The University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh will celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026 with its Spring Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 16, at Kolf Sports Center.
The university will host two ceremonies recognizing undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree candidates from across its colleges and academic programs. Students will be honored for their academic success as the university community, along with family members and friends, will be on hand to celebrate UWO’s newest alumni. More information is available on the Commencement website.
Here are the essentials for those planning to attend in person or watch online.
What: UW–Oshkosh’s Spring Commencement ceremonies
When: Saturday, May 16
- Morning ceremony begins at 9 a.m., College of Nursing, Health Professions, and STEM (School of Nursing and Health Professions; School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
- Afternoon ceremony begins at 2 p.m., College of Business, Arts and Communication and College of Public Affairs and Education (School of Business; School of Media, Arts, and Communication; School of Public Affairs and Global Engagement; School of Education and Human Services)
Where: Kolf Sports Center, 785 High Ave., on the Oshkosh campus. The ceremony will be live streamed for anyone who cannot attend.
Of note: This year’s commencement ceremonies feature distinguished alumni speakers whose careers exemplify leadership, innovation and service.
Janette Fennell ’75, founder and president of Kids and Car Safety, will deliver the morning commencement address. Fennell is nationally recognized for her decades of advocacy in automotive safety and consumer protection, helping drive major vehicle safety advancements that have saved lives across the country.
John Close ’76, an accomplished media, marketing and motorsports professional, will deliver the afternoon commencement address. Close has spent decades working in storytelling, media creation and NASCAR-related marketing and communications.
Student speakers:
· Emily Heider will share remarks at the morning ceremony as the graduating student speaker. Heider graduates with a double major in Biomedical Science and Spanish with a minor in music. Read more about Emily here.
· Grant Luedtke a native of Fond du Lac, will offer remarks as the afternoon ceremony’s graduating class speaker. Luedtke, a member of the Honors College, accelerated his degree and graduates in two years with a bachelor’s degree in finance. Read more about Grant here.
Additional commencement information, ceremony schedules, livestream links and graduate resources are available at UW–Oshkosh Commencement information.
Other profiles of UWO 2026 Commencement excellence:
UW-Oshkosh national champion gymnast to graduate as Army 2nd Lieutenant