2026 Baccalaureate & Commencement
Baccalaureate May 8 at 4 pm Allix B. James Chapel
Commencement May 9 at 9 AM Hovey Field
Nearly 300 graduates are expected to grace the Commencement stage and receive their degrees. In addition to the main ceremony, school-based ceremonies will take place on Saturday, May 9, at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, providing a more personalized opportunity for graduates to be recognized within their respective academic programs:
1:00 PM — School of Arts and Sciences (Hovey Field)
1:00 PM — Evelyn Reid Syphax School of Education (Allix B. James Chapel)
3:00 PM — Sydney Lewis School of Business (Hovey Field)
3:00 PM — Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology (Allix B. James Chapel)
Students are encouraged to check MyVUU for additional details regarding commencement activities.
For more information and updates, please follow official university communications on social media:
Instagram: @vaunion1865
LinkedIn: Virginia Union University
Facebook: Virginia Union University
Dr. Lawrence Edward Carter Sr.
(Baccalaureate Speaker)
Former & First Dean
Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel
Tenured Professor of Religion, College Archivist, & Curator
Morehouse College
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Ambassador Abubakar Jidda
(Commencement Speaker)
Consul General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in New York
Honorary Doctor of Laws
Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan
U.S. Representative, VA 4th District
Honorary Doctor of Laws
Dr. Boise Kimber
President
The National Baptist Convention, USA
Honorary Doctor of Divinity
EVENTS
INCLEMENT WEATHER
PROCEDURES
In the event of inclement weather, announcements will be made via local radio and TV, the VUU web page, and the VUU campus marquee.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets are not required. Seating will be on a first-come-first-served basis.
HANDICAP SEATING
& SHUTTLE SERVICE
Handicap seating will be designated for guests. Please see an usher for assistance. Golf carts will provide shuttle service for guests who may need it.
VENDORS
Food and beverage vendors will be available beside Barco Stevens Gymnasium throughout the day for Commencement.
TRAFFIC & PARKING INFORMATION
As we approach our commencement ceremony, please be aware of the following arrangements to ensure a smooth and enjoyable celebration for all involved.
Traffic Advisory
Virginia Commonwealth University will be hosting their commencement ceremony on the same day. Expect heavy traffic throughout the city. We advise everyone to plan accordingly and allow extra time for travel to and from the ceremony.
Street Closure
Please note that Lombardy Street will close at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, between the circle and Brook Road. (See image below.)
Signage and alternate route information will be provided, but please plan your travel with this closure in mind.
Gate Opening
The gates for visitors will open at 8:00 a.m. on commencement day. We recommend arriving early to navigate through the increased traffic and secure parking.
HOTELS & RESTAURANTS
Courtyard by Marriott
Richmond Scott’s Addition
3800 W. Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 877-0010
Special rate $149.00 per night with code B8497
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Contact sales
We’d love to see how we can streamline your hiring together.
Request a demo
Contact sales
We’d love to see how we can streamline your hiring together.