Sinclair Community College Celebrates & Recognizes Graduates at 2026 Commencement Ceremony

Sinclair Community College held its 2026 Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 8^th at the University of Dayton Arena. This year, Sinclair awarded over 9,600 degrees and certificates to 6,200 students. This represents a 12% increase over last year.

"Sinclair Community College, recently recognized as a Top 25 community college in the nation, stands immensely proud as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our 2026 graduating class," said Dr. Steve Johnson, President and CEO of Sinclair. "Our mission has always been to 'find the need and endeavor to meet it.' By providing high-quality, accessible, and affordable education, we ensure our graduates are not only reaching their personal goals but are also prepared to fill the most critical roles in our region’s workforce."

Among those graduating, Sinclair recognized the 83 College Credit Plus (CCP) students completing their Sinclair Community College associate degrees while still in high school. These 83 CCP students graduated with a total of 84 associate degrees before graduating high school. One (1) student graduated with a double degree. Twelve (12) students are Juniors in high school.

Sinclair College graduated 24 students with a bachelor’s degree at this Friday’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony. Six (6) students graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Unmanned Aerial Systems, six (6) students graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Technology / Professional Pilot, and twelve (12) students graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

Sinclair Community College is on track to close out this year with its highest annual enrollment since 2012, at over 33,400 individual students served.

Additional 2026 Sinclair Commencement Highlights:         

• 9,604 - Number of Degrees/Certificates Awarded in ’25 - ’26 (12% increase over last year)
• 6,200 - Number of Students Receiving 9,600 Degrees/Certificates in ’25 - ‘26
• 435 - Military-Affiliated Students Earning Credentials (109% increase over 10 years)
• 101 - International Students Graduating with Associate Degrees (from 51 countries)
• 95 - Degree Graduates With a 4.0 Grade Point Average (GPA)
• 16 - Age of Sinclair’s Youngest Degree Graduate (2026)
• 71 - Age of Sinclair’s Oldest Degree Graduate (2026)

Bruce Feldman, Sinclair’s Board of Trustees Chair, introduced Mr. Michael Riordan, President & CEO of Premier Health — the largest employer of Sinclair Community College graduates, with 2,400 Sinclair alumni hired into their system over the past five years.