More than 1,650 students to graduate this spring across Wright State’s Dayton and Lake Campuses

984 bachelor’s degrees, 458 master’s degrees, 9 doctoral degrees awarded; associate degrees more than doubled

bob.mihalek@wright.edu, 937-775-3622
April 30, 2026

Wright State will hold the Lake Campus commencement ceremony on April 30, followed by the graduate ceremony on May 1 and the undergraduate and Boonshoft School of Medicine ceremonies on May 2 at the Nutter Center on the Dayton Campus. (Photos by Erin Pence)

Wright State University will celebrate more than 1,650 graduates during its spring 2026 commencement ceremonies held April 30 through May 2 on the Dayton and Lake Campuses.

Graduates from across four ceremonies — Lake Campus, undergraduate, graduate and medical programs — will join more than 125,000 Wright State alumni making a difference throughout Raider Country, Ohio, across the nation and around the world.

“Our graduates have shown remarkable tenacity and commitment in reaching this milestone,” said Wright State President Sue Edwards. “They have balanced responsibilities, overcome challenges and supported each other along the way. As they take the next step, they do so with the knowledge, skills and confidence to lead, serve and make a meaningful difference in their communities and beyond. We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved and inspired by the positive impact they will have as they shape a better future.”

About the spring class of 2026

This spring, Wright State will award 984 bachelor’s degrees, 458 master’s degrees, nine doctoral degrees, 76 associate degrees and 132 Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degrees.

Associate degree completion more than doubled and bachelor’s degree totals also increased compared to last spring.

The class spans generations: At 19, three students are the youngest in the graduating class, earning bachelor’s degrees in computer engineering, English and organizational leadership. The oldest graduate is 73, earning a bachelor’s degree in art.

The spring class features 147 military-connected students, including veterans, spouses and dependents.

This year’s graduates will enter the workforce across high-demand fields, including health care, education, engineering and business, strengthening the region’s talent pipeline.

Spring graduates by college:

  • Raj Soin College of Business: 223
  • College of Health, Education and Human Services: 336
  • College of Engineering and Computer Science: 306
  • College of Liberal Arts: 263
  • College of Science and Mathematics: 187
  • Lake Campus: 167
  • Boonshoft School of Medicine: 50 non-medical degree graduates and 132 Doctor of Medicine graduates

Graduates increased this spring compared to last year in several areas, including the College of Liberal Arts, while Lake Campus graduates rose by 20%.

Wright State University has a storied history of serving the community in a variety of ways over its 55-year history. The university has awarded over 140,000 degrees since its founding, with nearly 110,000 graduates living in the Miami Valley, underscoring its role as a key driver of the region’s workforce.

Spring commencement schedule

Dayton Campus Nutter Center:

  • Graduate Ceremony — Friday, May 1, 7 p.m.
  • Undergraduate Ceremony — Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m.
  • Boonshoft School of Medicine Ceremony — Saturday, May 2, 3:30 p.m.

Lake Campus:

  • Thursday, April 30, 5:30 p.m., Shankel Auditorium at Cross Oak Camp, St. Marys

Ceremony information

Tickets are not required to attend the ceremonies at the Nutter Center. Seating is first-come, first-served. Guests should enter through gates 2, 3 and 4 and are limited to one clear bag per person and one small clutch bag per person.

The undergraduate ceremony on May 2 will feature a commencement address by Kirk Davis, who will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Wright State.

Davis, a former Wright State musical theatre student, rose from managing paper routes at an Ohio community newspaper to leading GateHouse Media’s 2019 acquisition of Gannett, forming the nation’s largest publisher of locally based print and online media. After a long career across American newspapers and magazines in Boston and Philadelphia, Davis retired in February 2025.

Commencement will also feature a congratulatory video message from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.

Lake Campus will honor Mitch Eiting ’09 as its 2026 Outstanding Alumnus. Eiting has built a career at Midmark Corporation in Versailles spanning roles in production and shipping, human resources and corporate philanthropy, with a focus on service, leadership and supporting others.

John Donnelly, M.D., professor of family medicine and associate professor of population and public health, will deliver the commencement address at the Boonshoft School of Medicine ceremony. Selected by the graduating class, Donnelly is known for his commitment to teaching and for emphasizing the importance of compassion and human connection in medical practice.

Livestream information

All ceremonies will be streamed live for those who are unable to attend:

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