Inspiring speeches are heard, congratulations are given and memories are made.
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 160th Commencement ceremony was held Thursday, May 20, 2021, and Friday, May 21, 2021, for the Class of 2021 and Sunday, May 30, 2021, for the Class of 2020.
Photos & videos
Class of 2020 photos – May 30, 2021
Class of 2021 photos – May 20, May 21
Keynote speaker & grand marshal
2020 ceremonies
| Keynote speaker Julie Gerberding Former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) | |
| Honorary grand marshal Ida Early |
2021 ceremonies
| Keynote speaker Kareem Abdul-Jabbar NBA Hall-of-Famer | |
| Honorary grand marshal Ralph S. Quatrano Spencer T. Olin Professor Emeritus of Biology in Arts & Sciences and dean emeritus of Washington University |
Honorary degrees
| Christopher S. “Kit” Bond Doctor of Laws | |
| Richard H. Helmholz Doctor of Laws | |
| Gerda Weissmann Klein Doctor of Humanities | |
| Stuart A. Kornfeld Doctor of Science | |
| Shannon Watts Doctor of Humanities |
Programs (PDFs)
December Recognition
The 2019 December recognition ceremony was held December 14, 2019.
Photos & videos
View recognition ceremony photos
Keynote speaker
| Jason Wang, BSBA ’09 CEO, Xi’an Famous Foods |