CABCoFA Prepares to Celebrate the Class of 2026 at 158th Commencement Convocation
By Chad Eric Smith, Director of Marketing and Communications, Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts
As Howard University prepares for its 158th Commencement Convocation, the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts is proud to celebrate its graduating seniors through a series of culminating events that honor their artistic growth, academic achievement, and creative impact.
The CABCoFA Recognition Ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 2:30–4:30 p.m. in Cramton Auditorium, followed by a reception for graduates and their guests. This ceremony serves as a signature moment for the College community to recognize the accomplishments of its students across the Departments of Art, Music, and Theatre Arts.
This year’s Recognition Ceremony speaker is Jewel Ham (Department of Art, Class of 2020), a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and Summa Cum Laude graduate of Howard University. Her work explores Black history, culture, and futurity through portraiture and digital media, positioning art as both creative expression and political resistance.
Recognized internationally, Ham’s work has been featured by institutions and platforms including Art Basel, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Spotify, where her reimagining of the annual Spotify Wrapped campaign garnered widespread attention. She continues to cultivate a practice grounded in artistic excellence, education, and community engagement.
Key Dates for Graduating Students
Graduating seniors should take note of the following important deadlines and milestones:
- April 17 – Deadline to apply for graduation via BisonHub
- April 21–23 – Final examinations for prospective graduates
- April 27 – Deadline for instructors to submit final grades
- May 1 – CABCoFA Senior Dinner
- May 4–9 – Regalia and ticket pickup; school and college ceremonies and receptions
- May 7 – President’s Reception for Graduates and Families
- May 8 – Annual Prayer Breakfast; Spring semester concludes
- May 9 – Commencement Convocation on the Main Yard
All students must meet both academic and financial requirements to participate in commencement activities.
Planning Ahead
Graduates are encouraged to order regalia online through the University’s official vendor and secure accommodations early through Howard University’s hotel partners. Tickets will be required for all ceremonies and related events.
For full details, including campus logistics, directions, and updates, visit the official commencement website or the College of Fine Arts commencement page.
As the Class of 2026 prepares to cross this milestone, CABCoFA looks forward to celebrating a new generation of artists, scholars, and cultural leaders ready to shape the future.
Stay up-to-date with all of the latest commencement info at the official College of Fine Arts Commencement Week webpage.
