Boise State University conferred 4,428 degrees and certificates to 3,403 eligible graduates during spring 2026 commencement ceremonies held over the weekend at ExtraMile Arena. The new graduates join more than 180,000 living alumni of the institution.
Dr. Jeremiah Shinn, Boise State’s Interim President and Vice President for Student Affairs, addressed the graduates during the ceremonies. “Graduates, Boise State University is better because of you,” Shinn told the assembled students and families. “You are part of the fabric of this institution, woven into its story, its spirit, and its future.”
First-Ever Combined Graduate and Doctoral Ceremony
The university held four separate ceremonies to accommodate the graduates and their families. For the first time in the school’s history, master’s degree recipients and doctoral candidates celebrated together in a dedicated graduate ceremony.
Samantha Lords, who earned a Master of Arts in Counseling with a 3.93 GPA, served as student speaker for the Graduate College. Lords has held leadership positions in Chi Sigma Iota, the international counseling honor society.
“You do not have to be okay all the time,” Lords told her fellow graduates. “We are humans. We are going to make mistakes, and things are going to get messy. Not only is it okay to not be okay, it is empowering to know that you are not alone.”
Undergraduate Student Speakers Address Classmates
Three undergraduate students delivered addresses at the commencement ceremonies: Diana Colis, Natalie Ayala, and Isaac Celedon.
Colis, a sociology major recognized for her support of first-generation college students, encouraged graduates to embrace their upcoming transitions with confidence. “Soon we will enter our first year of employment, our first year of traveling, our first year of independence truly exercised,” Colis said. “Remember, we’ve been here before.”
She urged classmates to ask questions without fear, treasure each new experience, and seek external perspectives to better understand themselves.
Ayala, a mechanical engineering graduate with a perfect 4.0 GPA and NASA internship experience, centered her remarks on the importance of courage. “Our success isn’t just individual; it’s an inspiration for others,” Ayala said. “When you’re the first in your family to graduate, you’re opening doors. When you succeed in your field, you’re changing who belongs there.”
Celedon, who studied economics and political science while serving two years as student body president, challenged graduates to prioritize personal growth over professional titles. “Keep showing up. Keep learning from people. And keep caring about something bigger than yourself,” Celedon said. “Because in the end, your life won’t be defined by a title. It will be defined by the people you impacted – and the people who impacted you.”
Honorary Degree Awarded to Former Idaho House Speaker
The university presented Bruce Newcomb with an Honorary Doctor of Laws during the ceremonies. Boise State awards honorary doctoral degrees to individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievement in scholarship, creativity, public service, education, or contributions to human welfare.
Newcomb served nearly 20 years in the Idaho House of Representatives and held the position of speaker of the House from 1998 to 2006. After leaving the legislature, he joined Boise State as director of government relations and special advisor to then-President Bob Kustra.
U.S. Congressman Mike Simpson, who worked alongside Newcomb during their time in the Idaho Legislature, praised the honoree during the ceremony. “I can tell you there is no finer example of a great man than my good friend, my best friend, Bruce Newcomb,” Simpson said. “I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing Bruce for over 40 years.”
Impact on Ada County
Boise State University serves as a major educational institution for Ada County residents, with many graduates remaining in the Treasure Valley to pursue careers and contribute to the local economy. The spring 2026 class represents the latest group of degree holders entering Idaho’s workforce and professional fields.
The university’s growth reflects the expanding educational needs of Ada County and the broader Treasure Valley region, with increasing enrollment driving demand for additional degree programs and facilities.