Thousands of Great Danes Get Ready to Graduate at UAlbany

Photo of a graduate's cap with 2026 tassels

Photo by Patrick Dodson

ALBANY, N.Y. (May 11, 2026) — The University at Albany will celebrate the Class of 2026 this week with a four-day series of Commencement events beginning May 14. Approximately 4,900 graduates will earn their degrees, joining a global network of more than 205,000 alumni.

Ceremonies and stage crossings will take place May 14-17, including the University-wide undergraduate ceremony on Saturday, May 16. at 11 a.m. on the Uptown Campus Entry Plaza lawn. Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs, a double alum (MPH ’05, DrPH ’14), will deliver the keynote address. The Class of 2026 student speaker is Amaya Neuwirth, a psychology and English major from Orchard Park, N.Y. A Newman Civic Fellow, Neuwirth was also a UAlbany ambassador and served as president of the University's Middle Earth Peer Assistance program.

A new University-wide graduate ceremony will take place later that afternoon at 2:30 p.m., featuring Nobel Prize winner and former UAlbany professor Joachim Frank, who will address the graduates and receive an honorary degree.

“I am so proud of the University at Albany Class of 2026 and I look forward to celebrating their incredible accomplishments at our commencement ceremonies. This graduating class includes award-winning researchers, artists, community organizers and campus leaders — they truly represent the very best of our institution. This weekend, they will earn degrees that are the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance. I am proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to all they will achieve in the future,” said Havidán Rodríguez, president of the University at Albany.

By the Numbers

Nearly 3,000 undergraduate students will receive degrees this year, including those who completed their courses between summer 2025 and spring 2026. The class spans 59 majors and represents 21 states and 27 countries. Students range in age from 20 to 67, with an average age of 23. The graduating class includes 35 veterans, and 38 percent are first-generation students.

At the graduate level, about 1,900 students will earn master’s, doctoral or certificate credentials this year. The class represents 20 states and 36 countries, with graduates ranging in age from 21 to 72 and an average age of 29. The graduating class also includes 12 veterans.

Commencement Schedule and Festivities

Undergraduate students will be recognized individually by their schools and colleges at stage crossings Thursday and Friday at the Broadview Center. Graduates will cross three stages in regalia before family, friends and faculty — a new tradition that was reinstated after the success of the “Great Dane Graduation Experience.”

On Sunday, doctoral candidates will be honored during a hooding and stage crossing celebration from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Broadview Center. Master’s and graduate certificate recipients will be individually recognized during stage crossings at the same venue from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The University will host the Torch Reception on Friday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on the Academic Podium overlooking the Main Fountain. The long-standing tradition marks the symbolic passing of the torch from the Class of 2026 to the Class of 2027.

“Commencement is a special moment for our academic community, when faculty, staff, families and friends come together to recognize each graduate’s journey. I look forward to celebrating alongside the Class of 2026 as they mark this important milestone and prepare for what comes next. These talented Great Danes have made a lasting mark on UAlbany, and we are excited to cheer them on as they begin their next chapter,” said Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Carol Kim.

The full schedule of events and activities is available on the University’s website. All events will be livestreamed on the University’s website and on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram using #UAlbanyGrad.