary doctor of laws degree from Haynie.
David Syverud (right) accepted an honorary doctor of laws degree on behalf of his father, Kent Syverud, the 12th Chancellor and president of Syracuse University, from Scruggs.
Graduate School marshal Keturah Cochren-Albright leads the way during the Commencement processional.
Shaula Meyer, a graduate of the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the College of Arts and Sciences, was selected as the student speaker on behalf of the Class of 2026.
Decorated caps are one way to put a unique spin on students’ Commencement day attire.
Phones were in the air all morning to capture the day’s special moments.
Students celebrate at Commencement 2026.
Taking it all in, a graduate student soaks up the moment during the processional.
Capturing the excitement of that “I just graduated” feeling.
A member of the Class of 2026 is all smiles.
Caps on, tassel turned—it’s official.
When Commencement falls on Mother’s Day, mom deserves a shout-out, too.
Every graduate deserves a celebratory smooch from their No. 1 fan.
A celebratory hug on the Quad after Commencement 2026.
Adventure awaits the Class of 2026. (Photo by Charlie Poag)
Student veterans gather with Otto the Orange at the Veteran Commencement Ceremony on May 8. (Photo by Charlie Poag)
Mike Tirico ’88 snaps a selfie with student marshals before the ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University Alumni on Facebook)
