Takeaways
- CAES will hold its spring 2026 convocation May 7 at The Classic Center, where each graduate will be recognized by name.
- This year’s convocation speaker is Audrey Knoper, a senior who balanced academics, research, athletics and service throughout her time at UGA. After graduation, she plans to attend Indiana University School of Medicine to become a rural surgeon.
- UGA commencement ceremonies will take place May 7-9 and feature speakers D.J. Shockley and Meg Amstutz. Additional graduation celebrations will also be held on the Griffin and Tifton campuses.
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) will host its spring 2026 convocation at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 7, at The Classic Center in Athens.
“Convocation presents a unique opportunity for students to reflect on all they have achieved during their college careers, and it’s an honor to get to celebrate that with students every semester,” said CAES Dean and Director Nick Place. “CAES students are tackling some of the most pressing issues the world is facing today, and I’m confident that their graduation is just the start of their journey to make an impact.”
CAES convocation
CAES convocation is a personalized ceremony recognizing undergraduate and graduate candidates, where each student is honored by name as they cross the stage.
This year’s convocation speaker is Audrey Knoper, a UGA senior double-majoring in regenerative bioscience and biological science, with minors in applied biotechnology and biology. As a student in CAES, she has maintained a rigorous academic schedule while conducting research in neurodegenerative diseases, serving as a teaching assistant and participating in the Morehead Honors College. She will graduate summa cum laude with Highest Honors.
Outside the classroom, Knoper competed on the UGA Cross Country and Track teams, balancing athletics with academics. She serves as an ambassador for the Department of Animal and Dairy Science and is actively involved in departmental organizations. Her commitment to serving others includes work as a certified nurse assistant, co-directing an outreach program, serving as a medical intern helping establish free clinics in rural Peru, and other ongoing volunteer efforts.
She also remains connected to agriculture by managing her own herd of registered dairy cattle in Indiana. After graduation, she will attend the Indiana University School of Medicine to pursue a medical degree, with the goal of becoming a rural surgeon.
Student information
For information regarding registration for CAES convocation, please visit the CAES website. For specific questions, contact Mary Formo at mformo@uga.edu.
Wearing academic regalia — caps, gowns, tassels, etc. — is required for participation in CAES convocation. Regalia can be purchased at the UGA Bookstore.
Students can begin checking in at The Classic Center atrium and lining up for the 5 p.m. processional. Students should leave their belongings with their guests and make alternative arrangements for service dogs in training. Faculty will check in at 5:45 p.m. to line up for the processional.
Guest information
Guests are encouraged to attend this free event and do not need entry tickets. Doors will open for guests at 5 p.m. Parking for the event is available for a fee at The Classic Center and locations around downtown Athens.
Photos
A photographer will be at the CAES convocation to capture high-quality photos of candidates with the dean, as well as group and candid shots. These photos will be available for download by students and guests a few weeks after the ceremony.
UGA Commencement
UGA will host commencement ceremonies for undergraduate and graduate students May 7-9.
Graduate ceremonies
Graduate ceremonies will be held May 7 in Stegeman Coliseum. The master’s and specialist ceremony will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the doctoral ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are not required for graduate commencement.
Undergraduate ceremony
The undergraduate ceremony will take place May 8 at 7:30 p.m. in Sanford Stadium. Tickets are required for graduates but not for guests. The Clear Bag Policy is in effect for commencement.
This year’s undergraduate commencement speaker is D.J. Shockley, a former UGA and Atlanta Falcons quarterback. A fan favorite during his time at UGA, Shockley led the Bulldogs to an SEC Championship in 2005 and earned SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors. After his time in the NFL, he built a career in sports media and now works as a broadcaster and analyst, staying closely connected to the Bulldog community.
Meg Amstutz, dean of the Jere W. Morehead Honors College, will deliver the graduate commencement address during ceremonies May 7 at Stegeman Coliseum. The day will include two ceremonies, with the master’s and specialist graduates recognized at 10 a.m. followed by the doctoral ceremony at 2:30 p.m.
As dean of the Honors College, Amstutz has played a key role in supporting high-achieving students across the university, and her address will mark an important moment of celebration for graduate students as they close out their time at UGA and look ahead to what’s next.
Tifton and Griffin campus celebrations
The Tifton campus graduation reception will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 2, at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center.
The Griffin campus graduation celebration will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, on the Student Learning Center front lawn.
For more information about these events, contact the CAES Office of Academic and Faculty Affairs at 706-542-1611.
