SUU Honors Class of 2026 in Historic 127th Commencement

Southern Utah University (SUU) honored the Class of 2026 at its 127th annual Commencement Ceremony on April 23, 2026. Set against the backdrop of the America 250 national milestone, the ceremony celebrated the hard work, personal growth, and transformative achievements of a record-breaking class poised to write the next chapter of American history.

The event recognized the dedication of 3,466 graduates who represent a global community of learners - hailing from 43 countries, 49 U.S. states (as well as D.C. and Guam), and 28 of Utah's 29 counties. Graduates earned a total of 3,645 degrees and certificates, including 1,184 master's degrees, 1,983 bachelor's degrees, 338 associate degrees, and 140 certificates. Demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning and accessibility, the graduates ranged in age from 16 to 72, with an average age of 28 and an impressive average GPA of 3.59.

This year's graduating class pursued a wide variety of academic disciplines focused on career readiness and regional impact. The most popular areas of study included the Master of Business Administration (MBA), General Studies, Nursing, Master of Education, and Psychology. Rounding out the top ten were the Master of Accounting, Accounting, Music Technology, Aerospace/Aviation Sciences, and Biology.

SUU President Mindy Benson presided over the ceremony, commending the Class of 2026 for their tenacity and the hands-on expertise they developed throughout their education. Linking the graduates' achievements to the national America 250 milestone, she noted that SUU's unique culture of experiential learning has equipped them with the readiness to lead and the character to shape a new era of history.

"As we celebrate this milestone during this historic year of America 250, you are on the verge of writing a new chapter of your history," said President Benson. "You earned a degree, but most importantly, you built a life."

She continued by highlighting the resilience of the graduates, noting that their time at SUU was defined by real-world learning opportunities, responsibility, and persistence.

"You leave here having already done the work; these weren't simulations, but real moments of growth where you proved to yourself exactly what you are capable of," President Benson explained. "Trust the life you have built and the experiences you have had here, because you are ready to go out, fly high, and change the world."

Student speaker Micah Cajilig, graduating with a Bachelor's of Fine Arts degree in Acting, urged his fellow graduates to embrace the unknown by taking risks on both themselves and others.

"Taking a chance on yourself can feel difficult at first but once you do, it gets easier to take a chance the next time and the time after that," he said. "Our lives are nothing but chances and the choices we make to take them."

A highlight of the ceremony was the keynote address by former Utah Governor Michael O. Leavitt, who was also presented with the Presidential Medallion of Service - SUU's highest honor. During his remarks, Governor Leavitt emphasized the vital skills that "humans" can contribute to an ever-changing world of growing technology and AI use.

"Emotional, spiritual and collaborative intelligence are and will remain vital capabilities that a machine cannot replicate," said Governor Leavitt. He then quoted his 93-year-old mother's words: 'Kindness is a lovely force. But it can only be powered by people. For all our magical gadgets, no appliance, instrument, apparatus, or device has the power to extend kindness to another human being.'

He went on to advise graduates to be "conveners."

"A convener is someone who identifies a problem, brings together the right people, and uses their collaborative intelligence to find solutions," Governor Leavitt explained. "In a world that is increasingly shaped by algorithms, the ability to bring people together will become more - not less - valuable."

Interim Provost Shauna Mendini, herself a recipient of an honorary doctorate that evening, conferred associate, bachelor, and master's degrees to the Class of 2026. This served as her final commencement exercise as Chief Academic Officer after 33 years of service to the University.

The ceremony concluded with SUU Alumni President Jamie Shaw (class of '96) welcoming the graduates to the status of "SUU Alumni."

"Sixty thousand SUU students have walked across a graduation stage just like this one," Shaw told the audience. "You are now part of that story, and that story needs you in it.'"

Commencement exercises continued on Friday, April 24 as individual college convocations were held throughout the day.

Tags: Campus Alumni Graduation Community Academic

Contact Information

Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu