Congratulations
Class of 2026!
SP2 Commencement
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Pre-Ceremony Reception
The Inn at Penn
3600 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA
4:00 – 6:00pm ET
Graduation Ceremony
The Palestra
223 S 33rd St, Philadelphia, PA
6:30 – 8:00pm ET
270th University Commencement Ceremony
Monday, May 18, 2026
Franklin Field
235 S 33rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
10:15AM ET
Visit the University Commencement for more information
https://commencement.upenn.edu/
2026 Graduation Speaker
Dr. Shadrack O. Frimpong
Graduation Schedule
4:00PM
SP2 Pre-Ceremony Reception begins at the Inn at Penn
4:15PM
Welcome remarks from Dean Bachman
5:00PM
Graduates will be escorted from the Inn at Penn to the Palestra
*Palestra doors open for Accessible Seating only*
5:15 PM
Graduate Registration and Class Photos begins at Tse Sports Center (inside the Palestra)
6:15PM
Pre-Ceremony Reception ends
Palestra doors open for all guests
Graduation line up begins
6:30PM
SP2 Graduation Ceremony begins
Presentation of Graduates:
PhD, DSW, Internal Dual Degree, MSNPL, MSSP, MSSP+DA, MSW
8:30PM
Closing Remarks / Recessional
Accessibility Information
The Palestra doors open at 5pm for ADA seating. Our accessibility team will be stationed at 33rd St. at the crosswalk between Franklin Field and Walnut St. near the Palestra entrance. A golf cart will transport those with accessibility needs from 33rd St. to the Palestra where staff will be available to guide them to the designated sections. For guests attending the Pre-Ceremony Reception at the Inn at Penn, there will be transportation from the Inn at Penn to the Palestra starting at 4:30PM.
Additional Information
Those who requested accessible seating in the Palestra will have reserved seats marked with their graduates’ names. Others in their party will be able to sit right behind them.
After graduation, there will be two golf carts assisting those in need from the Palestra back to the handicap sign on 33rd St. If requesting this service, we greatly appreciate your patience as our staff members work diligently to get everyone back and forth in a timely manner.
Seating Chart
Accessible seating is available in the following sections:
Section 202/203
Section 216-217
Section 218/219
FAQs
What is the difference between the SP2 Graduation Ceremony and the University Commencement Ceremony?
- At the SP2 Graduation Ceremony, graduate names are called and students walk across the stage.
- At the University Commencement Ceremony, schools are recognized by their Dean. Graduates do not walk across the stage.
- Diplomas are not distributed at either ceremony.
- Students are not required to attend either ceremony.
- Tickets are not required for either ceremony.
What time should I arrive for the graduation ceremony?
Line up for the graduation ceremony starts at 5:15 pm but you should definitely consider joining us for SP2’s Pre-Ceremony Reception at 4:00pm.
2026 Student Prizes & Awards
HAL LEVIN AWARD
Tony Shaw
This award is presented to meritorious students in the Doctor of Philosophy in Social Welfare program who are continuing the process of completing coursework.
DR. RAM CNAAN AWARD
Jen Panhorst
This award is presented to a meritorious student in the Doctorate in Clinical Social Work program who has completed the third year of coursework.
WILSON SPIGNER AWARD FOR SOCIAL POLICY EXCELLENCE
Jaelyn Liu
This award is presented to a graduate student in the Master of Science in Social Policy program who has demonstrated a record of intellectual inquiry and academic excellence and who is committed to using research to analyze and shape socia plolicy locally, nationally, and/or globally. The award is named in honor of the Reverend Dr. Welford Robinson Willson II, and his daughter, Dr. Carol Wilson Spigner, the first faculty director of the MSSP Program, who are often forgotten, through research-based change in policy and organizations.
EXCELLENCE IN SOCIAL IMPACT AWARD
Krista Smith
This award is presented to a meritorious graduating student in the Nonprofit Leadership program who has a record of academic excellence and has shown promise in using their talents and knowledge to create positive social impact.
RICHARD J. ESTES GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP AWARD
Sina Barzegar
This award is presented to a graduating international student in the Nonprofit Leadership program who embodies a commitment to social impact, who has a record of academic excellence and who is committed to using their talents and knowledge to make a difference in the world.
ROSA WESSEL AWARD
Jeanne Chang
This award is presented to a meritorious graduating student in the Master of Social Work program who is selected based on academic performance and one or more of the following: exemplary student leadership, innovative activities in the field practicum, and exceptional community service.
DR. RUTH E. SMALLEY AWARD IN INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WELFARE
Elizabeth McGuinn
This award is presented to a member of the Master of Social Work graduating class who, through their writing, participation in class discussions, and experience, has demonstrated an interest in, and a working knowledge of, the international and cultural dimensions of social work practice, and the application of practice to research.
SP2 STUDENT OF EXCELLENCE
Jeanne Chang
SP2 student who has had a positive impact on the SP2 community through their collegiality, service, and community engagement inside and outside of the classroom.
Excellence in Teaching Awards
The Excellence in Teaching Award is presented to members of the
standing and non-standing faculty in recognition of excellence in
teaching and mentoring.
Full Time Faculty Recipients
Allison Werner-Lin, PhD, LCSW
Kim McKay, PhD, LSW, MEd
Part Time Lecturer Recipients
Introducing the SP2 PopShop!
Now through Wednesday May 20, our school’s merch is available via a partnership with Club Colors. All items ship directly to you after the shop closes––act now & celebrate your accomplishments with some SP2 gear!
Contact the Office of Student Affairs for any graduation related inquiries