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Commencement 2026 Photo Recap

Commencement 2026 Photo Recap

May 7th, 2026 by Kyla Covert

Last updated: May 6, 2026
Commencement 2026 Photo Recap banner

Congratulations to Johnson & Wales University’s class of 2026!

Commencement 2026 was a celebration of achievement. JWU Online students joined their in-person peers to receive diplomas at our ceremonies in Charlotte, NC and Providence, RI. This year, Providence featured a special Senior Toast event, inviting students to campus the day before commencement to celebrate with staff, family and classmates.

More than just an annual formal gathering, commencement serves as a significant milestone representing years of perseverance, dedication and academic excellence. JWU Online students marked not only their educational accomplishments, but also the fulfillment of personal and professional goals.

Explore photos below to revisit highlights from the 2026 ceremonies, including moments from the Senior Toast. To access look back videos, recorded ceremony livestreams and commencement programs, visit the University’s commencement site. 

Charlotte Commencement – Thursday, April 30

Alumni Speaker Angela Kimbrough at the podium in the Bojangles Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina.

President Mathieu shaking the hand of a female graduate at the JWU Charlotte Commencement in the Bojangles Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina.

JWU Online graduate, Direka Gordon, in her regalia at the Charlotte Commencement.

President Mathieu posing with a new female graduate onstage at the Charlotte Commencement.

President Mathieu shaking the hand of a male graduate as he walks across the stage at the Charlotte Commencement.

Providence Senior Toast – Friday, May 1

Two-up photos of (left) of a JWU 2026 decorative display and (right) of graduating student, Djelisa Daveiga, in the Wildcat Center at the JWU Online Senior Toast.

Graduating student Jennifer Butler and her husband hug at the JWU Online Senior Toast in the JWU Wildcat Center.

Two-up photos of graduating student Maiya McClain on the left and graduating student Josh Orndorff on the right at the JWU Online Senior Toast.

Graduating student Maiya McLain and family with Angelo Pitassi, Director of Corporate Relations, at the JWU Online Senior Toast.

Providence Commencement – Saturday, May 2

Sign in the arena during the Providence Commencement Ceremony: Congratulations Graduates.

JWU Online student, McKenzie Thibeault with three other female JWU students in caps and gowns, waiting in the tunnels for the start of the commencement ceremony.

View of the undergraduates and the stage during the commencement ceremony at the Amica Mutual Pavillon..

Male JWU faculty member placing a doctoral hood over the female graduate's head during the commencement ceremony.

Procession of students following the commencement ceremony with one male graduate holding hid diploma over his head.

New female graduate holding her diploma smiling as she exits the stage.

Two-up photo of JWU Online female graduate, April on the left and male JWU Online graduate Ajay Patel, MD on the right.

Two-up photo of JWU Online female graduates, Jeanne Johnson on the left and Hannah Levy on the right.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

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