UAH to award an estimated 1,146 degrees during commencement ceremonies May 4 at VBC

Three first-generation students, center, smile for the camera at fall 2025 commencement ceremonies for The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) on Dec. 15, 2025, at the Von Braun Center (VBC) Propst Arena. These First and Proud Chargers wear cords of blue and green to show that they are the first generation in their family to earn a bachelor’s degree. All UAH students who completed requirements for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees during the spring 2026 semester will receive those degrees on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the VBC.

Michael Mercier | UAH

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) will award an estimated 1,146 degrees during spring 2026 commencement ceremonies on Monday, May 4, at the Von Braun Center (VBC) Propst Arena. UAH is a part of The University of Alabama System.

A UAH first-gen student proudly shows off her diploma during the 10 a.m. commencement ceremony on Dec. 15, 2025.

Michael Mercier | UAH

“Commencement is a special time for all of our graduates,” said Dr. Rhonda Gaede, associate provost for undergraduate education and associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. “For some of them, however, it means more. These are our first-generation students whose parents or guardians did not complete a bachelor’s degree.”

Gaede noted that these First and Proud Chargers will wear cords of blue and green at the ceremony to mark this distinction.

“The blue represents their relationship with UAH, their alma mater, and the green symbolizes hope, growth and strength. We recognize them for navigating the complexities of university life without having family members that know the way. The journey can be long and hard with the goal seeming out of their grasp at times. One of our first-gen graduates this spring started their collegiate journey back in the ’80s and is now crossing the finish line. This persistence and dedication is an inspiration for us all.”

UAH will award diplomas during two ceremonies: The first at 10 a.m. will honor graduates from the College of Engineering; the College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences, and the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Graduates from the College of Business, the College of Nursing and the College of Science will be recognized at the 2 p.m. event.

A UAH first-gen student displays his delight and his diploma during the 2 p.m. commencement ceremony on Dec. 15, 2025.

Michael Mercier | UAH

These ceremonies will include all graduates for the spring 2026 semester. Estimated numbers of degrees to be presented are 906 bachelor’s degrees, 207 master’s degrees and 33 doctorates. Of the doctoral degrees, 23 are Ph.D.s and 10 are Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees.

More details about the UAH spring 2026 commencement – including how to watch the livestream online, directions to the VBC, event parking, a description of the VBC security policy and event decorum rules – are available on the UAH commencement website.