For Northwestern’s Class of 2026, the notion of ‘what if’

“My one good one: the Golden Rule,” Parker said, inspiring a burst of applause. “And I proclaim without hesitation or embarrassment: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Parker posited it had been usurped in many parts of our society by accumulation and domination, suggesting that, as they “write and rewrite the rules” of their generation, Northwestern graduates hold tight to kindness, principle and decency.

“Who better than you, the singular and plural you, to be bold,” Parker said. “To be generous. To let curiosity be your guide. To believe in a ‘what if world’ of love, justice and compassion until it’s not a what if anymore. After all, graduates — Class of 2026 — look at what you’ve already done in your few years here on Earth.”

Parker received an honorary degree along with three other distinguished individuals: pioneering researcher Michael Graetzel, Tony and Grammy Award winner Heather Headley; and CEO and President of the Association of American Medical Colleges David Skorton.

Northwestern held the ceremony at the United Center in Chicago for the third consecutive year as the University completes construction of the new Ryan Field, which is set to open this fall.

In total, 7,805 graduates are receiving doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s degrees this year. Among them, 371 are the first in their family to attend college, more than 2,000 are international and 89 are veterans.

It’s time to effect change

“You first came to Northwestern as curious students, eager to contribute to a better world,” Interim President and President Emeritus Henry S. Bienen said. “You learned from leaders in your chosen fields, took part in rigorous research and built meaningful relationships and communities. You conquered challenges, pursued your passions, and now you have obtained your prize — a Northwestern degree.

“It is time to take what you’ve learned to effect change — real, meaningful change — in your chosen paths,” he continued. “As you move on to your next phase in life, know that you are forever connected to all of us and especially to your fellow graduates.”

Follow your sparks

Underscoring the virtues of the alumni community, Kristen McDonnell, president of the Northwestern Alumni Association, said, “One of the things I have realized since my own graduation is that the bonds you form during your time at Northwestern truly can last a lifetime. Your friendships and mentorships can remain vibrant and grow and continue to shape your life.”

She encouraged graduates to stay connected, build networks and follow their sparks.

“Let curiosity and passion guide your path. The world needs your ideas, your leadership and your energy,” McDonnell said.

Special honors and tributes

Provost Kathleen Hagerty designated 33 emeritus faculty members who retired this year after having contributed a total of 997 years of service to the University.

Hagerty and Bienen also are concluding the final days in their respective leadership roles. Read more about Northwestern’s tributes to Kathleen Hagerty and Henry S. Bienen.

Knowing that students’ journeys begin long before they even arrive at Northwestern, graduating seniors paid tribute to the high school teachers who helped them get here. This year’s recipients of Morton Schapiro Distinguished Secondary School Teacher Awards are James Kennedy of Naperville, Illinois; Alessandra King of Bethesda, Maryland; Brian Sweeney of Flushing, New York; and Jim Walker of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

In a light-hearted surprise, the Class of 2026 tribute video on the jumbotron wrapped with a shoutout to graduate Lizzie Ferrazza who played Willie the Wildcat during athletic events for four years. Ferrazza, clad in furry Wildcat paws, energized fellow graduates from the stage as if it were the closing minutes of a tight game at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

When the moment came to confer degrees, the crowd took in words of wisdom, reflection and humor from graduate student Tram Nguyen and undergraduate Sydney-Reese Harris.

Graduation Weekend events feature convocation speakers for each school. Three schools — Northwestern Qatar, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law and the Feinberg School of Medicine — held ceremonies in May.

The ceremony opened with the singing of the national anthem by Molly Snodgrass, a Bienen School of Music graduate. As the ceremony closed, but before grads flipped their tassels from the right to the left, new graduates from Northwestern’s a cappella community and special guest and honorary degree recipient Heather Headley led the crowd in singing the “Alma Mater.”