UNF celebrates its largest graduating class during Spring 2026 Commencement

Today, the University of North Florida celebrated about 2,300 students - its largest graduating class - earning their degrees during the Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies at the UNF Arena.

Interim President Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti presided over the ceremonies. Ray Rodrigues, chancellor of the State University System of Florida, spoke at the morning ceremony.

Graduates range in age from 20 to 68, they come from 30 countries, 36% are the first generation in their families to attend college, many have 4.0 GPA's and 324 are connected to the military. Degrees were awarded from 126 different combinations of majors in total.

Graduates from the following colleges will move directly into careers with notable companies including:

• Brooks College of Health: Mayo Clinic, Wolfson Children's Hospital, American Red Cross, St. Joseph's Hospital, Baptist Health, KLS Martin, RF-SMART, Brooks Rehabilitation, Ascension St. Vincent, Florida Blue and HCA Healthcare
• College of Arts & Sciences: JFRD Ocean Rescue, Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Florida Department of Corrections, Jacksonville History Center, Family Therapy Associates of Jacksonville, UF Health Neurodevelopmental Pediatric Center and Farah & Farah
• Coggin College of Business: Crowley Logistics, CSX Transportation, Deloitte, Dun & Bradstreet, Fidelity Investments, Johnson and Johnson, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Miami Marlins, JTA, VyStar Credit Union, Merrill Lynch, JEA, Landstar and Bank of America
• Silverfield College of Education & Human Services: Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, City of Jacksonville, United Way, Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, Pennsylvania and Oklahoma Schools for the Deaf, Duval County, St. Johns County, Cherokee County, Lee County and Miami Dade School Districts and Deaf CAN
• College of Computing, Engineering & Construction: Petticoat-Schmitt, Miller Electric Company, PCL Construction, Florida Department of Transportation, Citrus County Board of County Commissioners, The Haskell Company, Stellar Energy, MetroPower, FTI Consulting, England-Thims & Miller and H2Engineering

The Senior Service Award is presented by the UNF Alumni Association to one graduating senior each semester for their outstanding service to the University and community through volunteerism. This year's recipient is Jermaine Daniels II.

A communication major specializing in digital media production with a minor in photography, Daniels has completed more than 700 hours of community service. He served as Polemarch (chapter president) of Kappa Alpha Psi, a Southern Province Undergraduate board member and Mr. UNF for the 2024-25 school year.

Guided by a strong foundation from his family and mentors, Daniels has made a lasting impact at UNF, leading community outreach during Kappa Week, mentoring incoming students through Movers and Groovers, volunteering at the Eartha M.N.A White Farm in Moncrief Springs, raising funds for St. Jude Children's Hospital and hosting workshops to equip young men with tools for success.

The Graduate Service Award, presented by the UNF Alumni Association, recognizes graduate-level students for their contributions through volunteerism. This year's recipient is Hayley Spring.

A Jacksonville native and Springfield resident who joined UNF's Master of Public Administration program in 2023, Spring has quickly turned her coursework into meaningful community impact. She has served on city committees to advocate for improved street design, clearer communication and climate resilience. Through 904WARD, Spring led monthly community conversations to strengthen neighborhood connections. She also supported UNF's efforts to address food insecurity, serving on the Nutrition and Dietetics Advisory Board and mentoring through Food Policy Pathways.

In addition, Spring has contributed to the UF IFAS Duval County Extension Office advisory council, helping expand access to research-based education across Jacksonville. She credits UNF's MPA program and the Community Alliance for Student Success for supporting her journey and remains committed to serving her community.

Three students in The Arc Jacksonville On-Campus Transition Program at UNF were also recognized at graduation. This innovative program provides young adults with intellectual differences with a transformational college experience as an integral part of their transition to independence.

The UNF Class of Spring 2026 will join the Osprey alumni nation's current 117,785-member total. As of fall 2025, UNF has issued 102,144 bachelor's degrees, 25,005 master's degrees and 1,766 doctorates since first opening in 1972.