UC graduates cross finish line at commencement

Thunderstorms throughout the day did not dampen the enthusiasm of grads and their supporters at the two ceremonies.

Among them was the family of registered nurse Nydia Stanley, who graduated from UC's College of Nursing. Her two boys, Karter, 9, and Zion, 5, got to watch her take the stage at Fifth Third Arena. She modeled her graduation regalia for her children before the ceremony. 

“She looked beautiful,“ Karter said.

UC President Neville Pinto welcomed guests and congratulated graduates in his opening remarks.

“Graduates, this is your day. Earning a degree is no small thing. It reflects not only academic excellence but resilience, determination and countless hours of hard work,“ Pinto said. “So I hope you will pause today and reflect not just on the diploma you receive but the journey it represents.“

UC College-Conservatory of Music graduate Jadyn Riggs performed the national anthem before a UC Honor Guard. She also led grads in singing the Alma Mater.

Provost Rudolph Buchheit welcomed grads to the family of more than 370,000 alumni around the world and introduced undergraduate student speaker Sofia Parisotto Ferrigolo, a graduate of UC's Carl H. Lindner College of Business.

“The people beside you today will celebrate your biggest milestones and answer your phone calls when life gets hard,“ she said. “That's what makes being a Bearcat so special. We don't just celebrate each other's success. We help create it.“

Pinto recognized the 5% of grads in the summer class of 2026 who are military veterans or dependents of veterans. 

Neurobiology major De'Asya Allen had a big cheering section of family.

“She was on the Dean's List all four years. She's dedicated to learning,“ her grandfather, Richard Wooldridge, said.

UC awarded 142 doctoral degrees at a hooding ceremony Friday afternoon at Fifth Third Arena. Pinto recognized the significance of each grad's accomplishments.

“A doctoral degree represents the highest level of academic achievement,“ Pinto said.

“Whether your path leads you into academia, industry, clinical practice, artistic creation, scientific research, public service or entrepreneurship, I hope you will remember the work you do must connect to purpose: improving lives, strengthening communities and shaping a more just and hopeful future for all.“

UC Graduate College Interim Dean Ryan White offered his congratulations to grads.

“Today is more than the completion of your degree. It marks your next chapter as scholars, researchers, innovators and professionals ready to advance knowledge and solve complex challenges and make a difference in the world,“ White said. “We can't wait to see the discoveries you make and the impact you have in the years ahead.“

Provost Rudolph Buchheit introduced UC College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services graduate JP Pollard, who delivered the doctoral student address. Pollard is a social worker who graduated from UC's School of Psychology.

“The letters behind our names are not just symbols of our individual accomplishments,“ Pollard said. “They also remind us that great things are accomplished together.“

UC conferred 2,136 degrees upon the 2,125 graduates, according to preliminary numbers from UC’s Office of Institutional Research. Some students earned multiple degrees.

One in four summer graduates was a first-generation college student. And 73 students in the summer class of 2026 were graduates of Cincinnati Public Schools.

The summer class of 2026 features students from 45 states and 54 countries.

The youngest grad, earning a bachelor’s degree, is 18. The oldest, earning a master’s, is 66. And six graduates also have birthdays on Friday.

Featured image at top: Commencement is a time for celebration and gratitude as a student hugs a faculty member at Fifth Third Arena. Photo/Connor Boyle/UC Marketing + Brand