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CU ������ý���� conferred a record 10,613 degrees—earned by 10,198 graduates—during the��commencement ceremony on May 2, where an estimated 40,000 graduates, family members and friends celebrated under a crystal clear blue sky.

More than 165 faculty from colleges, schools and departments across campus also turned out to wish the graduates well at the ceremony.

After introductory remarks from commencement marshal Leigh Holman, Chancellor Justin Schwartz introduced��commencement speaker Kristin Davis, best known for her role as Charlotte York in the HBO series “Sex and the City” and its revival “And Just Like That…”

“Take this moment in,” Davis said to the graduates. “You have formed powerful bonds through your experience here at this beautiful university at the feet of the Rocky Mountains. You have worked hard. I’m pretty sure you have played hard, as well. Know that you are ready for the next chapter.”

Schwartz then conferred degrees to the fall 2025 graduates and spring and summer 2026 candidates: 7,980 undergraduate degrees, 1,763 master's degrees, 481 doctoral degrees, 193 law degrees and 196 MBAs.

“My deepest hope for you is that your growth does not stop today,” Schwartz said. “The world ahead will keep changing, and the choices you make to keep learning and adapting will shape your path forward. And how you grow will ultimately determine how the world itself changes.”��

Senior Class Council Director Ally Young concluded the ceremony by challenging her fellow graduates:

"Find balance in tradition and change-making," Young said. "There’s no Google Maps to guide us toward our destinations post-graduation. So—open your eyes and chart the map for yourself. Class of 2026—thank you and Sko Buffs."

During the ceremony, ROTC members, veterans, the 2026 Hazel Barnes Prize winner, the Chancellor Recognition Award recipients (students who received straight A's throughout their entire college career) and honorary doctorate degree recipients were all honored.

Dozens of spring recognition ceremonies across CU ������ý����’s colleges, schools, departments and programs will continue throughout the weekend, featuring distinguished alumni speakers including astronaut Sarah Gillis; Beryl Stafford, founder and owner of Bobo’s Oat Bars; and Grammy Award–winning bass vocalist Wei Wu.

Commencement day in photos

����Click images to enlarge. Photos by Glenn Asakawa, Casey Cass, Derek Marckel (CU ������ý����/CU Athletics).