Commencement marks a moment of change for UGA Class of 2026

Commencement marks a moment of change for the University of Georgia’s Class of 2026. Graduates not only reflect on what they’ve already accomplished, but also look to the future.

DJ Shockley, highly awarded former UGA and Atlanta Falcons quarterback and Emmy Award-winning sports director for FOX 5, spoke to graduates about navigating change — both expected and unexpected — as the keynote speaker during UGA’s undergraduate Commencement ceremony held May 8.

“Let me congratulate you on what is a tremendous achievement — one that does not come without tons of hard work, dedication and real discipline,” Shockley said.

Blake Witmer, who received a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, served as the undergraduate Commencement student speaker and tried to put her UGA experience into words.

“If there is one thing that our years here at the University of Georgia have taught us, it is that one of the only true constants in life will be change. Construction on campus. Bus routes. Class schedules. They all changed. And yet, every time, we adapted. We figured it out. We always do,” Witmer said.