2026 Ceremony
Commencement will be full of special moments as student leaders, university administrators, and a keynote speaker address the graduating Class of 2026. There is a lot to enjoy, as well as an exciting finale immediately following the ceremony!
Join us at the Casino Del Sol Stadium, 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 15. It's time to celebrate your graduate's incredible accomplishments!
2026 Commencement Speaker
Eric Schmidt
Eric Schmidt, former CEO and chairman of Google, co-founder of Schmidt Sciences, and leading architect in the era of artificial intelligence, will deliver the University of Arizona's Commencement address. Few leaders have played a more defining role in shaping the future and advancing scientific frontiers through private investment, philanthropic giving, and private-public partnership.
Schmidt led Google's rise from startup to global powerhouse. He and his wife Wendy Schmidt founded Schmidt Sciences, which is developing the world's first fully privately funded space telescope. The U of A will develop instruments for the 3-meter space telescope that will advance a range of astrophysical investigations.
2026 Honorary Degree Recipients
Eric Schmidt will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Science from the U of A College of Science. He is one of five honorary degree recipients.
Alumni Achievement Awardee
Cisco Aguilar
BSBA, '00; MBA & JD, '04
Cisco Aguilar is driving a bold transformation of Nevada’s Secretary of State office, leading major technology overhauls that modernize elections, streamline business filings, and expand voter access statewide.
A seasoned legal leader and entrepreneur, he launched a sports technology startup that facilitated over $140 million in earnings for NCAA student-athletes and championed education initiatives that create opportunity in underserved communities.
2026 Outstanding Senior Awardees
Tag Your Photos
#BearDownGrad #WildcatforLife
It's a great way to share your Wildcat pride with us and your fellow graduates.
