By Jennifer K. Morita

May 26, 2026

Sacramento State celebrated more than 6,400 new graduates along with their families and loved ones during Spring 2026 Commencement held May 22-23 at Golden 1 Center. 

This year, 6,438 Hornets were eligible to participate in commencement. Degrees are officially awarded after commencement, following final evaluation. 

They joined another 2,740 students who earned degrees in Fall 2025, making the 2025-26 graduating class the largest ever in University history at a projected 9,178 students.  

“You are explorers on the brink of your greatest mission,” President Luke Wood told the graduates. “This moment belongs to you. Today is your launch.” 

“... What life holds for you from this point is uncharted. The nature of human existence is that planning, preparing, and practicing can only take you so far. The rest is a beautiful mystery, and regardless of where that takes you, just know that you can always call Sac State your hive and your home.” 

Young dancers from local schools performed before the ceremonies began as grads and their families filed into the arena and found seats.

“Even though times were hard, and I was struggling, I’ve always kept the end goal in mind.” -- College of Business Deans' Award winner Kyen Canchico

Associate Vice President for Campus Life Samuel N. Jones along with Executive Director of Housing Services Nadine Kelley kept the audience pumped up as they waited for the ceremonies to start. 

Wood told this year’s graduates their experiences, especially the challenging ones, prepared them for their purpose. 

“The road today wasn't easy, but these experiences have perfectly molded you into being able to change the world in a way that no one else could,” Wood said. “No one could do it like you, because no one has traveled the world you have.” 

Several student speakers, including President’s Medal winner Somaya Faruqi, had to overcome many challenges to even enroll at Sacramento State. 

Faruqi fell in love with engineering as a seven year-old girl working in her father’s car repair shop, where she could only go on certain days when other men weren’t there. She was also on the country’s first all-girls robotics team. 

But when the Taliban took control of the government in 2021, Faruqi had to flee. 

“If we stayed in Afghanistan, it would not be safe for us, so me and my eight other teammates left,” Faruqi said before commencement. 

She and her family eventually settled in Sacramento, where Faruqi advocates for women in Afghanistan, particularly girls interested in robotics. Her years at Sac State were spent balancing school, work, and advocacy.

“I’m really excited,” Faruqi said. “I was dreaming about this from a really young age, ever since I was working in my dad’s shop and when I was on the robotics team in Afghanistan … My parents are really proud, especially my dad because he was my biggest supporter.”

Kyen Canchico, who was also recognized as the College of Business Deans’ Award winner, juggled school, duties as a combat medic in the U.S. Army Reserves, ROTC training, and working at an Amazon warehouse in Tracy. He often slept in his car between classes and work.

“Even though times were hard, and I was struggling, I’ve always kept the end goal in mind,” Canchico said. “It’s nice seeing that all the hours and effort I put in have resulted in something.” 

Family and friends said they were excited to see their grads cross the stage. 

“I’m very happy and proud,” said Catarina Hernandez, who got to Golden 1 Center early Friday morning to watch her daughter, Maritza Ascencion Hernandez, graduate. “Congratulations to the class of 2026.” 

John Barkdoll's son, also named John, worked to pay his way through school without taking out student loans. He graduated Friday with a Business Accounting degree. 

“He’s taken the long path so he doesn’t have any debt. He’s been going to college for six years,” Barkdoll said. “He lived with me up until last year to save money, so I’m really proud of him.” 

Barkdoll, Jr.’s girlfriend Joy Vongchareun said he already has two job offers. 

“I’m really excited for him,” she said. “We’re looking forward to our future together.”