UF celebrates the Class of 2026

After a weekend celebrating the remarkable achievements and hard-earned success of our graduates, we highlight the people and moments that made this graduation season unforgettable. Explore a curated collection of stories featuring our graduates and the milestones that defined their journey.

First Hamilton School graduates help define new academic path at UF

Three students made history as the first graduates of the Hamilton School of Classical and Civic Education, a program they helped shape from its earliest days.

Graduate reflects on elite rhythmic gymnastics, sacrifice and life beyond competition

At 5 years old, Hana Starkman found her calling: rhythmic gymnastics. “There was this natural coordination that I had,” said Starkman, a three-time world champion athlete who graduated over the weekend with a degree from the University of Florida Department of Sport Management. “I was able to see the coach do something and repeat it fairly quickly.”

UF medical student earns national public health award

Jack Figg, a third-year University of Florida medical student who received his Ph.D. over the weekend, has spent his time as a Gator developing novel cures for diseases and creating innovative ways to improve access to health care for underserved patients.

College of Nursing debuts Florence Nightingale doctoral lamp lighting ceremony

The University of Florida College of Nursing celebrated a new tradition during spring commencement with its inaugural Florence Nightingale Doctoral Lamp Lighting Ceremony, honoring Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Philosophy graduates as they prepare for the next chapter of nursing leadership.

A passion for technology led him to UF and AI Graduation Medallion

“It's truly unfathomable,” said Surya Karthikeyan Vijayalakshmi, a new graduate of the University of Florida’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. “If you told me 15 years ago that I'd be here at UF with an AI medallion, with a job offer after, and with lifelong friends, I would’ve been very grateful, for sure.”

As UF's first Barry Scholar, Ryan James Sheehan brings the Gator legacy to Oxford

Ryan James Sheehan has always believed that history is the magistra vitae — the teacher of life. As he graduated over the weekend from the University of Florida with a master’s degree in history, the academic world seems to agree.