UNCF Congratulates the Class of 2026!
UNCF wishes great success to all the talented, determined graduates of its member institutions.
As the Class of 2026 steps out into the world, they carry their institutions’ legacies forward. Graduates leave not only with degrees, but with direction and a commitment to serve and lead, facing a shining future ahead of them. As our graduates receive their degrees, enter the job market, enter further education, or take their first steps toward great careers, UNCF will continue to support the new cohort of hopeful, expectant students entering college this year.
Some UNCF-member institutions will stream their ceremonies as well as hold in-person events. Contact the school if you wish to attend in person, as you may need a ticket or may need to follow safety protocols. You can click on the school names below to see details of commencement ceremony times and locations. Commencement speakers are also listed.
Graduations by date:
April 25
Lane College: Kimberly A. Blackwell, CEO & founder, PMM Agency
May 2
Jarvis Christian University: Mrs. Yvonne Atkins, award-winning educator and president, Tyler Independent School District Board of Trustees
Livingstone College: Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, American academic, author, Baptist minister and radio host (watch the recording)
Morris College: Rev. Dr. Karrianna Bryant, First Lady and executive pastor of Creative/Experience, New Hope Church, Atlanta, GA
Philander Smith University: Dr. Tionna L. Jenkins, a 2001 alumna, public health leader and chair of the university’s Board of Trustees
Voorhees University: Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO, UNCF (watch the recording)
Wilberforce University: New York City Councilwoman Selvena N. Brooks-Powers
Wiley University: Mr. Charles E. Johnson, president, SodexoMagic
May 3
Fisk University: Delroy Lindo, Academy Award and Tony nominee
Rust College: Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, American academic, author, Baptist minister and radio host
Talladega College: Caroline Wanga, co-founder and Chief Visionary Officer, WangaWoman LLC, previously president and CEO of ESSENCE Ventures LLC
Tougaloo College: Demond Martin, co-founder & CEO, WellWithAll
May 8
Benedict College: Daryl A. Graham, senior vice president, HBCU and engagement, Strada Education Foundation
Bethune-Cookman University: Eric Ham, 1995 alumnus of the University of Michigan-Dearborn (CASL), prominent foreign policy expert, accomplished journalist and bestselling author (watch the recording)
Oakwood University: Phylicia Rashad, award-winning actress, director, educator and pillar of arts education
May 9
Allen University: Congressman Jim Clyburn, U.S. representative for South Carolina’s 6th congressional district
Claflin University: Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, American academic, author, Baptist minister and radio host
Dillard University: Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr., U.S. representative for Louisiana’s 2nd congressional district
Edward Waters University: Dr. Walter Kimbrough, executive vice president, UNCF (watch the livestream)
Florida Memorial University: Her Excellency Sharon Lady Wilson KC; non-resident Ambassador, to the United Mexican States; former Senate President, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas; and distinguished Bahamian attorney
The Interdenominational Theological Center: Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale, founder and senior pastor, Ray of Hope Christian Church, received an honorary doctorate degree from the Interdenominational Theological Center in 2009
LeMoyne-Owen College: Don Scott, speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates
Miles College: Cheryl McKissack Daniel, American civil engineer and businesswoman, president and chief executive officer, McKissack & McKissack
Paine College: Honorable Michael L. Thurmond, chief executive officer, DeKalb
County, GA and Paine alumnus
Shaw University: Edwina Findley Dickerson, award-winning author, film, television and theatre actress
Stillman College: Earvin “Magic” Johnson, American businessman and former professional basketball player (watch the livestream)
Texas College: Bishop Charley Hames Jr., Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (watch the livestream)
Tuskegee University: Earvin “Magic” Johnson, American businessman and former professional basketball player
Virginia Union University: Ambassador Abubakar Jidda, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in New York
Xavier University of Louisiana: His Eminence Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, chancellor, Pontifical Academies of Sciences and Social Sciences
May 16
Bennett College: Natalie V. McLean, D.Min., served as chaplain of Bennett College for more than 21 years
Huston-Tillotson University: Lisa Nichols, New York Times bestselling author, founder and CEO, Motivating the Masses
May 17
Johnson C. Smith University: Maryland Governor Wes Moore
Morehouse College: Chris Paul, NBA All-Star and Olympian, philanthropist, entrepreneur and leader
Spelman College: Symone Sanders Townsend, co-anchor of MS NOW’s “The Weeknight” and the youngest presidential press secretary in history while on Senator Bernie Sander’s 2016 presidential campaign
May 18
Clark Atlanta University: Debbie Allen, award-winning actor, dancer, choreographer, director, producer, singer, writer and teacher
- Allen University
- Benedict College
- Bennett College
- Bethune-Cookman University
- Claflin University
- Clark Atlanta University
- Dillard University
- Edward Waters College
- Fisk University
- Florida Memorial University
- Huston-Tillotson University
- Interdenominational Theological Center
- Jarvis Christian University
- Johnson C. Smith University
- Lane College
- LeMoyne-Owen College
- Livingstone College
- Miles College
- Morehouse College
- Morris College
- Oakwood University
- Paine College
- Philander Smith University
- Rust College
- Saint Augustine's University
- Shaw University
- Spelman College
- Stillman College
- Talladega College
- Texas College
- Tougaloo College
- Tuskegee University
- Virginia Union University
- Voorhees University
- Wilberforce University
- Wiley University
- Xavier University of Louisiana
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