Commencement
A Time-Honored Tradition
Spalding University’s commencement tradition began when Henry Clay presented a diploma to the first graduate of Nazareth Academy, founded and operated by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Today, commencement is a celebration of the hard work and dedication of our students to obtain their degrees. In recent years, we have had multiple, small ceremonies over the course of three days. Our 2026 Celebration marks a return to tradition, as we will come together for one large ceremony at The Galt House on May 9th.
Saturday, May 9th
1924
Spalding graduated its first class from the Louisville campus.
2026
Commencement will take place in one large ceremony on May 9th.
2026 Keynote Speaker: Dominique Dawes
Continuing to inspire, motivate, and lead after becoming the first African-American gymnast to win an individual Olympic medal, Dominique Dawes owns the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies, with her first academy opening in July 2020 during the global pandemic, and a second location slated for 2023. Dawes holds minority ownership of the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League and served as co-chair of the President’s Council for Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition under the Obama administration alongside Drew Brees. Recently, she collaborated with LeBron James and Maverick Carter as Executive Producer of the Peacock docu-series “Golden,” which follows USA’s elite gymnasts on the road to the Tokyo Olympics and has been nominated for a Sports Emmy. She holds a degree from the University of Maryland and was inducted into UMD’s prestigious Hall of Fame in 2022. In 2023, her hometown of Montgomery County, Maryland, will honor her career and legacy with a life-size statue. As a wife, mother of four, Olympian, and business owner, Dominique Dawes has transcended the world of sports, politics, entertainment, and culture.
Ceremony Schedule
Friday, May 8th
College Street Ballroom
812 S 2nd St, Louisville, KY 40203
- 10:00 AM — School of Business, School of Liberal Arts, and School of Criminal Justice Studies
- 1:00 PM — Auerbach School of Occupational Therapy, School of Athletic Training, School of Health Sciences, and School of Natural Sciences
- 3:00 PM — School of Nursing
- 5:00 PM — Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Columbia Gym Auditorium
824 S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40203
- 10:00 AM — School of Professional Psychology
- 11:00 AM — School of Professional Psychology
- 1:00 PM — School of Social Work
- 4:00 PM — College of Education
Saturday, May 9th
Tickets for the commencement ceremony must me acquired beforehand. There will be no tickets available at the door. The deadline to request tickets is yet to be determined and more information will be coming soon.
Our commencement ceremony is open to our undergraduate and graduate degree recipients. Degree recipients must arrive at the Galt House by 8:30 AM for check-in. Recipients will be assigned a waiting room by academic program. Guests should check in with one of the clerks stationed in the entry lobby, and ushers will direct them to available seating. Guests should be seated by 9:45 AM, and the graduation ceremony starts at 10:00 AM. Graduates can contact their academic advisor or program director with any questions.
8:30 AM
Students Arrive
10:00 AM
Graduation Ceremony Starts
Information for Graduates
Regalia
It is important for graduates to make plans now for ordering commencement regalia — including caps and gowns — and announcements. Spalding’s Campus Store will be handling orders through Jostens. The deadline for ordering regalia is Wednesday, April 2.
Representatives from Jostens will be on campus Tuesday, March 31 from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM in the Egan Leadership Center to take orders. Prospective graduates may also order regalia online by clicking the button below.
If you have questions about ordering regalia, please contact Contact Alisa Peach, Campus Store Manager:
Email: apeach@spalding.edu
Phone: (502) 585-7108 Select option 1 to reach the Campus Store
Ticketing Information
Each graduate will be provided four (4) in person guest tickets for viewing the May 9, 2026 Commencement Ceremony at the Galt House. The Commencement Ceremony will also be live streamed with a viewing link provided closer to the event. Ticketing will be managed by Student Affairs. The deadline for requesting tickets is Friday, May 1st. Complete the form below with your information and ticket amount.
Accessibility Concerns
If you or any of your guests have accessibility needs, please email Emily Campbell, Director of Accessibility, at accessibility@spalding.edu.
