Clark Atlanta University Announces 2026 Commencement Week Celebrations

Clark Atlanta University (CAU) is proud to announce its 2026 Commencement Week celebration, taking place May 14-18, 2026, culminating in the Commencement Ceremony on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Emmy Award-winning Icon Debbie Allen To Inspire Class Of 2026

CAU is honored to welcome legendary actress, choreographer, director, and producer Debbie Allen as the 2026 Commencement Speaker. A multi-talented entertainment icon, Allen has earned five Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and numerous other accolades throughout her distinguished career. She is best known for her role in the television series "Fame" and her groundbreaking work in theater, film, and television production. Currently, Allen is directing a Broadway revival of August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone starring Taraji P. Henson and Cedric the Entertainer, and producing a reboot of A Different World filmed on the CAU campus. Allen's commitment to arts education and mentorship aligns perfectly with CAU's mission of academic excellence and cultural enrichment. Ms. Allen will receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters Honoris Causa.

Honorary Degree Recipients

In addition to Ms. Allen, Clark Atlanta University will confer the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws Honoris Causa upon Salvador Diaz-Versón, Jr., a distinguished leader in finance, business, and public service, and a valued member of the CAU Board of Trustees. Mr. Diaz-Versón serves as Chairman and President of Diaz-Versón Capital and previously held the role of President and Chief Investment Officer of Aflac Inc. His dedication to Clark Atlanta University spans over a decade as an active and engaged Trustee, serving on the Buildings and Grounds Committee and the Finance, Audit, and Investment Committee. During his tenure, he has helped oversee significant growth in the University's endowment. His leadership extends across numerous national and international organizations, and he has been honored with two presidential appointments to federal commissions by President George H. W. Bush and President Bill Clinton. 

Reverend Chaloea E. Hale To Deliver Baccalaureate Message

The Baccalaureate Service will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, featuring Reverend Chaloea E. Hale as the keynote messenger. Rev. Hale is a dynamic spiritual leader known for inspiring messages of faith, perseverance, and purpose.

Judge Brenda Hill Cole To Receive "Women Of Excellence" Social Justice Award

Clark Atlanta University will present the prestigious Grace Towns Hamilton/Evelyn Gibson Lowery "Women of Excellence" Social Justice Award to Judge Brenda Hill Cole, a distinguished jurist whose career has been marked by unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and community empowerment.

Transformative Leadership In The CAU Class of 2026

"The Class of 2026 represents the very best of Clark Atlanta University's proud tradition of academic excellence and social responsibility," said Dr. George T. French, Jr., President of Clark Atlanta University. "As our graduates prepare to enter the world, they do so equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become transformative leaders in their communities and professions. We are honored to have Ms. Debbie Allen deliver our Commencement address, for Reverend Chaloea E. Hale to bring our Baccalaureate message, and to recognize Judge Brenda Cole for her outstanding contributions to social justice. Their examples of excellence and service will inspire our graduates as they embark on their own journeys of purpose and impact."

Commencement Week Schedule Of Events

Thursday, May 14, 2026 — 6:00 p.m. Salute to Graduating Scholars

Friday, May 15, 2026 — 11:00 a.m. School of Arts & Sciences Master's and Doctoral Hooding Ceremony

Friday, May 15, 2026 — 4:00 p.m. School of Business Administration Master's Hooding Ceremony

Saturday, May 16, 2026 — 11:00 a.m. Whitney M. Young, Jr. School of Social Work Master's Hooding Ceremony

Saturday, May 16, 2026 — 2:00 p.m. School of Education Master's and Doctoral Hooding and Recognition Ceremony

Sunday, May 17, 2026 — 11:00 a.m. Baccalaureate Service featuring Reverend Chaloea E. Hale and the Grace Towns Hamilton/Evelyn Gibson Lowery "Women of Excellence" Social Justice Award Presentation to Judge Brenda Hill Cole

Sunday, May 17, 2026 — 1:30 p.m. President's Panther Passage & Reception

Monday, May 18, 2026 — 10:00 a.m. Commencement Exercises; Commencement Speaker: Debbie Allen Georgia World Congress Center — Building A; 285 Andrew Young International Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30313

About The Ceremony

The Commencement Ceremony will celebrate the achievements of CAU's Class of 2026, recognizing undergraduate and graduate students from the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business Administration, School of Education, and Whitney M. Young Jr. School of Social Work. Bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees will be conferred during the ceremony. Graduates have excelled academically while contributing to the rich legacy of this historic institution.

Media Registration: Media planning to attend should register at the following link: CAU media registration

For Media Inquiries, please contact Cecilia Cheeks at 404-703-2914 or ccheeks@cau.edu.

About Clark Atlanta University

Clark Atlanta University, a private, historically Black university founded in 1988 through the consolidation of Clark College (1869) and Atlanta University (1865), is a leading institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, social justice, and global engagement. CAU offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs and continues to produce leaders who transform communities worldwide.

For more information about Commencement 2026, visit www.cau.edu/commencement.