2026 Commencement Weekend in Pictures

Photos from the all-university Commencement Ceremony, Baccalaureate Service, and Illumination Ceremony

On May 17, at the morning’s all-university ceremony, Ken Frazier, chairman of General Catalyst’s Health Assurance initiatives and former president, CEO, and executive chairman of Merck, delivered the Commencement address to the Class of 2026 on the Green of the Medford/Somerville campus. Here, we share special moments from the morning’s ceremony and all of Commencement weekend.

All-University Commencement Ceremony

Students from across Tufts’ schools participated in the All-University Commencement Ceremony, which was held on the Green. It included the Academic Procession, the awarding of honorary degrees, the Commencement address, recognition of faculty emeriti, the presentation of degree candidates, and the granting of degrees by the Tufts University Board of Trustees.

a graduates raises their arms in a cheer

Sunil Kumar walks through a crowd of graduates

people in caps and gowns in the procession

a graduate calls out while holding a program

graduates in a circle looking at each other

three graduates with a city view in the background

Illumination: A Tufts Tradition

The Illumination Ceremonies are a longstanding and beloved Tufts tradition that take place in the first weeks of new student Orientation and again on the eve of Commencement. According to legend, when Charles Tufts donated the land for the university to be built upon, he said he would put “a light on that hill.” By lighting candles during Illumination, we remind ourselves of our responsibility as a community to seek knowledge and to partner with communities and the world beyond to promote peace.

hundreds of graduates holding candles sit on a hillside

a handle holding a candle with lights in the background

A Cherished Moment: Baccalaureate Service

On May 16, the Baccalaureate Service marked the last time the undergraduate class came together as a group before Commencement. This multifaith celebration, begun in 1864, honors the heritage of spirituality and values at Tufts through a diversity of religions, philosophies, and cultures in the form of music, readings, and blessings.

President Sunil Kumar addressed the class and Dhruv Sampat, A26, gave the Wendell Phillips Address.