Photograph by Cody Troyer (’26M)

Spring Commencement

Celebrating the Class of 2026

Across campus, graduates gathered with family, friends, faculty, and staff to mark the milestone with ceremonies, celebrations, and purple pride.

Jim Heffernan (’96, ’17M)

James Madison University celebrated the Class of 2026 during Spring Commencement ceremonies May 14–16, as campus came alive with tradition, recognition and celebration. Graduates gathered with family, friends, faculty and staff to honor the achievement. From medallion ceremonies and convocations to college commencements and ROTC commissionings, these events reflected the spirit and traditions that define the Madison Experience.

“Dukes, your degree is a promise — not that your path is clear or will always be easy, but that you are ready to discover and to create it.”

— President Jim Schmidt

View photos and highlights from commencement weekend below.

A graduate in purple shakes President Jim’s hand.

(Photo: Rachel Holderman)

A student and faculty member hug in front of Wilson Hall after the Nursing convocation.

(Photo: Julia Weaver (’21))

Graduates and their families filled AUBC.

(Photo: Rachel Holderman)

Air Force ROTC Commissioning.

(Photo: Tiffany Showalter)

A graduate preparing to be donned at the annual Donning of the Kente ceremony.

(Photo: Olive Santos (’20))

Students pose for a photo in AUBC.

(Photo: Olive Santos (’20))

Graduates look toward the stage during the COB ceremony.

(Photo: Rachel Holderman)

A smiling graduate collects high-fives after walking across the stage.

(Photo: Olive Santos (’20))

President Schmidt high-fives graduates while walking down the aisle in AUBC.

(Photo: Cody Troyer (’26M))

A student smiles during the doctoral hooding ceremony.

(Photo: Rachel Holderman)

A smiling graduate raises her diploma in excitement.

(Photo: Olive Santos (’20))

A faculty member presents an Honors graduate with a medallion.

(Photo: Olive Santos (’20))

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