LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky marked a milestone weekend as thousands of Wildcats crossed the stage during the institution's largest-ever commencement ceremonies, with more than 4,800 graduates participating across four ceremonies on May 8-9 at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center.

The Class of 2026 set records for the university, with 6,693 degree candidates approved by the UK Board of Trustees. The graduates included 4,427 undergraduates, 1,526 graduate students and 740 professional students, all celebrating their achievements surrounded by family and friends.

UK President Eli Capilouto welcomed graduates at each ceremony, joined by four student speakers who shared reflections on their time at the institution. The student representatives — Mostafa Mubarak, Maria Carolina Burn, Siena Pilati and Fatimah Alomar — brought diverse perspectives to the ceremony, highlighting resilience, curiosity and community that shaped their journeys at UK.

Mubarak, from Alexandria, Egypt, graduated with three bachelor's degrees in electrical engineering, computer engineering and computer science from the College of Engineering. Pilati, from North Canton, Ohio, earned her degree in public policy from the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration with a certificate in artificial intelligence, while also serving as a student leader in civic engagement and policy work with Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.

During the Friday evening ceremony, the university presented its highest honor to Malcolm J. Wilson, a documentary photographer and educator. Wilson received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts for four decades of work elevating voices across Appalachia through his photography and storytelling projects.

Wilson, originally from Cumberland, Kentucky, founded Humans of Central Appalachia in 2015 with his late wife Jennifer, creating a documentary project that challenges stereotypes about the region. The project has grown to reach followers across 45 countries on six continents. Wilson also donated over 250,000 photographs and 500,000 digital images to UK's Special Collections Research Center, documenting more than four decades of Appalachian history and culture.

From the walk across the stage to celebrations with loved ones at the Grad Gathering, the weekend captured the pride and promise of UK's newest alumni, according to university officials.