Indiana University celebrates 2026 commencement across state
Indiana University awarded more than 21,000 degrees in nine commencement ceremonies and celebrations across the state in May.
Commencement messages were delivered by prominent Indiana leaders, IU faculty and IU students selected to represent their graduating classes.
Commencement is a triumphant celebration of our students’ hard work and the dedication of our distinguished faculty who helped guide them to this moment,” IU President Pamela Whitten said. “Nearly 21,000 graduates will go into the world and begin their next chapters, carrying with them the enduring value of an IU education and a lifetime of memories.”
By the numbers
This year’s IU graduates have a wide range of experiences and goals for the future. Some interesting facts about the graduates:
- They represent all 92 counties of Indiana, 50 states (as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) and 136 countries.
- The youngest is 18.
- The oldest is 75.
- 14% are first-generation students.
The most common majors among graduates are finance, nursing and media.
Read the full story
Meet 2 IU Bloomington graduates who took on challenges to find their paths
IU Indianapolis graduates highlight community impact through business and policy work
Pacers CEO, IU professor to offer advice as keynote speakers at IU Bloomington commencements
View photos of this year’s celebrations
IU School of Optometry vision screenings improve eyesight for thousands of children and athletes
Every year, Indiana University optometry students and faculty deliver free eye exams to thousands of people, including nearly 10,000 children across Indiana and abroad. They also provide vision screenings for hundreds of amateur sports players, including those competing in Special Olympics and college athletes at IU.
The screenings conducted in partnership with IU Athletics are an especially high-intensity exercise, with hundreds of busy student-athletes coming through Memorial Stadium in spring, summer and fall.
At a vision screening event early last year, IU optometrists discovered an uncorrected eye problem in one particularly high-profile player: Fernando Mendoza, the 2026 Heisman Trophy winner and IU quarterback who led the Hoosiers to their historic undefeated football season and College Football Playoff National Championship win.
Learn more about the impact of IU School of Optometry vision screenings
Make an appointment at one of the IU School of Optometry’s eye care centers
State Update
On May 12, the Indiana General Assembly’s Legislative Council announced interim committee topics for legislators to study between now and the 2027 budget session. The council authorized and directed 15 different legislative interim committees and task forces to deal with 29 topics and responsibilities (of the 97 proposals submitted for consideration by the four legislative leaders). Thirteen statutory study committees and task forces (including Health Care Cost Oversight) will not meet as they were not assigned any topics for the interim.
Read the State Update
Federal Update
This week’s Federal Update covers Congressional and Executive Branch of interest in Washington, D.C.
Read the Federal Update
Previous editions
Economic Engagement Update
Indiana University and Zimmer Biomet launch research, workforce partnership
Indiana University and Zimmer Biomet, a global medical technology leader, have entered a new strategic partnership designed to accelerate new technologies and approaches that improve joint replacement, bone healing and mobility and advance musculoskeletal care, while preparing students for careers in one of Indiana’s most competitive industries.
Learn more about IU/Zimmer Biomet partnership
IU Names Former Navy Research and Innovation Leader as Chief Advisor for National Security R&D
Former acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition Brett Seidle, who also performed the duties of the under secretary of the Navy, has been named Indiana University’s chief advisor for national security research and development, effective May 11. This inaugural position will bolster IU’s growing leadership in defense innovation, applied research and strategic partnerships.
Learn more about Brett Seidle
IU hosts NVIDIA to showcase global leadership in AI, Alzheimer's research and workforce innovation
NVIDIA’s interest in IU reflects the university’s strong position at the intersection of AI, biosciences and industry partnerships. Since 2023, IU has invested more than $800 million in biosciences and AI while expanding its research infrastructure, leadership in AI education and strategic partnerships across Indiana’s bioscience ecosystem.
From 2006 to 2008, for instance, natural increase — or the difference between births and deaths — accounted for 70% of Indiana’s growth. Over the past three years, by contrast, migration is responsible for 81% of the state’s gains.
For the fourth consecutive year, net international migration was the largest source of Indiana’s growth, with a net inflow of 17,852 residents last year. While still the state’s leading source of growth, net international migration to Indiana declined by 53% from 2024 to 2025.
Learn more about NVIDIA's visit to IU
IU expands registered apprenticeships to strengthen Indiana’s education workforce
Indiana University is expanding its Registered Apprenticeship Programs to help schools grow and retain educator talent. Combining paid, on-the-job experience with coursework and mentorship, this program gives districts a practical way to build from within and support staff as they advance into teaching, counseling, and principal roles.
Learn more about IU’s Registered Apprenticeship Program
IU in the News
IU Kelley student competing in open-wheel racing, while also pursuing a business degree
The Kelley School is supporting Joey Brienza, a Kelley direct admit and Hutton Honors College student and a race car driver who competes in the USF Pro 2000 Series, a premier open-wheel racing series in the ladder to INDYCAR. On May 9, he will drive his IU Kelley sponsored car at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the Tatuus Grand Prix of Indianapolis. Kelley is sponsoring Brienza and his Exclusive Autosport team through the remainder of his season in the USF Pro 2000 Series, which also includes an event at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park the same weekend as this year’s Indianapolis 500 and races at Road America; the Milwaukee Mile; the streets of Markham, Canada; Portland International Speedway; and Mid-Ohio.
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IU Cybersecurity Clinic helps rural organizations strengthen digital security
Across rural Indiana, nonprofits and local governments face a growing challenge—safeguarding their digital systems and sensitive data from increasingly complex cybersecurity threats. To help address those challenges, the IU Cybersecurity Clinic partnered with rural organizations through a fall 2025 Sustaining Hoosier Communities course project focused on strengthening digital resilience in the Indiana Uplands region.
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IU criminal justice expert’s research offers best-practices, guidance for police responses to homelessness
Groundbreaking research by Professor Natalie Hipple, Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice in the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana University Bloomington, has led to the first comprehensive typology of how American police departments respond to the problem of homelessness.
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