Northern Kentucky University celebrated its spring 2026 commencement ceremonies last weekend, recognizing the achievements of 2,026 graduates and welcoming them into a growing alumni network now more than 90,000 strong.
Ceremonies were held Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9, at Truist Arena. Salmon P. Chase College of Law honored 126 graduates on Friday evening. Then Saturday morning, 920 students from the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Informatics and College of Education graduated, and in the afternoon the university honored 1,106 graduates from the Haile College of Business and the College of Health and Human Services.
As part of the ceremonies, NKU awarded three honorary degrees to leaders whose work reflects NKU’s commitment to student success, regional impact and public services.
On Friday evening, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, received an honorary degree from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law. A trained attorney, Beshear practiced law in Washington, D.C. and Kentucky before being elected attorney general in Kentucky in 2016. Beshear’s work in public service and commitment to strengthening communities across the Commonwealth align closely with Chase Law School’s mission.
As governor, Beshear has supported the continued growth of Northern Kentucky through economic initiatives that benefit the region NKU and Chase serve. He was recognized for his leadership guiding Kentucky through major challenges including natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a period of sustained economic growth. During his tenure, the Commonwealth has secured record levels of private investment and job creation while maintaining strong fiscal stability and national recognition for economic development.
On Saturday morning, Dr. Aaron Thompson, president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, was awarded an honorary degree in recognition of his leadership in advancing access and opportunity in higher education across the Commonwealth. Under his leadership, Kentucky has recently been ranked as second in the nation for college completions and is closing the access gap for in-need students faster than most states. His strategic direction has strengthened collaboration among Kentucky’s colleges and universities, like NKU, while advancing policies that prioritize affordability, student success and workforce readiness.
Saturday afternoon, NKU honored Rachel Votruba with an honorary degree in recognition of her decades of service to the university and lasting impact on its campus community. Her husband, the late Dr. James C. Votruba served as NKU’s president during a period of significant growth, and together, their commitment to the university is reflected in the James C. and Rachel M. Votruba Student Union, a central hub for student life and engagement. A longtime faculty member in NKU’s former College of Education and Human Services, Votruba dedicated her career to preparing future educators and mentoring students. Her influence continues to be felt through the sense of belonging and connection she helped foster across the NKU community.
Each ceremony featured remarks from university leadership, student speakers and honorary degree recipients, celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 and the impact they are poised to make.
“This weekend is about the people behind these degrees, their persistence, their growth and the support systems that helped them get here,” said NKU President Cady Short-Thompson. “Our graduates are ready for what’s next, and they carry with them a community that will always be in their corner.”
Northern Kentucky University