FMU to Hold Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremonies May 8-9

Francis Marion University will hold commencement ceremonies for its Spring 2026 graduating class on Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9.

Both ceremonies will take place in the Smith University Center on campus and will include graduates from the university’s four academic schools and college. Each graduate will be allowed ten guests, and tickets are required for entry. Guests without tickets may watch the livestream in Chapman Auditorium. The ceremonies will also be streamed online at www.fmarion.edu and on FMU’s YouTube channel.

On Friday evening, students from the School of Business and the School of Health Sciences will graduate. Dr. Harry Lesesne, president of the Darla Moore Foundation, will serve as the commencement speaker and will receive an honorary Doctorate of Humanities.

During Saturday morning’s ceremony, students from the College of Liberal Arts and School of Education will receive their degrees. Dr. Maria Whitehead, senior vice president and director of land for the Southeast at the Open Space Institute, will deliver the commencement address and receive an honorary Doctorate of Humanities. Michael Hawkins, associate athletic director for communication services at FMU, will also receive an honorary degree Saturday morning.

FMU President Fred Carter will deliver remarks during each ceremony.

The ceremonies are scheduled as follows:

Friday, May 8 at 7:00 p.m.: School of Business and School of Health Sciences

Saturday, May 9 at 10:00 a.m.: College of Liberal Arts and School of Education.