A graduate celebrates during UTC’s spring 2026 commencement ceremonies May 8-9 in McKenzie Arena. Photo by Angela Foster.
More than 1,780 students crossed the stage during the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s spring 2026 commencement ceremonies May 8-9 in McKenzie Arena, where undergraduate and graduate students were recognized together across three college-based ceremonies.
The ceremonies brought together graduates from the College of Health, Education and Professional Studies and the College of Nursing; the College of Arts and Sciences; and the Gary W. Rollins College of Business and the College of Engineering and Computer Science alongside graduate students from across the University.
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Click here for more UTC Commencement 2026 stories. Click here for UTC photographer Angela Foster’s spring 2026 commencement Flickr photo gallery.
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During her remarks, UTC Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce shared that the graduating class included students from 73 Tennessee counties, 29 states and 20 countries. Degrees were awarded to 1,431 undergraduate students representing 50 fields of study and 349 graduate students representing 30 fields of study. The graduating class ranged in age from 19 to 68 among undergraduate students and 20 to 61 among graduate students.
Bruce also recognized the 35 graduates who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces.
“Graduates, you are being prepared to make a difference, not just in your careers, but in your communites and beyond,” Bruce told the crowd. “Whether that’s through innovation, leadership or service to others, I know that each one of you will leave a lasting mark on this world, and you will lift others up along the way.”
Beeta Baghaevaji graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science.
Among the graduates recognized this weekend was Beeta Baghaevaji, a political science major from Brentwood, Tennessee, who served as UTC’s 2025-26 student body president and delivered remarks during all three ceremonies.
At the College of Arts and Sciences ceremony, she spoke at her own commencement.
“When we first arrived at UTC, many of us believed college was about getting everything right—the right major, the right grades and the right plan for the rest of our lives,” Baghaevaji said. “We searched for certainty, but what we discovered instead was far more meaningful.”
Baghaevaji’s foundation for her success, she said, was her mother.
“She came into this country on her own in search of opportunity, stability and a voice she could call her own,” she said. “She faced uncertainty and change head-on, yet she never let it harden her. Instead, she led with kindness, courage and an unwavering commitment to others.”
Seated in the front row among graduate students during the same ceremony was Riley Saunders, who earned both her undergraduate and master’s degrees in criminal justice from UTC.
Saunders said moving into graduate school pushed her in new ways academically and professionally.
“It was very challenging because the workload is different,” said Saunders, who hails from Soddy Daisy, Tennessee. “The professors request more from you, but it was very necessary for my personal growth and professional growth.”
While completing her graduate degree, Saunders taught two semesters as an instructor, an experience she said strengthened her communication and leadership skills.
She encouraged undergraduate students to choose UTC for graduate school.
“The community that was built in undergrad is enhanced,” Saunders said. “You are building everlasting professional relationships. I am so grateful for my experience here at UTC both undergrad and graduate school. I will never forget my mentors and my cohort.”
Livestream links:
- 2:30 p.m. Friday, May 8: College of Health, Education and Professional Studies and College of Nursing
- 9 a.m. Saturday, May 9: College of Arts and Sciences
- 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9: College of Engineering and Computer Science and Rollins College of Business
Learn more
Commencement 2026 photo gallery by Angela Foster
Riley Saunders (center) graduated with a master’s degree in criminal justice.
