Indiana University Northwest celebrates graduating Class of 2026 at spring commencement ceremony

On Friday, May 15, the Indiana University (IU) Northwest staff, faculty members, and university officials came together to recognize the Class of 2026 during the school’s annual spring commencement ceremony. Thousands of people were in attendance, with families and friends leading the cheers and photographing the moment.

This was the 197th annual commencement ceremony for Indiana University and the 60th commencement exercise for IU Northwest. IU President Pamela Whitten delivered an introduction to the ceremony.

“Indiana University is proud of its long and distinguished history. As a public university, we’re deeply grateful for the support we receive from the people of Indiana. We’re proud of the university’s service to our state, country, and world,” Whitten said.

More than 30% of the graduating class were first-generation students. Additionally, graduates ranged from ages 19 to 72, with 46% of the class being 25 years of age or older. IU Northwest’s graduating class is one of the most diverse in the entire IU network.

This also marked the first graduation on campus for Dr. Arrick Jackson, chancellor of IU Northwest. He made sure to share his appreciation for the staff and faculty members that he worked with throughout his first year at IU Northwest, as he believes they have worked together to create a strong educational foundation.

“The outstanding scholarship, dedication to teaching, and commitment to the students have made this commencement possible,” Jackson said. “Our faculty members have inspired our graduates in ways that will last a lifetime. The members of the IU Northwest faculty and staff are tireless individuals who have helped make it possible for our students to succeed.”

Jackson also acknowledged the field of support that has rallied behind these students not just for this commencement ceremony but throughout their entire journey at IU Northwest.

“The support and encouragement have been invaluable. All of us rely in countless ways on those who are near and dear to us. We depend on their helping hands and their faith that will help us succeed,” Jackson said.

This commencement ceremony is more than just walking across the stage to retrieve a diploma. As each student made it back to their seats, and with the conferral of degrees led by Whitten, students are being cemented into the multigenerational family of Indiana University graduates.

“Today, we not only celebrate the accomplishments but also the important rite of passage of becoming a member of Indiana University’s global family of more than 806,000 alumni,” Jackson said.

Ronni Allen is a member of the graduating Class of 2026 with a master’s degree in public affairs.

“It is up to all of us to maintain IU’s tradition of excellence,” Allen said. “I challenge the Class of 2026 to support the university and its alumni association.”

Maha Alshamaileh presented the student address for the Class of 2026. She shared her experience of growing up with hardworking immigrant parents and four siblings who have stood in her corner throughout her life. When she first arrived at IU Northwest, Alshamaileh experienced some feelings of uncertainty. Now, she has graduated from IU Northwest with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and is beginning her Master of Science and physician assistant programs at Butler University.

“I leave here with memories, mentors, friends – I came into college with big questions about myself. ‘Who am I? What do I call home? How do I carry that home with me in this new chapter?’ In the last four years, I’ve found that everyone came into college asking the same questions, just with different stories. Here at IU Northwest, we persevered together. As class president, I’ve had the privilege of organizing so many incredible events, from blood drives to community fundraisers, but what I’ll cherish the most here is the people and the memories that they gave me.”

Alshamaileh is just one of the 644 reasons IU Northwest has been a success story for families, friends, advisors, instructors, and, of course, the graduates of 2026. As these students take the next big step in their careers, they will thrive on their ability to serve, inspire, and empower. No matter where the road leads, one thing will always remain: once a RedHawk, always a RedHawk.

For more information on IU Northwest, you can visit northwest.iu.edu.