UCSB Graduate Division

At the end of the day, Grad Div Commencement participants shared the joy of their hard-won achievements with their families, friends, mentors, and community. Congratulations to all of you! Thank you to everyone who made this day possible ❤️

Our 2026 Lancaster Awardees Sienna Helena Parker, PhD candidate in Technology Management (Social Sciences Dissertation Award), and Alexander Davydov, PhD ‘25
in Mechanical Engineering (Math, Physical Sciences, and Engineering Dissertation Award), receive their medals on stage. Congratulations!

Our 2026 Student Speaker Alden Benjamin Lopez-Hernandez, an M.Ed and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (Teacher Education Program) candidate, delivers an inspiring speech about his experiences growing up in Los Angeles, his graduate school journey, and his hopes for the future of our graduate cohort.

Our 2026 Keynote Speaker, the Honorable Marc B. Nathanson, MA ‘69, takes the stage at the Graduate Division Commencement. Ambassador Nathanson serves as the Chairman of Mapleton Investments, and is a dedicated entrepreneur and environmentalist.

Chancellor Dennis Assanis kicks off the Graduate Division Commencement. This is the largest group of graduate degree recipients at the Ceremony in a decade! (Over 620 participants!)

Dr. Janine M. Jones, Associate Vice Chancellor for Graduate Affairs and Anne and Michael Towbes Graduate Dean, to our Graduate Division Ceremony participants. This is the first time Dr. Jones presides over the Graduate Division Commencement...and will be congratulating each and every one of over 620 Ceremony participants.

Our 2026 Student Singer Lorenzo Johnson Jr, a PhD candidate in Musical Arts in Vocal Performance in the Music department, welcomes the 2026 participants, faculty, and staff with a rousing rendition of the National Anthem.

SPOTTED: Participants, faculty, and staff getting ready for the big march to the Commencement Green. More moments as the Graduate Division Ceremony starts!