Penn held its 270th Commencement ceremony last Monday, celebrating approximately 6,000 students from the Class of 2026. The ceremony brought together students, families, professors, and administrators. Here’s a look at the ceremony, in photos.
Alumni and graduates began a procession from Penn Park around 9:15 a.m. As students arrived on Franklin Field, they waved to friends and family in the stands and posed for pictures.
Following the procession of graduating students, University administrators also marched, led by Vice President and University Secretary Medha Narvekar. After a performance of the national anthem and a prayer, Penn President Larry Jameson began his remarks, referencing the signing of the Declaration of Independence as well as technological and scientific advances. He encouraged graduates to “cherish the arts,” “embrace nature,” and “choose people.”
Commencement speaker Michael Beschloss then took the podium and addressed the graduating class. He spoke of the historical and political experiences of Class of 2026, along with the creation of the United States Constitution.
After the address, deans from Penn’s 12 undergraduate and graduate programs conferred degrees to students. In total, 7,457 diplomas were awarded to May 2026 graduates.
After singing the alma mater, caps flew into the air, and the Class of 2026 exited Franklin Field — marking both an end and a new beginning in the lives of those graduating.
