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Commencement
Rutgers logo
Commencement
Rutgers logo
Commencement
Rutgers logo
Commencement

  • Rutgers–New Brunswick & Rutgers Health Commencement

Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement 

Congratulations Class of 2026!

Commencement is one of the proudest moments at Rutgers. From the unforgettable sight of the entire Class of 2026 gathered together for the 260th Anniversary Commencement at SHI Stadium—led by President Tate and featuring an inspiring keynote address—to the moment you cross the stage at your school’s Convocation, this milestone is a celebration of everything you’ve achieved. Ring the iconic Red Lion Bell to conclude your Rutgers journey and make it truly unforgettable.

Commencement Photos Now Available

View and download photos from Commencement! Graduates, families, and friends can visit our Commencement photo folder to relive the celebration, find favorite moments from the day, and share memories with loved ones.

Watch: 2026 Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement

The entire presentation is now available for on-demand viewing. Closed captioning is available.

2026 Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement

Let Us Know What You Think

Did you enjoy Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement at SHI Stadium? Do you think that there is anything we could do to improve the experience in the coming years? Take our survey and let us know.

260th Anniversary Commencement Survey

View Photos from the 2026 Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement

Graduating students in regalia on the field celebrating and waving their inflatable flags while confetti launches in the air.
Two students standing in their rows posing with their arms out, smiling. The commencement stage appears behind them.
Graduating students in regalia on the field celebrating and waving their inflatable flags.
Two graduating students in regalia standing in front of the commencement stage, smiling and holding their inflatable flags representing their schools.
Graduating students in regalia pose with the Scarlet Knight mascot.
Christopher Godoy in regalia speaking behind a podium.
Aerial view of the graduates sitting in rows across the stage.
Mace Bearer Patrick Melillo leads the procession on the field.
Christopher Markus in regalia speaking behind a podium.
NJ Governor Mikie Sherrill in regalia speaking behind a podium.
Chris Markus being hooded on stage.
Governor Mikie Sherrill being hooded on stage.
Aimee Towers in regalia speaking behind a podium.
President Tate in regalia speaking behind a podium.
Behind shot of graduates sitting in rows on field. Their mortarboards are displayed.
Graduating students in regalia on the field celebrating and waving their inflatable flags while confetti, smoke, and crackles launches in the air.
Graduating students pose for a group photo.
Christopher Godoy poses with his family in front of the stage.
Two students in regalia pose in front of a mural at the SHI stadium.
Student in regalia with an American flag stole holding a first generation sticker as he smiles.
Graduating student in regalia rings the bell at SHI stadium.
Graduating students in regalia on the field celebrating and waving their inflatable flags while celebratory confetti, red smoke, and crackles launch in the air.

The Class of 2026 celebrates their significant academic achievement at Rutgers’ 260th Anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Nick Romanenko

The Class of 2026 celebrates their significant academic achievement at Rutgers’ 260th Anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Nick Romanenko

The Class of 2026 celebrates their significant academic achievement at Rutgers’ 260th Anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Nick Romanenko

The Class of 2026 celebrates their significant academic achievement at Rutgers’ 260th Anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Nick Romanenko

The Class of 2026 celebrates their significant academic achievement at Rutgers’ 260th Anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Nick Romanenko

Rutgers University Student Assembly President Christopher Godoy delivers remarks at Rutgers’ 260th Anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Nick Romanenko

The Class of 2026 on the SHI Stadium field at the start of Rutgers’ 260th Anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Ed Murray

Interim Secretary of the University Patrick Melillo leads the procession of Rutgers’ 260th Anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Nick Romanenko

Emmy Award-winning screenwriter and Rutgers alumnus Chris Markus addresses the Class of 2026 at Rutgers’ 260th Anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Nick Romanenko

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill addresses graduates and attendees at Rutgers’ 260th Anniversary Commencement on May 17, 2026.

Nick Romanenko

Emmy Award-winning screenwriter and Rutgers alumnus Chris Markus receives an honorary doctor of letters degree from Rutgers University at the 260th Anniversary Commencement on May 17, 2026.

Nick Romanenko

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill receives an honorary doctor of laws degree from Rutgers University at the 260th Anniversary Commencement on May 17, 2026.

Nick Romanenko

Chair of the Board of Governors Amy Towers welcomes graduates and attendees at Rutgers’ 260th Anniversary Commencement on May 17, 2026.

Nick Romanenko

President William F. Tate IV addresses the Class of 2026 at Rutgers’ 260th Anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Nick Romanenko

Graduating students don celebratory mortarboards during Rutgers’ 260th Anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Nick Romanenko

The Class of 2026 celebrates their significant academic achievement at Rutgers’ 260th Anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Nick Romanenko

The Class of 2026 celebrates their significant academic achievement at Rutgers’ 260th Anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Nick Romanenko

Rutgers University Student Assembly President Christopher Godoy with his family at Rutgers’ 260th Anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Nick Romanenko

The Class of 2026 celebrates their significant academic achievement at Rutgers’ 260th Anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Nick Romanenko

The Class of 2026 celebrates their significant academic achievement at Rutgers’ 260th Anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Nick Romanenko

The Class of 2026 celebrates their significant academic achievement at Rutgers’ 260th Anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Nick Romanenko

The Class of 2026 celebrates their significant academic achievement at Rutgers’ 260th Anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Ed Murray

Ceremonies & Celebrations

Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health hold Commencement and school-based Convocation ceremonies once a year, in May. 

Click below to learn more.

Graduating students celebrate during Rutgers 259th anniversary Commencement

260th Anniversary Commencement

The big celebration. President Tate officially confers the degrees of graduates from Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Rutgers Health.
SAS grad crossing stage and shaking hands with Dean with fellow graduates watch.

School Convocations

Graduates have their stage crossing moment and receive individual recognition at these ceremonies.

Click here for more information.
Happy graduates

Celebrations and Commissioning

Events that celebrate and recognize the diverse identities of graduates.

Rutgers graduates who complete ROTC training are commissioned into their respective branch of the United States Military. 

Click here for more information.
First generation student at commencement

Additional Ceremonies in Newark and Camden

Please visit the websites of Rutgers University–Newark and Rutgers University–Camden for information on the Class of 2026 Commencements and Convocations.