Spring 2026 Graduation Information

The WHC Medallion Ceremony

The Williams Honors College has a long-standing tradition of gathering graduating students for a college medallion ceremony before the University convocation and graduation. We invite Spring 2026 graduates and guests to join us on Wednesday, May 6, at 6:00 PM at the Quaker Station for the ceremony. Light refreshments will be served after the ceremony. Please RSVP (whether you will be able to attend or not) using this form no later than Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

The WHC Research Symposium

Every Honors student is required to present their research in a public venue. The Williams Honors College Spring Research Symposium provides graduating seniors with the opportunity to share the results of their Honors Research Project with others. This year, the symposium will take place in the Honors Complex on Friday, May 1, from 10:30 am-12:00 pm. Please encourage your research sponsor, readers, family, and friends to attend! Students will participate in a poster session and be available to explain their project and answer questions. Further information about posters will be sent to students by email early in March. Please indicate whether you will present at the WHC event or have presented or will present your research at another event, such as the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Celebration (April 14), the College of Engineering and Polymer Science Design Day (April 16), a professional conference, an undergraduate research conference, or a similar event.

Every graduating student must complete this form, even if you will not participate in the WHC Symposium due to an alternative presentation. Please reply by Friday, April 10.

Nominations for the Hunter Award and WHC Awards of Distinction

The 2026 University of Akron Williams Honors College Community Leadership and Service Award in Memory of John B. and Kathryn M. Hunter will be presented this April. The Award recognizes a graduating senior in The University of Akron Williams Honors College who demonstrates extraordinary leadership, commitment, and involvement in organizations and activities that serve and improve the lives of humankind. The College will also recognize 10 seniors in the graduating class as recipients of the 2026 Williams Honors College Award of Distinction, selected in part for academic performance, campus involvement, and community engagement during the student’s career at The University of Akron. Nominations, including self-nominations, for both awards will be accepted until Friday, March 13 via this form. Students receiving the distinction will be notified by April 4. The ceremony will be held on Thursday, April 23, at 8:00 AM. Selected students must be present to be eligible to receive the award.