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

Congratulations to all the Purdue Northwest graduates we celebrated at 2026 Commencement! We are proud of your drive and determination and excited to see what you accomplish next.

PNW students at commencement

2026 Commencement

We were excited to celebrate PNW’s graduates as they Powered Onward to a degree! See ceremony highlights, including student profiles and a listing of graduates.

See the Commencement Recap

Commencement Highlights

SEE THE FULL 2026 PHOTO GALLERY

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

Dec 11

Graduate Students – Thesis Format Review Deadline

The last day to submit Thesis for first review is Friday, December 11, 2026.

Dec 18

Graduate Students – Last Day to Submit Approved Thesis – Noon

The last day to submit approved Thesis (by West Lafayette) is Friday, December 18, 2026, at 12 p.m.

May 07

Commencement Weekend

Join us to celebrate Purdue University Northwest’s Fall 2026, Spring 2027 and Summer 2027 candidates for graduation! 

News And Announcements

See Commencement Updates
A student walks across the stage and holds up their diploma cover.

Purdue University Northwest graduates urged to hold onto virtues amid technological advancements

Major shifts in modern-day technologies, such as artificial intelligence, are transforming how people learn, work, communicate and more.

A Lifelong Calling: Meet 2026 PNW graduate Loretta Santino

The path to a career in nursing began at home for Chancellor’s Medallion recipient Loretta Santino (BSN’26).

Stefan Dinich

Life in the Fast Lane: Meet 2025 PNW Graduate Stefan Dinich

Stefan Dinich’s passion for working on automobiles found a hands-on outlet in the Purdue Northwest Baja Racing team as the 2025 graduate earned his mechanical engineering technology degree.