Boise State University celebrated its spring 2026 graduating class over the weekend, filling ExtraMile Arena with four commencement ceremonies that honored students who completed their coursework this semester. A total of 3,403 students were eligible for 4,428 degrees and certificates, and they now join a Boise State alumni community of more than 180,000 people statewide and beyond.
A Milestone Moment for the Bronco Community
Interim President and Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Jeremiah Shinn addressed the graduates with words of pride and permanence. “You are part of the fabric of this institution, woven into its story, its spirit, and its future,” Shinn told the class, welcoming them formally into the ranks of Boise State alumni.
In a notable change from prior years, master’s and doctoral candidates were brought together for a dedicated ceremony of their own — the first time graduate-level students shared a standalone celebration. Samantha Lords, a Master of Arts in Counseling candidate with a 3.93 GPA and a leadership role in Chi Sigma Iota, the international counseling honor society, served as the graduate student speaker. Her message centered on resilience: “It is empowering to know that you are not alone,” Lords told fellow graduates.
Student Speakers Reflect on Service, Courage, and What Comes Next
Three undergraduate student speakers represented the broader graduating class, each bringing a distinct perspective shaped by their time at Boise State.
Diana Colis, a sociology major recognized for supporting first-generation college students, encouraged her peers to embrace the unfamiliar chapters ahead. “Always ask questions without fear,” Colis said, urging graduates to pursue truth and seek meaning as they step into new professional and personal roles.
Natalie Ayala, a mechanical engineering graduate who finished with a perfect 4.0 GPA and completed an internship with NASA, focused her remarks on perseverance and the broader impact of individual achievement. “When you’re the first in your family to graduate, you’re opening doors,” Ayala said, calling on classmates to see their success as a source of inspiration for others.
Isaac Celedon, who served two years as student body president and earned degrees in economics and political science, closed with a call to prioritize lasting impact over status. “Your life won’t be defined by a title,” Celedon said. “It will be defined by the people you impacted.”
What Comes Next for Boise State Graduates
The spring 2026 ceremonies mark another chapter in Boise State’s long commencement tradition, as the university continues to grow its footprint across the Treasure Valley. New graduates will move into careers across Idaho and the broader region, adding to a living alumni network that now surpasses 180,000 Broncos.
For those remaining in the Boise area, the city itself continues to evolve — from new businesses and restaurants taking shape across the valley to a revitalized downtown cultural scene. Ada County’s economy and community fabric stand to benefit as another skilled class of Boise State graduates enters the workforce.
Graduates and their families can find information about diplomas, transcripts, and alumni resources through the Boise State University website.