Temple University’s 139th Commencement
Congratulations, Class of 2026!
On May 6, 2026, Temple University graduates, their families, friends and mentors, and faculty, staff and university leadership gathered inside the Liacouras Center to celebrate the Class of 2026’s Temple Made journeys, marked by achievement, pride and perseverance.
President John Fry, interim Provost David Boardman and Faculty Senate President Shohreh Amini congratulated the graduates and emphasized their pride in the graduates’ success.
The 2026 honorary degree recipients were JoAnne Epps, David Boardman and Colman Domingo.
Epps was posthumously honored for more than 40 years of service to the university, including tenures as dean of the Beasley School of Law, provost and acting president. She is remembered for her dedication to diversity and inclusion and a leadership style marked by equanimity and grace.
Serving as dean of the Klein College of Media and Communication since 2013, Boardman has led the school to increased recognition for its excellence. As interim provost and Temple’s chief academic officer for the past year, Boardman has championed the university’s academic mission and global reputation.
Domingo, a West Philadelphia native who attended Temple in the early ’80s and majored in journalism before pivoting to a career in theater, is a multi-Academy Award nominee and Emmy award winner. As an honorary degree recipient, he is celebrated for his contributions to arts and entertainment.
During his spirited address, he encouraged graduates to seek diverse and rich life experiences and reminded them that real success lies in the cultivation of one’s character and integrity.
“Your softness is not a liability. Your tenderness is not weakness,” said Domingo to the several thousand attendees. “In a world that rewards sharp edges, I want you to be the velvet.”
Like the 138 Temple University Commencement ceremonies of the past and the many to come, the ceremony was a chance to reflect on the values that bind the Temple community together, on campus and around the world.
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“Stay true to who you are. Stay true to who you are becoming. And remember this: If you continue to lead with purpose, integrity and perseverance, the path on which you embark today will carry you farther than you possibly can see from this moment.”
–John Fry, president
“The most meaningful paths are not handed to you. They’re uncovered by you, by willing to be moving forward with curiosity, to ask difficult questions, to keep going even when the road ahead isn’t fully visible.”
-David Boardman, interim provost
“Embrace the unknown. Pursue your passions. I encourage you to continue learning for the rest of your life and always strive for excellence.”
-Shohreh Amini, Faculty Senate president
“When we rise, we rise not just for ourselves, but for the communities that raised us, for the children who are watching us and for the generations that are yet to come.”
-Jennifer Allen, Class of 2026 student speaker
You keep walking past the doubt. You keep walking past the fear. You keep walking until the dream catches up with you.”
-Colman Domingo, honorary degree recipient and speaker
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