The LBJ School of Public Affairs proudly celebrated the graduation of its 55th graduating class during a ceremony held on May 9, 2026, at the Lady Bird Johnson Auditorium at The University of Texas at Austin. Over 1,000 guests joined the event in person, while more than 1,000 viewers tuned in to watch the ceremony via livestream.
While each graduate arrived at the LBJ School with different backgrounds, perspectives, and motivations for pursuing public service, they leave united by a common purpose: creating meaningful change in the world.
View the 2026 graduation photo gallery.
Dean JR DeShazo Sends Off the Class of 2026
The ceremony also marked the final commencement for JR DeShazo as dean of the LBJ School before beginning his next chapter at Duke University. In his remarks, DeShazo reminded the Class of 2026 that they leave the school with both a strong community and a responsibility to serve the public good. He also took one of his trademark selfies with the auditorium, capturing a final moment with the class before they head on their separate ways.
“As you leave this campus, I want you to remember that you will always have the capacity to learn, capacity to act, and the capacity to serve. Let it remind you that you do not leave this school empty-handed; you leave with tools, relationships, and a responsibility to use your knowledge for the public good." —Dean JR DeShazo
Student Speaker Aria Stiefelmaier Reflects on Community and the Road Ahead
Chosen by her peers to represent the Class of 2026, student commencement speaker Aria Stiefelmaier, a Master of Global Policy Studies graduate, reflected on the journey the class shared over the past two years at the LBJ School. She spoke to how those experiences shaped not only their time at LBJ, but also the way they will approach the future. Looking ahead, Stiefelmaier expressed confidence in her classmates and the paths they will take, reminding them that wherever they go, they will carry the “know-how” developed at LBJ, a way of thinking and leading that will guide them through challenges in the years ahead.
“ LBJ gave us more than a degree. It gave us a community, and it gave us the tools to keep moving forward when we hit roadblocks.” —Aria Stiefelmaier
LBJ Alumnus Carlos Contreras Delivers Commencement Address
LBJ School alumnus Carlos J. Contreras (MPAff ’86) returned to campus with a message centered on gratitude for our graduates’ commitment to public service. Contreras emphasized the importance of their decision to pursue careers in public service at a time of significant challenges for public institutions. Drawing on his experience as an alumnus, he reflected on the values that shaped his path and shared three guiding principles for their future: the importance of rebuilding trust in government, the central role of ethics in public decision-making, and the lasting impact of principled leadership.
“As I sat where you all sit today, I felt a responsibility to apply what I had learned to serve my community. Enough studying. It was time to start doing." —Carlos J. Contreras
He concluded his remarks with a message of support.
“We are making real impact on people. We are creating opportunity and offering hope. We are serving. You will do that as well because you chose public service and because you graduated from this school... You have been given a gift and all the tools you need to take your rightful seat at the table where decisions are made, policy is crafted, and lives are improved. Thank you for choosing public service and thank you for wanting to change the world."
An Afternoon on the LBJ Plaza
Following the ceremony, graduates and their families were invited to continue the celebration at a reception on the LBJ Plaza. Guests enjoyed a lively afternoon featuring a photo booth, Texas barbecue, and a variety of sweet treats as they gathered to mark the occasion with friends, family, and classmates.
Watch the 2026 LBJ School Commencement Ceremony Recording
To skip to specific moments in the ceremony recording, use the timestamps below:
- 58:00 – Faculty and students processing into the ceremony
- 1:05:38 – Student welcomes in languages unique to each graduate
- 1:07:50 – Dean JR DeShazo welcome and remarks
- 1:12:48 – Professor Sherri Greenberg announces highest GPA of the class
- 1:15:32 – Devarier “Dee” Smith presents the class gift
- 1:19:37 – Student commencement address by Aria Stiefelmaier
- 1:29:20 – Commencement address by Carlos Contreras
- 1:48:12 – Ph.D. candidates hooded by their advisors
- 1:52:12 – Master’s degree candidates crossing the stage
- 2:19:55 – Dean JR DeShazo’s closing remarks