photo by: Kahner Sampson/Special to the Journal-World

A champagne shower was part of the KU graduation day celebrations at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on May 17, 2026.

The University of Kansas hosted thousands of graduates and spectators Sunday at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium for 2026 Commencement ceremonies. KU classes are now out for the semester. Most KU summer classes begin June 1, and students will return en masse for the fall semester, which begins on Aug. 24.

photo by: Kahner Sampson/Special to the Journal-World

Big Jay gives a high five as graduates begin to make their way down The Hill at the University of Kansas on May 17, 2026.

photo by: Kahner Sampson/Special to the Journal-World

Whether it was on two feet or four paws, thousands made their way down The Hill at the University of Kansas graduation ceremonies on May 17, 2026.

photo by: Kahner Sampson/Special to the Journal-World

Graduates are pictured at the University of Kansas on May 17, 2026.

photo by: Kahner Sampson/Special to the Journal-World

A KU graduate has a last minute adjustment made to his wardrobe prior to KU graduation ceremonies on May 17, 2026.

photo by: Kahner Sampson/Special to the Journal-World

Some mortar boards carried messages as graduates descended The Hill into David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on May 17, 2026.

photo by: Kahner Sampson/Special to the Journal-World

University of Kansas Chancellor Doug Girod addresses graduates on May 17, 2026 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

photo by: Kahner Sampson/Special to the Journal-World

Graduates are pictured on May 17, 2026 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

photo by: Kahner Sampson/Special to the Journal-World

Graduates are pictured on May 17, 2026 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

photo by: Kahner Sampson

Graduates are pictured on May 17, 2026 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

photo by: Kahner Sampson/Special to the Journal-World

Graduates celebrate after the awarding of degrees at KU’s Commencement ceremony on May 17, 2026 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.