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Woohoo! The caps have been tossed, diplomas framed, and campus lawns cleared, now let’s take a look at what this year’s brilliant graduation ideas are all about.
The Class of 2026 has officially graduated, but the celebrations are only just getting started. This year's commencement ceremonies showcased far more than caps and gowns, with universities embracing everything from iconic traditions, tech-forward livestreams, and culturally inclusive celebrations to creative digital experiences that made graduates, families, and alumni feel part of the moment.
Here are some of the standout ways higher ed institutions promoted and marked commencement season this year.
1. Empire State Building light-up (Columbia University)
Columbia University continued a long-standing tradition with New York City by having the top of the iconic Empire State Building glow in “Columbia Blue” to honor the university's newest graduates.
For thousands of Columbia graduates, capturing a photo with the blue-lit spire from different vantage points—Bryant Park, 34th Street, Weehawken—is an essential and fun graduation rite of passage.
This Instagram video captures a time-honored tradition, where the Empire State Building is lit up to precisely replicate Columbia University’s official powder-blue school color in honor of the year’s latest graduates.
2. The iconic “Wacky Walk” (Stanford University)
The Stanford University "Wacky Walk" is a beloved and non-traditional 30-to-45-minute opening processional to let students blow off steam.
Graduating seniors enter the music-filled commencement stadium wearing elaborate homemade costumes, carrying custom props, and performing humorous skits before proceeding to the formal ceremony in their official graduation gowns.
Stanford University’s “Wacky Walk” celebrates creativity by letting students parade down the commencement stadium wearing playful outfits and reveling in inside jokes.
3. Student testimonials during commencement (University of Ottawa)
Videos of students reflecting on their time at university weeks, months, or years after they’ve graduated create inspiring narratives of deeply personal struggles and triumphs.
But the University of Ottawa turned the microphone over to their graduates during the ceremony, shining a spotlight on their raw and unfiltered excitement as they discussed pride in their accomplishments and hopes for bright futures.
University of Ottawa’s testimonials video captures graduates’ immediate thoughts and emotions during their 2026 Convocation Ceremony.
4. Culturally inclusive regalia and commencements (various schools)
Many universities are increasingly hosting heritage-inspired ceremonies and inviting students to personalize their commencement regalia.
Students often pair their culturally expressive graduation attire—personalized stoles, leis, cap art—with social media posts detailing their academic experiences and the role family and friends played in making their degrees possible.
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)’s Latinx Graduation is a student-run, culturally empowering, and intersectionally inclusive ceremony designed to honor the academic achievements of Chicanx and Latinx graduating students, featuring traditional performances and English and Spanish speakers.
In this Instagram video, Stanford University graduates discuss their personalized stoles,
honoring their heritage, academic achievements, and community affiliations.
5. Well-wishes via digital guestbooks (University of Washington)
The University of Washington’s Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering set up a digital guestbook to let families, friends, professors, and classmates post photos, memes, and messages congratulating this year’s graduates.
The Allen School’s online guestbook captures well-wishes, memories,
and photo shout-outs from family and friends all over the world.
6. Permanent commencement library (UC Santa Barbara)
University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) turned their commencement into a permanent digital destination.
Recognizing that a massive portion of their student body has international ties, UCSB created a YouTube archive where global families and friends could watch replays of specific department ceremonies.
UC Santa Barbara’s dedicated YouTube playlist serves as a digital archive of different academic department’s graduation ceremonies,
allowing graduates, families, and alumni to watch or rewatch the events.
7. Behind the scenes of the big day (University of Calgary)
The University of Calgary highlighted something we don’t often see: the logistical triumph of graduation day.
Their "Behind the Curtain" campaign features over 60 staff members from various departments who worked alongside volunteers to robe, pin, and guide graduates.
The University of Calgary’s "Behind the Curtain" campaign involves a massive, university-wide collaboration required to bring the school’s convocation to life, turning the preparation into a team-building celebration.
Blending enduring traditions and creative flair
This year’s graduation season proved that commencement is much more than just a walk across a stage.
Blending global accessibility with deeply personal and culturally inclusive touches made every single graduate and their families feel seen, celebrated, and supported.
As the Class of 2026 steps into a bright next chapter, colleges and universities leave behind new blueprints for how higher education honors their milestones.
What did your college or university do to promote and showcase this graduation season? Share your stories with us!