The University of Southern Maine celebrated its 146th commencement Saturday at Cross Insurance Arena, awarding 1,615 degrees to the class of 2026 before a crowd of nearly 7,000 graduates, family members, faculty and staff.
The class included 40 doctoral recipients, the largest doctoral group in USM history. Their degrees were celebrated earlier in the week with a hooding ceremony, alongside pinning ceremonies for occupational therapy and nursing graduates.
University President Jacqueline Edmondson welcomed the graduating class with a call to carry their education beyond the classroom.
“Higher education is essential to a healthy democracy — it’s where we prepare global citizens, not just for careers, but for life,” Edmondson said.
The commencement address was delivered via video by Henry A. Giroux, who earned his bachelor’s degree at USM in 1967. Giroux, a scholar known for his work on education, democracy and civic responsibility, also received an honorary doctorate.
“Education is not a luxury; it is a necessity — not simply a pathway to a career, but a moral and political force,” Giroux said.
Najmo Ahmed, a first-generation college student from Lewiston who earned her degree in social and behavioral sciences, delivered the student commencement address. Her remarks drew a standing ovation.
“This is for those who worked night shifts and still made it to their 8 a.m. class,” Ahmed said.