Commencement Wrap Up

May 11, 2026

Students, family members, and other guests gather for the Department of Chemical Engineering's 2026 Diploma Ceremony

2026 Chemical Engineering Diploma Ceremony, Carnegie Mellon University

Ceremony photos

Preview and download ChemE Diploma Ceremony photos here.

 

The Department of Chemical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University celebrated its 2026 diploma ceremony on Saturday, May 9 during Commencement Weekend. Students earning bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees were lauded for the completion of their academic programs, with many earning additional honors.

The ceremony, which took place in the Cohen University Center's Weigand Gym, brought together family members, friends, other guests, faculty, and staff who recognized the graduates with applause and shouts of acclaim. 

During the event, Department Head Carl Laird thanked the gathered guests for the opportunity to educate the graduating students. He also asked the students to recognize their families and friends who had supported them during their journey. 

...Whether the challenges in front of you are related to the environment, energy, medicine, or are even societal, know that you have the skills and character to make a difference.

Carl Laird, Department Head and John E. Swearingen Professor, Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University

During his remarks, Laird told the graduating class, You are graduating from one of the most difficult programs in the country. You have a strong foundation in science and mathematics. And you have demonstrated time and time again that you have the practical skills necessary to apply that knowledge to solve real problems. You know how to work in and lead teams, and you know how to communicate your message. You... you are chemical engineers."

"You can stand proud as a graduate of Carnegie Mellon, but this also comes with a responsibility," he continued. "The world is full of challenges, and whether the challenges in front of you are related to the environment, energy, medicine, or are even societal, know that you have the skills and character to make a difference."

  • The program for the diploma ceremony, a red and white brochure, sits atop a red tablecloth.
  • Soon-to-be-graduates mingle in line before starting the procession.
  • A group of doctoral students sit with their orange engineering hoods on their backs.
  • Chemical Engineering graduates fill Carnegie Mellon University's Weigand Gym
  • Two students, after receiving awards, depart the stage during the diploma ceremony
  • A students departs the stage at the diploma ceremony and acknowledges her friends and family.
  • A student processes out from the diploma ceremony.
  • A professor walks in his formal academic regalia.
  • Faculty process in their formal academic regalia.
  • A top-down view of a multi-colored floral bouquet that decorated the table tops at the reception.

    • Awards and Recognition 

    The ceremony recognized the following recipients of awards: 

    • American Institute of Chemical Engineers Professional Promise Award
: Zeynep Orucu
    • Ken Westerberg Award for Excellence in Research: Shreeya Iyer
    • Geoffrey D. Parfitt Award for Excellence in Research: Irene Cui
    • Senior Achievement Award: Kennan Norton
    • McCabe Society Awards: Gabrielle Bell, Autumn Franks, Adam Gockley, Wanetta Osei-Bonsu, Barrett Schmitz, Orit Shiang, Paul Takyi, Linda Zhao
    • Ken Meyer Award: Sakshi Naik
    • Master's Student Outstanding Service Award: Anthony Toskin
    • Kun Li Award for Excellence in Education: Joanne Beckwith Maddock, Assistant Teaching Professor
    You might also like... Read about Carnegie Mellon's honorary degree recipients and more.

    After the recessional Pomp and Circumstance march, the new graduates, faculty, family, and guests enjoyed a reception in the Rangos Ballroom. Later than evening, Carnegie Mellon's President Farnam Jahanian hosted a reception to honor all Ph.D. graduates, including their guests, department heads, and university leadership. 

    On Sunday, all gathered for the weekend's main event, the university-wide commencement ceremony at Gelsing Stadium. This marked the official ending to another academic year at the institution. 

    Congratulations to all the graduates, and best wishes for success in your future endeavors! 

     

    For media inquiries, please contact Lisa Kulick, lkulick@andrew.cmu.edu.