Help celebrate FGCU’s largest graduating class

April 07, 2026

View of an FGCU commencement ceremony at Alico Arena. Graduates are seated on the main floor while FGCU President Aysegul Timur gives a speech. Guests can be seen seated on the side bleachers.

This spring, FGCU celebrates a record-breaking class of more than 2,600 students who are eligible to graduate. It’s the largest graduating class in the university’s history, and ceremonies will take place May 2-3 at Alico Arena.

To accommodate the larger class, FGCU is expanding from four to five ceremonies this spring. This adjustment helps reduce crowding, provide a smoother, more personalized ceremony experience, maintain safety and guest comfort, and celebrate each graduate with the recognition they deserve.

To help support these ceremonies, employee participation remains essential to delivering a meaningful commencement experience. For many employees, volunteering at commencement has become an opportunity to make a difference.

“What I enjoy most about volunteering at commencement is the opportunity to support students during one of the most meaningful moments of their academic journey,” said Dr. Locksley Knibbs, assistant director of academic advising for the College of Arts & Sciences. This year marks Knibbs’ 17th year volunteering in several roles that support the organization and flow of the ceremonies. “Many students are understandably overwhelmed and excited on such a special day, so being able to guide them through what to expect, where to walk, where to sit and what will happen when their names are called is very rewarding.”

Employees interested in participating in commencement can sign up to provide staff support. Employees will benefit from an alternate work schedule and take on important roles, such as scanning tickets, lining up students and distributing programs. Sign up at fgcu.edu/commencement-employee-signup by April 21 to volunteer.

Faculty members have the opportunity to participate in the ceremonies where they can wear their regalia, sit with graduates and be part of the commencement march. Sign up at fgcu.edu/commencement-faculty-signup by April 21 to participate. Faculty members who do not own their own regalia may rent it through the FGCU Bookstore and will be fitted with FGCU regalia colors, as supplies last. The 25% employee discount will be applied.

For more information on commencement, visit fgcu.edu/commencement.

Have you volunteered at past commencement ceremonies? We want to know!

Email newsletter@fgcu.edu with the number of years you've volunteered and share your photos. Submission will be reviewed and added to this article as they come in.