Commencement 2026

Henry Winkler ’67, LHD ’78, tells graduates to find their gift and give it to the world

on saturday, may 9, award-winning actor Henry Winkler ’67, LHD ’78, gave the Class of 2026 one final assignment.

“You are powerful, and in you is a great gift. And your job is to figure out what your gift is, because this world needs every single one of you,” he said. “Your job is to find that gift and give it to the world. It doesn’t matter what it is. We need it!”

The actor, producer, director, and author returned to his alma mater to address the graduating Class of 2026 at the College’s 146th Commencement at the Wang Theatre. Saturday evening’s Commencement was the culmination of a weekend of celebrations for the graduating Class of 2026. During the day on Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9, approximately 500 graduate students and 1,000 undergraduate students received their degrees at individual undergraduate and graduate school diploma ceremonies, all held at the Wang Theatre.

“There is something especially meaningful about celebrating your graduation here, because this theater reflects something essential about Emerson itself: Our enduring belief that creative expression is not a luxury or a frill, but a powerful force that helps shape a more vibrant, humane, and hopeful world,” said President Jay Bernhardt.

Additionally, as part of the Commencement ceremony, outgoing Board of Trustees Chair Eric Alexander ’78 and Helen Dreher Credle, associate director for community engagement in Emerson’s Elma Lewis Center, received honorary degrees.

Henry Winkler delivers the keynote address onstage at Emerson College’s Commencement ceremony.
Henry Winkler ’67, LHD ’78, gives the keynote address at Commencement.
An Emerson College student smiles and flashes a peace sign while processing into the Wang Theatre for the School of Communication undergraduate diploma ceremony.
A student processes into the Wang Theatre for the School of Communication undergraduate diploma ceremony.
Three Emerson College students pose together in caps and gowns at the School of Film undergraduate diploma ceremony.
Students at the School of Film undergraduate diploma ceremony.
Graduates pose for a group selfie after the School of Arts graduate hooding ceremony.
Graduates pose for a selfie after the School of Arts graduate hooding ceremony.
Eric Alexander, Henry Winkler, and Emerson College President Jay Bernhardt listen to a speech during the Commencement ceremony.
Honorary degree recipient and outgoing Board of Trustees chair Eric Alexander ’78; keynote speaker Henry Winkler ’67, LHD ’78; and President Jay Bernhardt listen to a speech at the Commencement ceremony.
An Emerson College student raises both arms and cheers at the School of Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies undergraduate diploma ceremony.
A student cheers at the School of Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies undergraduate diploma ceremony.
Back to Issue