Photo recap: Unified Commencement honors Class of 2026

Tulane News staff today@tulane.edu

The Unified Commencement on Saturday, May 16, at Caesars Superdome highlighted the Class of 2026’s extensive academic achievements. The ceremony featured all the unique touches that Tulane Commencements are known for: inspiring addresses, second lines, fireworks and more. Relive the highlights through photos by Cheryl Gerber, Tyler Kaufman and Kenny Lass. 

Graduates in caps and gowns hold colorful university gonfalons high in a large arena.
Graduates file onto the Superdome floor carrying the university’s ceremonial gonfalons, which represent Tulane’s schools and colleges, to kick off the procession. (Photo by Cheryl Gerber)
Two graduates in caps and gowns pose for a photo outside a gold-domed stadium.
Graduates gather outside of Caesars Superdome, celebrating their achievements with family and friends. (Photo by Cheryl Gerber)
Joyful graduates in caps and gowns walk, some holding decorative white umbrellas.
Waving their second-line umbrellas adorned with symbols of their time at Tulane, excited graduates celebrate at the ceremony. First-year students are given plain parasols at Convocation and encouraged to adorn them with memorabilia throughout their years at the university. (Photo by Tyler Kaufman)
President Fitts green academic gown speaks at a podium with Tulane branding.
President Michael A. Fitts addresses the Class of 2026, commending them on their inspiring perseverance and groundbreaking accomplishments. (Photo by Kenny Lass)
Sterling K. Brown, keynote speaker, smiles at a Tulane podium.
Sterling K. Brown, award-winning actor known for his performances in the television series “This Is Us” and his Oscar-nominated role in the film “American Fiction,” delivers the keynote address. (Photo by Kenny Lass)
Smiling graduate in cap and gown speaks at a podium with "TULANE" written on it.
Commencement student speaker Madeline "Dylan" Murray addresses graduates. Murray graduated with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and computer science from the School of Science and Engineering. She shared a message of hope, perseverance and purpose during her speech. (Photo by Kenny Lass)
Two smiling graduates hug each other warmly at a ceremony.
Graduates share a heartfelt moment at the ceremony. (Photo by Tyler Kaufman)
Graduates in caps and gowns celebrate in a large stadium with colorful lights.
Caesars Superdome is aglow with green and blue, as graduates and their guests wave lit-up wristbands in the air. (Photo by Cheryl Gerber)
Graduates in black gowns and elaborately decorated caps, viewed from behind at a ceremony.
In addition to decorating their parasols, graduates also adorn their mortarboards with representations of their personalities and academic achievements. (Photo by Kenny Lass)
Joyful graduates in caps and gowns celebrating at night, holding umbrellas aloft in a stadium.
Graduates wrap up Unified Commencement by second lining out the Superdome, umbrellas in hand. (Photo by Cheryl Gerber)
Green and blue confetti raining over a lively crowd at a dark concert.
The ceremony closes with a flurry of confetti, capping off academic careers filled with achievements and memories for the Class of 2026. (Photo by Cheryl Gerber)

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