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Nearly 700 graduates were recognized at the University of Washington Information School’s 2026 Convocation ceremony as they crossed the stage in Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion on Saturday, June 6. 

Marking the largest graduating class yet and the 25th anniversary of the iSchool, the ceremony honored graduates of the Ph.D., Master of Library and Information Science, Master of Science in Information Management,  and Bachelor of Science in Informatics programs.

Dean Anind K. Dey began with his remarks about seasons of change. He shared that times of transitions are always accompanied by mixed emotions. While acknowledging the uncertainty that comes with graduation, he emphasized that Information School graduates are uniquely equipped to navigate whatever comes next.

He said, “People who can work with people, understand technology and information, and how we organize and view that information, combined with an understanding of the impacts of choices and the skills and expertise to make good choices — that describes every single one of you.” 

Keynote speaker Tracie D. Hall, the Information School’s outgoing Professor of Practice and Distinguished Practitioner in Residence, earned an enthusiastic standing ovation with her speech about the power of information to create transformation.

She explained that while information involves accessing and sharing data, transformation occurs when that knowledge is applied in ways that change that situation or trajectory. Without information, meaningful change is difficult to achieve, she said.

Hall encouraged graduates to consider, “How will you use information as a tool of liberation? Of transformation?” She concluded by quoting Octavia Butler with the wish: “For our highest collective good, may everything you touch, you change, and may what you change, change you!”

In addition to speeches and the procession of graduates, students and faculty presented several awards.

The 21st Century Award, given by the Association of Library and Information Science Students, honors one residential and one online student who classmates say represent the spirit of the program and embody the nature of librarianship and information science. The residential recipient was Sarah Harris, whom ALISS representative Liliana Sanders said is “not afraid to ask questions or confront inequities in the library and information science fields.” 

Molly O’Donnell was the online recipient of the 21st Century Award. Sanders expressed that O’Donnell has tirelessly devoted themselves to students' needs, advocated for their peers and worked to improve library accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. 

The Informatics Undergraduate Association presented the Mike Eisenberg Award to the student who is most heavily involved and demonstrates the greatest impact on the iSchool community. IUGA representative Abraham Gibson named Sheamin Kim as the recipient, saying that, “As the president of IUGA, Sheamin has displayed tremendous leadership.”

Anushka Verma received the Scott Barker Award honoring the Informatics student who most exemplifies the iSchool’s values. Gibson said, “Serving as co-president for Women in Informatics, Anushka surely exemplifies the iSchool values. Her ethos is all about making spaces more accessible and helping students find a sense of belonging.”

������̳ students presented the Archer Awards to one online student and one residential student, recognizing the students who go beyond academic achievement and strengthen the student experience through leadership, collaboration, service and community building. The residential student recipient was Candice Lee, who AIMS representative Nishtha Agarwal said was “a driving force in bringing students together through countless community-building events, shared spaces for collaboration and peer support and fostering connections that have strengthened student experiences in and outside the classroom.”

Ciara Allison was the online student recipient. AIMS representative Vedica Bafna said, “Ciara proves that true leadership isn't about receiving recognition; it’s about empowering everyone around you.” 

Faculty members also gave awards to graduating students. The MLIS program chair, Karen Fisher, announced the Ruth Worden Award for Student Excellence in Library and Information Science, given to Nephtali Rodriguez Castellar. 

The Informatics program chair, Joel Ross, presented the Faculty Award for Student Excellence in Informatics, naming Lucy Lin and Elina Jeon as the recipients. 

The Faculty Award for Student Excellence in Information Management was presented by ������̳ Program Chair Sara Sanford. Anushka Bhaghchandani received the award for the Early-Career track; Em Stelter received the award for the Early-Career Accelerated track; and Leah Hemberry received the award for the Mid-Career track. 

The ceremony was recorded and .