See video and photos from CWRU’s bicentennial commencement

Every commencement celebration is a collection of milestones as graduates mark the completion of their degrees and take the next step in their careers. Case Western Reserve University Class of 2026 graduates had the distinction of being part of another milestone: the institution’s bicentennial commencement. 

Over the past week, graduates across schools participated in university-wide and school-specific commencement events, each packed with moments of reflection and anticipation of what comes next.

The celebrations kicked off with the annual clap out on Case Quad, during which faculty, staff and students gathered to cheer for the graduates with signs, bubbles and noise-makers as they made their way to convocation. 

Commencement keynote speaker Rebecca Liebert, CEO of Lubrizol—a Berkshire Hathaway company, addressed the campus community offering insights on the university’s history of innovation and collaboration with the alumni-founded Lubrizol. She also shared five points of advice for graduates, describing the moment as a launchpad, not a conclusion.

“Excellence is built one decision, one action, at a time,” she said. 

Liebert was joined in offering remarks at convocation by Board of Trustees Chair Julie Gerberding (CWR ’77; MED ’81), MD, Undergraduate Student Government President Zelene Desire, Graduate Student Council President Elise Rolston, and President’s Award for Visionary Achievement honoree Ellen Mavec.

Also during the event, two individuals were recognized with honorary degrees: Carl June, MD, and Terrence Sejnowski (CIT ’68), PhD, for their remarkable contributions to their fields. Three faculty members—Gary Galbraith (CIT ’86; GRS ’88, dance), Sharona Hoffman, JD, and Anthony Wynshaw-Boris, MD, PhD—were named Distinguished University Professors, the university’s highest faculty honor.

The day’s festivities wrapped up on Van Horn Field with the Spartan Send-Off, an opportunity for graduates and members of the campus community to gather one final time before the conferring of degrees.

Beginning Friday morning, the university hosted 10 individual diploma ceremonies across three days for graduating students and their families. 

Keep an eye out on the university’s social media channels for more photos of the festivities.