UC To Celebrate Over 500 Graduates This Weekend

The hard work of UC students, faculty, and staff will pay off this weekend as the University of Charleston honors its newest graduates at its Spring 2026 Commencement. This milestone event brings together the entire campus, as well as families, friends, and loved ones, to celebrate UC students as they launch their futures.

When: Saturday, May 2, 2026 (There will be two ceremonies)

Where: H. Bernard Wehrle Athletic Arena, University of Charleston Campus

Time: Undergraduate students from the Charleston campus and UC-Beckley location will be recognized at 10:00 a.m. All online and graduate students will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m.

This year's ceremonies will feature two accomplished keynote speakers: Amanda Barren, WOWK anchor and reporter, will speak at the morning ceremony, and UC alum Ryan Moran, director of the Washington State Health Care Authority, will speak at the afternoon graduation ceremony. Both speakers will receive honorary degrees from the university.

The celebration marks a significant milestone for 580 graduates from UC's Charleston, Beckley, and online campuses and its five distinct schools: the School of Arts & Sciences, School of Health Sciences, School of Business, School of Leadership, and the School of Pharmacy.

The afternoon ceremony will hold special significance, as it will include the final graduating class from the UC School of Pharmacy.

Several programs are holding individual ceremonies the evening before.

Commencement weekend reflects UC's mission to prepare graduates for meaningful careers and lives of leadership, service, and impact.