UCLA Luskin celebrated its Class of 2026 with two commencement ceremonies on June 12, one for scholars earning advanced degrees in public policy, social welfare, urban planning, and real estate development, and a second honoring students awarded the bachelor’s in public affairs.
Two distinguished UCLA Luskin alumnae served as the day’s keynote speakers.
Graduate Ceremony
California State Sen. Caroline Menjivar addressed students earning master’s and PhD degrees at a morning ceremony at UCLA’s Royce Hall. In the afternoon, Jacqueline Waggoner, a nationally recognized leader in the field of affordable housing, offered words of inspiration to Luskin undergrads at the UCLA Ackerman Grand Ballroom.
“Each of you arrived at Luskin through a different door and now are graduating ready to make a change you might have never thought possible,” said Menjivar, who earned a master’s of social welfare at UCLA Luskin as part of a long career devoted to public service.
“Whatever the reason, the commitment is the same. People matter.”
Menjivar encouraged the graduates to draw strength from their personal journeys and struggles, a lesson she has learned from her time representing 1 million Californians in Burbank and the San Fernando Valley.
“My identities as a Marine Corps veteran, a lesbian, a Latina, bring power to my voice when I am in rooms fighting for the most vulnerable communities in our state,” she said. “This is why your drive for change, and your experiences in hope and hardships, are not just your backstory. They’re your qualification.”
Undergraduate Ceremony
Waggoner, president and chief executive officer of Century Housing, is a double Bruin who earned her bachelor’s in sociology and master’s in urban planning and now serves on the Luskin Board of Advisors. She underscored the value of bonds forged at UCLA.
“Many Bruins remain the change agents beside me, in front of me, and having our backs,” said Waggoner, who works to expand access to dignified housing and economic stability. “They’re speaking up for the unspoken, fighting for opportunity for those in need.”
Waggoner urged graduates to take two lessons to heart as they move into the world: Truly understand your purpose in life, which will carry you through setbacks and bring deeper joy in success. And listen well to the communities you are serving.
“Leadership is not only about speaking up. It’s also about making room for others to be heard,” Waggoner said.
“When people are at the core of your drive, success is not measured by your salary, your title, or how many followers you have. It’s by the impact you have, by the people and the communities that are stronger because you showed up.”
[perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]’We live in a world with problems, at a time of extreme polarization, conflict, and change. It is in these precise times that we expect you to shine as beacons representing values of justice, tolerance, and kindness. — UCLA Luskin Dean Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris[/perfectpullquote]
This year, more than 425 students earned degrees from UCLA Luskin. At the dual ceremonies, Dean Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris welcomed enthusiastic crowds of families and friends and congratulated graduates while also issuing her own call to action.
“You are taking your places in the workforce during a challenging time. Who are we as a people? What are our values? Will we make the right decisions to better all of society?
“We live in a world with problems, at a time of extreme polarization, conflict, and change,” Loukaitou-Sideris said. “It is in these precise times that we expect you to shine as beacons representing values of justice, tolerance, and kindness.”
At each commencement ceremony, students delivered greetings in different languages, 14 in all, a reflection of the school’s cultural diversity. In addition, four students were selected by their peers to offer words of inspiration: Ziwen Li of Public Policy, Ari Zeen of Real Estate Development, Genesis Garcia of Social Welfare, Luis Valente of Urban Planning, and Thomas Contreras of the Undergraduate Program.
Following each ceremony, graduates and guests gathered at outdoor receptions to take photos and offer congratulations to UCLA Luskin’s newest alumni.
Watch the graduate ceremony on YouTube and view photos on Flickr and Grad Images.
Watch the undergraduate ceremony on YouTube and view photos on Flickr and Grad Images.
