CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (April 27, 2026)–Kirkwood Community College will hold its 2026 Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9, at 10 a.m. at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse in downtown Cedar Rapids. Nearly 2,400 students are expected to graduate, with about 750 participating in the ceremony.
Kirkwood anticipates awarding approximately 3,600 credit degrees, diplomas and certificates during the current academic year. That total includes students who have applied for graduation, already received credentials or are expected to complete them by the end of the summer term. Among those graduates, 777 students will earn more than one credential.
Kirkwood Board of Trustees Chair Tracy Pearson will welcome attendees and introduce President Dr. Kristie Fisher, who will address graduates. Andy Mills, president of the Kirkwood Faculty Association, will speak on behalf of faculty. Student speaker Emily Lynn Naughton, a member of the Kirkwood women’s volleyball team, also will deliver remarks.
The event is free and open to the public, and tickets are not required. A livestream will be available at www.kirkwood.edu for those unable to attend.
This year marks Kirkwood’s 60th graduation. In its first academic year, 1966-67, the college enrolled 199 credit students.
More information is available at www.kirkwood.edu/graduation.
*****Event Details*****
What: Kirkwood Community College Commencement
When: Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m.
Where: Alliant Energy PowerHouse, 370 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids