UMF Commencement

2026 Commencement Ceremony: May 9 at 11 a.m.

Join us in celebrating the remarkable achievements of this year’s undergraduate and graduate classes!

Date: May 9, 2026
Time: 11:00 am SHARP (Students should arrive by 10 am)
Location: The Narrow Gauge Amphitheater– which is located in downtown Farmington, behind Narrow Gauge Cinemas — near UMF’s Prescott Field. This is a short walk from campus. For spectators who cannot sit outdoors, limited indoor seating and a livestream of the event will also be available.

This is a momentous occasion, and we look forward to celebrating this milestone with you. If you have any questions, see the Frequently Asked Questions and stay tuned for more info on speakers and additional events.

Commencement Speaker: Dr. Dora Anne Mills

Dr. Dora Anne Mills, a lifelong advocate for public health and multigenerational UMF connection, will address this year’s graduates. A pediatrician, public health physician, and epidemiologist, Dr. Mills has served as Maine’s State Health Officer, led MaineHealth’s COVID-19 response, and advanced initiatives to reduce tobacco use, childhood obesity, and chronic disease. Her career spans local, national, and global health work, emphasizing the power of community partnerships, education, and cross-sector collaboration. Dr. Mills has received numerous national and state honors and continues to champion rural health innovation and equity across Maine and beyond.

2026 Student Speakers

Undergrad Student Speaker

Adam Tosch, a returning student completing his bachelor’s degree in anthropology will serve as the undergraduate commencement speaker. He has excelled academically, presenting original research on the Northern Picts at UMF’s Symposium, and will continue his studies in a master’s program in archaeology at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland.

Graduate Student Speaker

Kristen Plamondon, a graduate of UMF’s Counseling Psychology master’s program with a focus in Creative Arts, will serve as the graduate Commencement speaker. A UMF alumna (Class of 2002) and former Maine educator, she returned to campus to deepen her work in mental health and expressive therapies. Her studies reflect a commitment to integrating creativity and clinical practice to support healing, resilience, and well-being.

Class of 2026 Spotlights: Meet Some of UMF’s Graduates

Image of man in front of computer looking to the side smiling

Akim Zulu

Degree: B.A., Professional Studies Hometown: Yarmouth, Maine
Leveraged decades of teaching experience abroad to complete his degree online at UMF.

Ayla Bodach-Turner

Degree: B.S., Early Childhood Education Dual Certification (birth-3rd grade) with minor in Coaching
Hometown: Montpelier, Vermont

Ryan Martin-Hachey

Degrees: B.A., Biology with minor in Psychology and Data Analysis Hometown: Fairfield, Maine
Wilson Scholar advancing Tick research

Grace White and Sydney Booth

Degrees: B.A., Psychology
Hometowns: Waldoboro and Waterbury, Conn
Interned with local law enforcement to understand police burnout

Avery Ver Wey

Degree: B.S., Elementary Education with Minor in Business
Hometown: Bridgton, Maine

Carolyn Kinney

Degree: B.A., Political Science and Biology (Pre-med) with minor in Legal Studies
Hometown: Belgrade, Maine
25-26 Maine Policy Scholar researched and presented policy recommendations on improving access to employee health insurance for small businesses.

Student smiling in front of body diagrams on the wall

Joanna Korasadowicz

Degree: B.A., Biology (Pre-Med) with Minor in Business and Nutrition Education
Hometown: Alexander, Maine

Smiling student in regalia in front of brick building outside

Matthew Hedrich

Degree: B.A., Actuarial Science and Business Administration and Mathematics with Minor in Data Analytics & Computer Science
Hometown: Presque Isle, Maine

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens in case of inclement weather?

How can I order cap, gown, and honor cord?

How long is commencement and will it be livestreamed?

Is there a rehearsal?

Where do I park? Is there any reserved parking?

How will you accommodate people with disabilities or other needs?

Will there be photos taken?

Yes, our professional photography team will be on-site to capture the day, so there will be plenty of opportunities for photos. Details on how to view and download the gallery will be shared as the event approaches.

Academic departments and sports teams are encouraged to make their own arrangements in advance of Commencement to take staged group pictures after the ceremony has ended.

When will I receive my diploma, and when will my degree and transcript be available? How do I update my information or request verification?

Your diploma, along with a printed copy of the final Commencement Program, will be mailed to you in July or August after you have fulfilled all degree requirements and the Registrar has completed a final review. During the Commencement ceremony, you will receive an empty embossed diploma holder for use in the ceremony and photos.

Your degree will be posted to your academic transcript after final review is done by the Registrar. At that time, you may request an official transcript through your MaineStreet Student Center by selecting Transcript Request and choosing the option to Hold for Degree Conferred. Transcript requests are processed after degree clearance and will only be issued if there are no holds or outstanding balances on your account. Transcripts may also be requested in writing with your signature.

If you need proof of graduation before diplomas are mailed, you may request a letter verifying your graduation application and, once complete, your degree conferral.

You should confirm or update your name and mailing address in MaineStreet to ensure proper delivery of your diploma.

For questions, transcript requests, diploma information, address changes, or degree verification, contact Sue Enman at 207-778-7243 or enman@maine.edu.

How do education students apply for teacher certification?

After your degree is awarded, the UMF Field Services Office will recommend you for certification in your subject area on the Maine Department of Education (DOE) online database, MEIS.

You will receive an email with detailed instructions on the steps to follow to apply for certification. Early Childhood Education B-5 only students should consult with their advisor.

Past Commencement Ceremony Videos

Each UMF Commencement carries its own special touches — from student performances and faculty reflections to the symbolic turning of tassels and the ringing of the college bell. The ceremony not only marks the end of an academic journey but also the beginning of lifelong connections to the Farmington community.

Here are links to the Commencement / Graduation ceremonies we’ve recorded and uploaded to YouTube over the past few years.

UMF Commencement Ceremony Videos