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    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: Dr. Cheryl McKissack Daniel, chair of the board, McKissack & McKissack; author of The Black Family Who Built America

    Paine College: Honorable Michael L. Thurmond, chief executive officer, DeKalb
    County, GA and Paine alumnus

    Saint Augustine’s University:

    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: MC Lyte, rapper, DJ, actress, director, producer, philanthropist

    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

    The post UNCF Congratulates the Class of 2026! appeared first on UNCF.

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