2026 Graduate Division Commencement
Join us on Thursday, June 11th, 4 pm to 6:30 pm, on the Commencement Green to honor our master’s, doctoral, and teaching and service credential candidates.
Each graduate participating is allotted six guest tickets for family and friends. If you would like to view your 2026 Graduate Division Commencement reservation, you can do so here.
Questions? Email gradacademics@graddiv.ucsb.edu.
Our Commencement 2026 Singer
Lorenzo Johnson Jr., a PhD candidate in Music, is our 2026 Commencement Singer. He is an accomplished tenor holding degrees from Florida State and Sam Houston State University. Currently, he is pursuing his doctorate in Musical Arts in Vocal Performance and serves as a voice faculty member at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He has performed across the globe, throughout Italy, Bulgaria, Dubai, and Japan. He has performed with Opera Santa Barbara and numerous regional companies, in roles such as Rinuccio in Puccini's Gianni Schicchi. He is also a prominent liturgical musician and choral leader in the Central Coast, recently performing with the Santa Barbara Symphony.
Our 2026 Commencement Keynote
Our special guest speaker Ambassador Marc Nathanson, MA `69, is a diplomat, philanthropist, and dedicated environmentalist with a long history of innovation, entrepreneurship, and public service. We are proud to announce his participation in our 2026 Graduate Division Ceremony and look forward to his advice and insights on the Commencement stage.
COMMENCEMENT SPOTLIGHTS
Learn more about our Commencement Student Speaker, Guest Speaker, Singer, Lancaster Awardees, and other Commencement participants in our 2026 Commencement Spotlight Series.
Check out our Instagram channel during Commencement week for Spotlights and highlights from the big day.
2026 Commencement Spotlights
Alden Benjamin Lopez-Hernandez
The Honorable Marc Nathanson
Alexander Davydov
Sienna Helena Parkern
Lorenzo Johnson