MEDIA ADVISORY: Radford University to host 2026 Spring Commencement ceremonies with special surprises
Radford, VA (04/28/2026) — Radford University will celebrate the Class of 2026 during its Spring Commencement ceremonies on May 1-2, 2026. Members of the media are invited to cover the university's graduate hooding ceremony on Friday and the main undergraduate ceremony on Saturday.
Radford University's commencement ceremonies recognize the academic achievements of the graduating class and are among the institution's most significant annual traditions. The graduate hooding ceremony includes the formal hooding of master's and doctoral candidates, while the undergraduate ceremony celebrates the conferral of bachelor's degrees in a campus-wide event expected to draw families and guests from across the world.
Eugene Naughton, president of The Dollywood Company, will deliver the keynote address at the graduate and undergraduate ceremonies. Naughton leads one of the nation's most recognized destination brands, which includes Dollywood Parks & Resorts and Dolly Parton's Stampede.
No tickets are required for attendance. Both ceremonies will be livestreamed.
Media planning to attend are asked to RSVP to Justin Ward, director of media services, in advance.
WHEN:
- Graduate Hooding Ceremony Friday, May 1, 2026 at 5 p.m.
- Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 10 a.m.
WHERE:
- Graduate Hooding Ceremony: Dedmon Center, 101 University Dr, Radford, VA
- Undergraduate Ceremony: Moffett Lawn, 700 Tyler Ave, Radford, VA
EMBARGOED INFORMATION (DO NOT PUBLISH OR BROADCAST BEFORE 10 A.M., MAY 2, 2026):
As part of the graduate and undergraduate commencement ceremonies, Naughton will introduce a special pre-recorded video message from Dolly Parton to congratulate Radford University graduates. Also, Naughton will gift graduating students with two tickets to Dollywood at the end of each ceremony. We are keeping both of these a surprise for our graduates and we ask you all to keep this a secret also until they are revealed! Please honor this embargo and do not report on or preview this portion of the program in advance of the ceremony.
Radford University
Justin Ward (540) 831-1953, jward53@radford.eduShare this Story
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