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Photos by Glenn Asakawa

May 2, 2026—CU Boulder conferred a record 10,613 degrees earned by 10,198 graduates* Saturday during commencement exercises at Folsom Field, drawing an estimated crowd of more than 40,000 graduates, friends, and family members.

Actor, philanthropist, and Boulder native Kristin Davis delivered the commencement address as the university marked its 2026 graduation ceremony during its yearlong 150th anniversary celebration. Davis is the daughter of a former CU Boulder psychology professor, and her mother is a university alum.

After introductory remarks from commencement marshal Leigh Holman, Chancellor Justin Schwartz addressed the class of 2026.

“My deepest hope for you is that your growth does not stop today,” said Schwartz. “The world ahead will keep changing, and the choices you make to keep learning and adapting will shape your path forward. And how you grow will ultimately determine how the world itself changes.”

After his remarks, Schwartz introduced the commencement speaker. Davis is best known for her role as Charlotte York in HBO’s Sex and the City and its revival, And Just Like That…, as well as for her humanitarian and conservation advocacy.

“Do not set limits on what you envision for yourself,” said Davis. “Dig deep to find the vision of what you want for your own life and for others. And have faith in yourself to pursue that vision.”

She closed with, “I believe in all of you. I believe in your unique gifts. The world desperately needs your contributions. I can’t wait to see what you will create.”

Schwartz then conferred degrees to the fall 2025 graduates and spring and summer 2026 candidates, including 7,890 bachelor’s degrees, 1,763 master’s degrees, 196 MBAs, 193 law degrees, and 481 doctoral degrees.*

Senior Class Council director Ally Young concluded the ceremony.

“Class of 2026— we stand as the graduating class during the 150th anniversary of CU Boulder,” said Young. “Take this time not only to reflect, but to consider how we can carry the values instilled in us at CU out into the world. Congratulations, graduates!”

Dozens of spring recognition ceremonies across CU Boulder’s colleges, schools, departments, and programs will continue throughout the weekend, featuring distinguished alumni speakers including astronaut Sarah Gillis; Beryl Stafford, founder and owner of Bobo’s Oat Bars; and Grammy Award–winning bass vocalist Wei Wu.

*Note: These figures were updated April 23, 2026, and could shift.

The University of Colorado Boulder is Colorado’s leading public research university, transforming lives since 1876. As the state’s flagship university and one of only 38 U.S. public research institutions in the Association of American Universities (AAU), CU Boulder has proudly served Coloradans since the state’s founding. Home to five Nobel Laureates since 1989 and the only university to send space instruments to every planet in the solar system, CU Boulder provides a strong return on investment by aligning efforts to achieve research and creative excellence, global sustainability impact and the success of all students, faculty and staff. Learn more at colorado.edu/about.

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