Celebrating UK graduates: May 2026 Commencement highlights
Video produced by UK Public Relations and Strategic Communications. To view captions for this video, push play and click on the CC icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. If using a mobile device, click on the “thought bubble” in the same area
A previous version of this story stated over 4,800 graduates particiapted in the Friday and Saturday ceremonies. Final data revealed that number to be over 5,100.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 11, 2026) — The University of Kentucky marked a milestone weekend as thousands of Wildcats crossed the stage during its largest-ever Commencement, celebrating the achievements of a record-setting Class of 2026.
Across four ceremonies May 8-9, at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, more than 5,100 graduates took part, surrounded by family and friends.
- To view Friday’s ceremonies, visit https://www.youtube.com/live/SRaePz7y-yU?si=hWw3g3QrIllPBUI9.
- To view Saturday’s ceremony, visit https://www.youtube.com/live/zxLUEVqBusE?si=e1PHT1s8xKhZMf8H.
In all, 6,693* May degree candidates — including 4,427 undergraduates, 1,526 graduate students and 740 professional students — were conferred. Watch the video above to hear from graduates about how it feels.
UK President Eli Capilouto welcomed graduates at each ceremony, joined by student speakers who shared reflections on their time at UK. Mostafa Mubarak, Maria Carolina Burn, Siena Pilati and Fatimah Alomar each brought a unique perspective to the stage, highlighting the resilience, curiosity and sense of community that shaped their journeys. Read more about the May 2026 student speakers in this previous UKNow story.
During the Friday evening ceremony, the university presented its highest honor to Malcolm J. Wilson, a documentary photographer, educator and storyteller, who received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts for his work elevating voices across the Appalachian region. Read more about Wilson in this previous UKNow story.
From the walk across the stage to celebrations with loved ones at Grad Gathering, the weekend captured the pride, energy and promise of the newest UK alumni. View the gallery below and online to see some of these memorable moments during the ceremonies.
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*These numbers reflect degree candidates, not individual graduates (some graduates earn more than one degree, thereby being counted as a degree candidate multiple times). Degrees will be certified by the UK registrar, ensuring individuals have satisfactorily completed all requirements. The most up-to-date information is available through UK and Institutional Research, Analytics and Decision Support.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.