Michael Beschloss
Historian, scholar of leadership, author
News and Documentary Emmy Award, 2005
2026 Commencement Speaker and Honorary Doctor of Letters
University of Pennsylvania Commencement
Franklin Field on Monday, May 18, 2026
The University of Pennsylvania's 270th Commencement ceremony will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026, in Franklin Field. The ceremony will feature the conferral of degrees, the awarding of honorary degrees, greetings by University officials, and remarks by the Commencement speaker, Michael Beschloss, historian, scholar of leadership, and best-selling author.
Please check back for additional details.
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipients
Carolyn Bertozzi
Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor of Chemistry and Professor of Chemical
and Systems Biology and Radiology (by courtesy), Stanford University
Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 2022
Honorary Doctor of Sciences
James Corner
Professor Emeritus of Landscape Architecture and Urbanism, University of Pennsylvania
Founding Partner, Field Operations
Honorary Doctor of Arts
Claudia Goldin
Samuel W. Morris University Professor and Henry Lee Professor of Economics, Harvard University
Nobel Prize in Economics, 2023
Honorary Doctor of Laws
Ann Hobson Pilot
Classical harpist, educator, recording artist
Principal harpist, Boston Symphony Orchestra, 1980-2009
Honorary Doctor of Music
Livestream of Penn’s Commencement Ceremony
The University of Pennsylvania's Commencement ceremony on Monday, May 18 will be live-streamed. Family members and friends who are unable to attend Penn’s 270th Commencement will be able to watch or listen to the ceremony live. Coverage of the ceremony from Franklin Field will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, May 18, 2026. The livestream will be recorded and remain available for later viewing as well.
Address & Phone
1 College Hall, Room 211
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 898-7006
Event Contact
Media Contact
Email Amanda Mott