Commencement invites us to look in two directions at once: backward toward the accomplishments that brought us here and forward toward the possibilities that lie ahead. The 2025–26 commencement did both, celebrating the achievements of our graduates while marking the beginning of their next creative and professional journeys.
The procession was marked by live music from the UCLA commencement brass and Ghanian drum ensemble. Faculty processed, joined by doctoral students, to the stage. Dean Michael Beckerman opened the ceremony with an address to the candidates for graduation.
Commencement Speakers
The Ceremony
Music suffused the ceremony. Diane White-Clayton led the African American Music Ensemble in a performance of “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round,” a Diane White-Clayton arrangement, which includes an opening excerpt from “Don’t You Let Nobody Turn you ’Roun,” arranged by Phillip McIntyre. As per tradition, the graduating vocal students performed the Alma Mater, arranged by Michael Dean, and the students recessed to the Mariachi de Uclatlán.
The Party
