University-wide Commencement
May 16, 2026, 10-11:30 a.m.
Canvas Stadium, Colorado State University
All together now.
Your freshman roommate, your best friend from biology class, your sorority sister, your teammate… all coming together for this once-in-a-lifetime moment to bask in your achievement.
Experience sitting together on the field of Canvas Stadium, seeing yourself on the jumbotron, celebrating with CAM the Ram, and throwing your cap to the tune of ‘Comatose.’
This is your moment.
University-wide Commencement Program
A letter from President Parsons
Dear Class of 2026,
On behalf of our Colorado State University faculty, staff, students, and alumni, congratulations on your graduation!
Your success today shows your ability to embrace opportunities and meet challenges. You are not only prepared to succeed in your careers, you are also equipped to lead, to meet the changing needs of society, and to contribute to our democracy.
As you celebrate, take time to reflect on the people who encouraged you and recognized your potential. Today is a celebration of their belief in you, too. And wherever your path leads, I hope you’ll carry that energy forward to lift others whenever you have the opportunity.
Today, you join the largest and most vibrant alumni network in Colorado. As a fellow alum and lifetime member of our Alumni Association, I know the power of staying connected. Wherever life takes you, Rams Take Care of Rams, and there’s a CSU connection waiting for you.
Please keep in touch and visit often. You’ll always have a home on the Oval, and your Ramily will always be proud of you. We look forward to seeing all the ways you’ll make an impact.
Congratulations and Go Rams!
Amy Parsons
Colorado State University President
9 a.m. – Doors open for guests, graduates arrive for processional lineup.
10 a.m. – Graduate processional into Canvas Stadium.
10:30 a.m. – Ceremony program begins
- Provost and Executive Vice President remarks.
- ASCSU Vice President Joseph Godshall remarks.
- CSU President Amy Parsons remarks.
- Hunter Powell, 2026 U.S.A. Olympic Athlete & Ram Alumnus, commencement speaker.
- Honorary degree presentation.
- Ceremonial conferral of degrees.
- Closing remarks, tassel turn, cap toss.
The full experience
University-wide Commencement brings all graduating students and their guests together to commemorate this milestone achievement. Students and their guests should also plan to attend their recognition ceremony for the full commencement experience.
Additional details
Commencement Speaker
CSU alumnus and 2026 Team USA Olympic bobsledder Hunter Powell didn’t follow a linear path to his success. He walked on to track teams at two universities before finding his athletic home at CSU, where he became a 2019 Mountain West champion. And that’s just where his story begins.
