For the first time in years, Benedictine University’s Lisle commencement ceremony returned home.
Before graduates crossed the stage, both campuses held separate Nights of Honor and Gratitude. On Friday, May 8, the Lisle community gathered in Goodwin Auditorium at 5 p.m. to recognize supporters and honor outstanding graduates with academic awards. The evening included an Interfaith Convocation and Awards Ceremony celebrating the diverse faiths on campus.
On Tuesday, May 12, the Mesa campus held its Night of Honor and Gratitude in Gillett Hall at 5 p.m., beginning with a Mass in the Catholic and Benedictine tradition.
Then came commencement. On Saturday, May 9, the Class of 2026 walked across the stage at the Rice Center Arena in Lisle, leaving behind the offsite Rosemont Theater that had hosted previous graduations. The shift brought the celebration back to the heart of the University. Approximately 400 undergraduate students crossed the stage during the morning ceremony at 10 a.m., followed by 150 graduate students at the 1:30 p.m. ceremony.
In Mesa, graduates held their commencement ceremony on Wednesday, May 13, at the Mesa Arts Center. An additional 75 graduates were honored in a celebration distinct to their campus community.
After the final cheers, the new alumni stepped off the stage as graduates of a community they called home.
Relive the week through our official photo albums. View the Lisle Campus album and the Mesa Campus album using the links below.
Lisle Campus Commencement 2026 Album
Mesa Campus Commencement 2026 Album
Lisle Campus Night of Honor and Gratitude 2026 Album
Mesa Campus Night of Honor and Gratitude 2026 Album
Watch the recorded live streams. View the Lisle Commencement Livestream and the Mesa Commencement Livestream using the links below.
Lisle Campus Undergrad Commencement Ceremony Livestream
Lisle Campus Graduate Commencement Ceremony Livestream
Mesa Campus Commencement Ceremony Livestream
Congratulations to the Benedictine University Class of 2026. Welcome back. And welcome to your beginning.
