At 16 ceremonies across four days, thousands of Titans commemorated the milestone of earning their bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees during Cal State Fullerton’s Commencement 2026.
More than 11,000 graduates and candidates for graduation were eligible to celebrate their academic achievements as part of the Class of 2026.
During the May 18-21 festivities, over 80,000 family members, friends, faculty and staff cheered on the graduates as they crossed the graduation stage.
CSUF President Ronald Rochon thanked the graduates for choosing the university for their academic journey.
“So many of you have brought with you incredible stories of achievement — even before you arrived,” said Rochon, noting that one in three grads are first-generation college students. “Your resilience has brought you here.”
Rochon shared that this year’s grads will join a network of more than 340,000 CSUF alumni worldwide, with about 80% launching careers in Orange County and the region.
The president noted that they are part of the largest public university system in the country. One in 10 Californians is a graduate of the California State University, and 1 in 20 Americans has earned a degree from a CSU.
Rochon told the graduating class that earning a degree will help them move forward in their lives, increase their earning potential, and create new opportunities for themselves and their communities.
“Think about how you are going to reinvest the value you will gain from your degree,” Rochon said. “I challenge you to lead and serve with intention, lift communities and help others thrive. Most importantly, be kind to others and to yourself.”
Sean E. Walker, provost and vice president for academic affairs, reminded graduates that journeys do not simply happen.
“We help shape them — even when the way forward isn’t entirely clear,” Walker said. “Wherever your journey takes you, know this: You will always have a home here. You carry this place with you, in what you’ve learned, in who you’ve become, and in the purpose you choose to pursue.”
Two graduates received 2026 Alumni Association awards. Counseling grad Grace Schroeder was named the Outstanding Graduate Student. Haneefah Syed, who earned a bachelor’s degree in English and served as president of Associated Students Inc., was honored as the Outstanding Senior.
In addressing her fellow graduates, Syed emphasized that “silence does not create change. Showing up does.”
“Your presence matters. The perspective you bring matters,” Syed said. “Listen with intention, advocate with purpose, stand firm in your values and lead with humanity.”
Education scholar James D. Anderson, the Edward William and Jane Marr Gutgsell professor emeritus and dean emeritus of the College of Education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, was the recipient of this year’s honorary doctor of humane letters.
Commencement 2026 featured new amenities to create a safe and welcoming experience for graduates and their guests. These included a shade structure on the intramural field to keep guests cool, and an air-conditioned venue at Titan Student Union, with commencement ceremonies livestreamed on large screens.
More than 600 employees from across divisions and colleges, including the CSUF Police Department, volunteered to help make this year’s commencement possible. About 500 faculty members participated to support graduates.
View livestream recordings and photos from Commencement 2026.