Cheers to you, Class of 2026!
Story and photos by Gabriele Rigaudo
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Class of 2026 during the 104th Commencement in the Carlson Center on May 2, 2026.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks held its 104th commencement ceremony May 2 at the Carlson Center, celebrating the class of 2026. Graduates walked across the stage after years of study to hear their names called and receive their degrees, starting a new chapter as college graduates.
In a moment of profound leadership changes at the university, the ceremony awarded approximately 1,263 degrees to 1,102 students who graduated during the summer and fall 2025 semesters and the spring 2026 semester. Student speaker Paradise Porter urged peers to adopt a “why not” approach to life after college.
The ceremony kicked off with a performance by the Troth Yedda’ Dance Troupe and Olivia Buzby’s rendition of the national anthem, followed by a welcome speech from interim Chancellor Mike Sfraga. With the chancellor search underway and four finalists recently announced, Sfraga focused his remarks on the importance of the institution.
Interim Chancellor Mike Sfraga speaking at the 104th University of Alaska Fairbanks Commencement on May 2, 2026.
Sfraga referenced his role as ambassador-at-large for Arctic affairs under President Joe Biden from October 2024 until January 2025, a position eliminated under the current administration, saying how it “underscores how important this institution is, because I’m one of many stories like that.”
Retiring University of Alaska President and Olympic gold medalist Pat Pitney followed. She expressed gratitude to the University of Alaska system and its graduates, saying that “serving the entire University of Alaska has been one of the greatest honors of my life.”
Pitney spoke about her pride in seeing students graduate, saying the ceremony “fills me with hope, pride and admiration.” She said she plans to continue advocating for the University of Alaska system after retirement, adding, “Our state and our nation will be in good hands because you will be the leaders.”
The 2026 student speaker was Paradise Porter, who delivered a speech titled “The Why Not Philosophy.” Sharing her experience as a low-income, first-generation student, Porter highlighted the importance of taking the chances life offers “because why not.”
The balloon drop after the tassel turn during the 104th University of Alaska Fairbanks Commencement on May 2, 2026.
Porter, a social work and Japanese studies major, credited UAF’s Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement scholarship program, or U-RISE, with helping her continue her education. The federally funded program supports students from underserved backgrounds pursuing research opportunities, including work connected to health and social issues. Although her degree did not align perfectly with the program, Porter applied anyway and won the award, marking “one of the most surreal days of my life.”
As tradition demands, each student’s name was announced and graduates walked across the stage with their college or school to collect their degrees. With the applause of the Carlson Center and celebration alongside family and friends, the ceremony marked the culmination of the academic journey of UAF’s class of 2026.
Find more graduation photos here.