Harrison Ford to deliver spring commencement speech at Arizona State University
A stand-out graduation is set for Arizona State University this spring. More than 22,000 students will earn degrees from ASU, headed for a dynamic range of in-demand careers in health, engineering, astrophysics, teaching and more fields that advance Arizona, the United States and the world.
The graduates’ commitment to real-world problem-solving is reflected in this year’s undergraduate commencement speaker – acclaimed actor and longtime conservation advocate Harrison Ford. Ford has been a champion of global conservation for more than three decades. He joined Conservation International’s Board of Directors in 1991 and is currently the organization’s longest-serving Board member. As Vice Chair, Ford has played an instrumental role in shaping Conservation International’s mission to protect nature for people—ensuring that the vital ecosystems humanity depends upon are preserved for future generations. His work aligns with ASU’s charter commitment to assume responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves.
Ford will be recognized for his work in conservation with an honorary Doctor of Arts and Humane Letters. Also receiving an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at undergraduate commencement is businessman and philanthropist Howard Graham Buffett, who will share remarks.
The record-setting class of 22,631* is a 6% increase from last spring’s graduating class. This includes 14,258 on-campus undergraduate and graduate students – and Arizona residents make up nearly 10,000 of them. There also are 8,373 online students graduating, up 16% from last year.
Of the May 2026 graduating class, 1,968 are military veterans, active duty, guard/reserves, or dependent family members.
Spring graduates are heading into high-demand fields such as health care, sustainability and cyber security. Thomas Hancock-Bacon, for example, is a W. P. Carey Outstanding Graduate who is combining a love of sustainability and finance with the Peace Corps. Another is Nicole Herkenoff, a graduate who transferred to ASU FIDM in Los Angeles for a degree in fashion merchandising and has been hired full time for a major brand.
ASU is ranked No. 2 among public U.S. universities in employability, ahead of UCLA, the University of Michigan and Purdue. Among all U.S. institutions, ASU is ranked No. 14. globally.
The spring class of 2026 is joining the ranks of more than 680,000 Arizona State University alumni.
ASU invites members of the media to join us for spring 2026 commencement. Phenomenal graduates available for interviews at commencement can be found here.
Visual assets and livestream of Harrison Ford’s speech here.
General ASU graduation b-roll is available here.
ASU Spring 2026 Graduate Commencement
When: Monday, May 11 | 9 a.m.
Where: Desert Financial Arena, 600 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, AZ 85281
ASU Spring 2026 Undergraduate Commencement
When: Monday, May 11 | 7:30 p.m.
Where: Mountain America Stadium, 500 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, AZ 85287
Note: Harrison Ford’s speech will be held only at undergraduate commencement.
Media MUST be in place in the stadium by 7:15 p.m.
An RSVP is required for all media. The ASU team will provide media credentials and parking information once RSVPs are sent to the media relations team at:
Elena Bras, [email protected]
There are also 32 college-specific convocations and seven special-interest celebrations in Tempe and metro Phoenix. The full list is here.
*These figures represent the number of students who have applied for graduation as of April 10. The exact number of degrees may change up to two weeks after graduation.
Safety: ASU has security and law enforcement present at all commencement events. Safety messages will be communicated through signs, videos and emails. All graduates, faculty and guests will go through security checks. Graduates will be instructed to carry their gowns into ceremonies, which is standard practice, and will be allowed to put them on after moving through security. Signs, banners and flags are prohibited.
A clear-bag policy is in place at Mountain America Stadium and Desert Financial Arena. This proactive measure enhances safety inside the venue and will speed up the security screening process. Because commencement and convocation ceremonies are special for all involved, individuals who engage in inappropriate or disruptive behavior will be removed from the event. Click here for tips on attending commencement ceremonies.
About Arizona State University
Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American research university, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that it serves.
