EIU’s Spring 2026 Commencement: The next step toward success for 1,000+ eligible graduates
May-07-2026Three graduation ceremonies at EIU May 9 to send confident, prepared leaders into the world & workforce
(Charleston, IL) — Eastern Illinois University's Spring 2026 commencement Saturday, May 9 will honor the University’s most recent graduates across diverse disciplines, including education, liberal arts, sciences, business, health, and technology. Three distinct ceremonies will take place, including a session in the morning (10 a.m.) for undergraduate degree earners in the College of Education and College of Liberal Arts & Sciences; a midday session (1 p.m.) for graduate degree earners across all disciplines in The Graduate School; and a session in the afternoon (4 p.m.) for undergraduate degree earners from the Lumpkin College of Business & Technology, the College of Health & Human Services, and Interdisciplinary Studies. University President Dr. Jay Gatrell will preside over each of the day’s ceremonies.
About the Graduates
More than 1,000 students representing 22 countries are eligible to graduate from EIU in Spring 2026. At a University renowned for building relationships with its students beginning on day one, the commencement ceremony for graduating EIU students is the ultimate academic accomplishment after years of classroom commitments and dedication to earning their degree.
Recently, two upcoming graduates were featured for sharing their EIU experiences, including future travel and hospitality professional Ella Aly of Golconda, Illinois (about 30 miles north of Paducah, Kentucky). Aly says “My experience at EIU has been life-changing…it was the first place where I truly felt happy and confident in myself.”
Aly will be joined by Teutopolis native Sydney Hanfland in earning a degree Saturday. Hanfland shares that “EIU is about so much more than academics…we celebrate each other, support each other, and build real relationships.” She plans to continue her education at EIU this summer as a master’s degree student in Eastern’s Communication Disorders & Sciences program.
Joining her more traditionally aged and first-generation students celebrating graduation this spring will be Nancy Knight of Champaign, Illinois, who at 70 years old will be EIU’s most seasoned Class of 2026 graduate. Knight, an Interdisciplinary Studies graduate, is proof positive that a higher education is accessible and affordable for prospective students of all ages across East Central Illinois and beyond. Since 1973, the B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies at EIU has been serving adult learners in Illinois, helping them meet their goal of earning a bachelor's degree.
About the Ceremonies
Commencement speakers for the event will highlight accomplished leaders and alumni Keith Kohanzo (morning ceremony) – a longtime EIU educator and student affairs leader whose legacy includes founding EIU’s Office of Judicial Affairs and contributing nationally to student conduct administration, and Colonel Leon L. Rogers II (afternoon ceremony) – an EIU alumnus and senior U.S. Army leader whose distinguished military career includes key command and staff assignments and numerous national defense honors.
Members of the University’s administration and faculty also will play prominent roles in the ceremonies. The platform party includes senior leadership, including President Gatrell, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Holly Farley, Vice President of Student Affairs and Interim Vice President of Advancement Dr. Anne Flaherty, Vice President of Enrollment Management Josh Norman, and Vice President of Business Operations Matt Bierman.
Deans from each academic College and University division will also participate, while commencement and faculty marshals selected for their service and leadership will assist in leading each of the day’s processions. A commencement marshal will carry the ceremonial mace for each session and will include morning marshal Dr. Jennifer Buchter (Special Education), midday marshal Dr. Julie Dietz (Public Health & Nutrition), and afternoon marshal Dr. Gabriel Grant (School of Technology). Select student marshals will also carry banners representing students in the Sandra & Jack Pine Honors College at the undergraduate ceremonies.
Each ceremony will include performances of the EIU Alma Mater and other marches, with musical accompaniment by University ensembles and a formal recessional concluding each event. Each ceremony will be livestreamed at eiu.edu/commence/online.
For more information about Spring 2026 Commencement, visit the EIU Commencement website or contact the Office of the President.
The Eastern Illinois University Police Department will assist with coordinating traffic outside the Lantz Complex throughout the day. Eastern Illinois University officials encourage community residents to be aware of the increased traffic around the University on May 9, and to consider alternative routes when possible.
About EIU
With a streamlined, no-cost application process and access to admissions counselors, prospective EIU students can quickly move from interest to enrollment while exploring scholarship opportunities and campus resources. Interested students can learn more about EIU’s admissions process at eiu.edu/admissions/apply.
EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s public information office at 217-581-7400.
