Students sit in rows during commencement. The photo focuses on two students who are looking at the commencement booklet they are holding. Everyone is wearing black commencement regalia.

Commencement

Purdue University Northwest's Spring 2026 Commencement will be Saturday, May 9, at the Hammond Campus. We look forward to celebrating your achievement with you!

PNW students at commencement

Spring 2026 Commencement

Saturday, May 9, 2026

We’re excited to celebrate PNW’s Spring 2026 graduates as they Power Onward to a degree!

Read the Pre-Graduation Guide

See Day-of Details

Commencement Highlights

A student walks across the stage during commecement

Commencement represents all of PNW's colleges and majors. Whatever their studies, students share the same commitment to hard work and perseverance.

Three graduates with decorated caps pose together.

Graduates pose with classmates, celebrating bonds forged through several years of study and hard work.

Graduates take selfies and sit in the crowd during commencement

Smiles are always plentiful as PNW graduates enjoy the ultimate reward for their hard work.

A graduate poses with a family member after commencement

Newly minted Purdue Northwest graduates are encouraged to celebrate with family and friends before and after the ceremony.

Three students lean together while sitting in the commencement crowd

We are proud of everything our graduates have accomplished and look forward to seeing what they achieve as they Power Onward to the next stages in their lives.

Five student athletes pose with their degrees

The Nils K. Nelson Bioscience Innovation Building provides the perfect backdrop for our outdoor spring ceremony.

A student's graduation cap that reads "This ones for you Mom and Dad"

Students often customize their mortarboards with messages of encouragement and excitement about what's next after completing their degrees.

Additional Resources

Graduate adjusts cap while looking out to the crowd during commencement.

Commencement FAQs

Have questions about PNW commencement? Find answers to our frequently asked questions!

Graduate celebrates by raising diploma into the air.

Diplomas

Find details about your diploma, distribution dates and reorders.

Graduate reaches out to shake Chancellor Holford's hand during commencement

Degree Requirements

Read the official process for awarding PNW degrees.

Two graduates pose together under the bell tower

Commencement Archive

Look back at past PNW graduation ceremonies!

Upcoming Events

See All PNW Events

May 09

Spring 2026 Commencement

Congratulations to PNW graduates! We look forward to celebrating with you at Commencement.

News And Announcements

See Commencement Updates
PNW Graduate Cooper Olson poses in hockey goalie gear

Goal-den standard: Meet PNW graduate Cooper Olson

Meet PNW graduate Cooper Olson, BS ‘26, who is kicking off a professional hockey career after earning a mechanical engineering degree in the classroom.

Terrell Sucre stands outside in commencement regalia

Purdue University Northwest graduates urged to confidently embrace change as they pursue their dreams

Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) 2025 graduates have poured countless hours into their persistent journeys to earn their degrees. On May 10, the culmination of over 850 candidates’ hard work was celebrated during PNW’s 2025 Commencement.

Chloe Belford speaks at PNW commencement

Minding the Future: Meet 2025 PNW Graduate Chloe Belford

For Student President Chloe Belford, ‘25, a passion for criminal justice and a pivotal class in elementary psychology prompted a degree in Psychology.