From the first Washington University in St. Louis Commencement held in 1862, the ceremony has given graduates, family, friends, faculty and staff the opportunity to gather in celebration.
May Commencement
The 165 Commencement ceremony was held on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Francis Olympic Field.
Photos & videos
Keynote speaker & grand marshal & honorary grand marshal
| Keynote Speaker Andy Cohen Emmy Award-winning host, Producer, and Author | Grand Marshal Dwight A. McBride Gerald Early Distinguished Professor of African & African American Studies |
Honorary Grand Marshal Susan Ekberg Stiritz | |
Honorary degrees
| Kwofe Coleman Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts | Deborah E. Lipstadt Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters |
| Michael McDonald Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts | Marcus Edward Raichle, Sr. Honorary Doctor of Medicine |
| Anabeth C. Weil Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts | John D. Weil Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts |
December Recognition
The December recognition ceremony was held on December 13, 2025, at the Athletic Complex.
Photos & videos
Find your 2025 ceremony photos
2025 WashU recognition ceremony photos
Keynote speaker & grand marshal
| Keynote speaker Jennifer Roth Global Co-Head of EM and FX International Sales and Head of Latin America Equities Distribution, Goldman Sachs | |
| Grand marshal Dwight McBride Gerald Early Distinguished Professor of African & African American Studies |