May 14 Commencement to celebrate IUK Class of 2026

KOKOMO, Ind. - Indiana University Kokomo will celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026 at its Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 14.

The ceremony will honor the 571 members of the Class of 2026, who represent 45 Indiana counties, 12 states, and 12 countries. More than 22 percent of the graduates are first generation college students, and 24 are graduating with a 4.0 grade point average.

Eighty-one students are earning master's degrees, 490 are earning bachelor's degrees, and 13 are receiving associate degrees. Some students earned more than one degree.

Lucy Ponce, Logansport, will represent the class as student speaker. Grace Briney, Kokomo, will lead singing of the National Anthem and Alma Mater. Dean Stoll, Peru, will lead induction of the class into the IU Alumni Association.

The School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions has the largest number of graduates, with 108 earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The second most frequent degree earned by the class of 2026 is the Bachelor of Science in Business, with 65 graduates.

Chancellor Mark Canada will present the graduating class at 6 p.m. at the IU Kokomo Pavilion. The outdoor ceremony recognizes December 2025, May 2026, and August 2026 graduates.

Canada congratulated the class on this significant milestone.

"Commencement is an opportunity to celebrate our students' achievements, as well as the impressive work that our faculty and staff have done to support them," he said. "It's a special time."

In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will take place at the Pavilion if it is raining, but will be postponed if there is lightning or the weather worsens. Those attending should watch the Indiana University Kokomo Facebook page for updates.

Free parking is available near the Student Activities and Events Center, with campus police and emergency management assisting.

No tickets are required, as seating is general admission. Accessible seating is available. Gates open at 4 p.m., the procession will start at 5:45 p.m. and the ceremony will begin promptly at 6 p.m. unless postponed for weather. There will be a reception for graduates and their families in the Student Activities and Events Center immediately following the ceremony.

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.