Samford University held six commencement ceremonies May 1-2, where more than 1,400 students walked the stage and received their degrees.
“Samford's institutional narrative began on Dec. 29, 1841, when the state of Alabama granted a charter to establish Howard College in the city of Marion,” said university President Beck A. Taylor. “More than 184 years later, Samford continues to thrive as a Christ-centered comprehensive university with national and international reach. I am honored to welcome and to congratulate members of the Samford class of 2026, as you join this remarkable heritage and also join a family of more than 60,000 living alumni of Samford University.”
The graduates included 31 transfers from Birmingham-Southern College, which closed in May 2024. That year, more than 150 BSC students made the move to Samford, which pledged to accept all previous course credits and match or surpass financial aid packages.
The President's Cup, honoring the student with the highest undergraduate grade-point average, went to Shannon Charis Boutwell. The senior from Helena, Alabama, received a Bachelor of Music from the School of the Arts.
The Velma Irons Award, recognizing the student who earned the second-highest undergraduate GPA, went to Trinity Elizabeth Phillips. The Hixson, Tennessee, received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Orlean Beeson School of Education.
Four seniors received the John C. Pittman Spirit Award, which recognizes students who consistently exhibit Christian character in community life:
- Ella Ingram of Arab, Alabama (School of Public Health)
- LE Acuff of Franklin, Tennessee (Brock School of Business)
- Luke Dart of Kailua, Hawaii (Howard College of Arts and Sciences
- Jayla Duncan of Calera, Alabama (Howard College of Arts and Sciences)
Read more about the individual ceremonies:
Howard College of Arts and Sciences
Orlean Beeson School of Education
Moffett and Sanders School of Nursing
