On May 18, 2026, more than 600 students from the graduating class of 2026 celebrated their education milestone at the Spring 2026 Saint Paul College graduation held at Roy Wilkins Auditorium. During this college graduation 2026 event, students were surrounded by families, friends, faculty, and staff as they were awarded their diplomas or certificates and flipped their tassels, marking the end of their time at Saint Paul College.

Najma Ahmed served as the student speaker during the Saint Paul College Spring 2026 graduation ceremony. Her focus at SPC was IT, and she will continue her education at Saint Mary’s to advance her IT skills and knowledge. Throughout her time at SPC, she actively participated in Student Life, founded a karaoke club, and was an honor student inducted into Phi Theta Kappa. In her speech, Najma highlighted how a college commencement experience prepares students for more than their careers.

I didn’t just learn how to do a job. I learned how to communicate, how to lead, and how to support others.

Najma Ahmed

Student Speaker

Tim Huebsch has served on the Minnesota Board of Trustees since 2022 and is involved in several boards supporting the community. He opened the Spring 2026 graduation ceremony by reflecting on the future of the graduates as they step beyond this university commencement ceremony and into the next chapter of their lives.

Each of you represents hope for a bright and bold future for your families, for your community, for Minnesota, and for our world. Today, we mark not an end but an exciting commencement, the beginning of the next stage of your life’s journey.

Tim Huebsch

Minnesota Board of Trustees

After graduates walked the stage and moved their tassel from right to left—one of the key graduation ceremony traditions—Dr. Dee Dee Peaslee, President of Saint Paul College, concluded the commencement ceremony highlights by recognizing the strong network of alumni the graduates are now joining.

You join more than 46,000 graduates, who have completed their education at St. Paul College over the last 116 years. Individuals who have gone on to serve, lead, create, and make a difference in their families, careers, and community.

Dee Dee Peaslee

President of Saint Paul College

The Saint Paul College Class of 2026 celebration included students from more than 100 programs, earning associate of arts, associate of science, and applied associate of science degrees, as well as certificates and diplomas. This campus graduation celebration showcased the achievements and future potential of Saint Paul College students.

Check out photos from the Spring 2026 commencement ceremony:

Hundreds of Saint Paul College graduates in blue caps and gowns sit in rows of chairs inside a large indoor venue before the graduation ceremony begins.
A group of seated graduates in caps and gowns take a selfie on a smartphone while surrounded by rows of other graduates in an auditorium. (Spring 2026 graduation ceremony)
A Saint Paul College graduate in a blue gown sits among rows of chairs and high-fives a person seated beside them before the graduation ceremony, with other graduates in blue caps and gowns in the background.
Sky the SPC mascot, wearing a blue cap and gown, sits among Saint Paul College graduates in rows of chairs before the graduation ceremony while a person beside the mascot gives a thumbs-up.
Group of Saint Paul College graduates in blue caps and gowns pose together in a large indoor hallway before the ceremony.
A group of graduates in navy-blue caps and gowns stand together in an auditorium, some wearing colorful striped stoles, with a stage and “Saint Paul” signage visible in the background. (Spring 2026 graduation ceremony)
A group of Saint Paul College graduates in blue caps and gowns pose for a photo with Sky the SPC mascot in a blue graduation gown.
Three Saint Paul College graduates in blue caps and gowns pose together indoors, wearing honor cords, stoles, and a medal before the graduation ceremony.
Saint Paul College graduate in a blue cap and gown high-fives a faculty member in academic regalia backstage at graduation, with other graduates waiting nearby.
Graduates in navy caps and gowns walk through an auditorium aisle while others on both sides clap and reach out, with stage screens and seating visible in the background. (Spring 2026 graduation ceremony)
Mindy Travers in a graduation cap and gown stands at a podium on stage with balloons and curtains in the background for the Class of 2026 graduation. (Spring 2026 graduation ceremony)
Wendy Roberson in academic regalia and cap delivers remarks at a podium against a dark stage backdrop for the Class of 2026 graduation. (Spring 2026 graduation ceremony)
Graduate in a navy cap and gown holds a diploma folder and bouquet while posing with a person holding flowers in a large indoor venue. (Spring 2026 graduation ceremony)
A Saint Paul College graduate wearing a blue cap dance with two formally dressed people in an open indoor hallway during graduation.
Saint Paul College graduate in a blue cap and gown poses for a photo with Sky the SPC mascot, a blue fox in a graduation gown, while someone takes the picture on a phone.