2026 Commencement Ceremony – May 15

ACC graduates posing for photo at 2025 Commencement ceremony.

Arapahoe Community College (ACC) is proud to announce the celebration of its 2026 Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 15, beginning at 1pm at Magness Arena inside the Ritchie Center on the campus of the University of Denver.

Scott Guenthner, ACC English Department Chair / Faculty member

Join us to celebrate our 2026 graduates in what will mark ACC’s 58th annual commencement. Nearly 2,300 degrees and certificates will be conferred in May 2026, and over 510 graduates will walk across the stage at Magness Arena on May 15. Scott Guenthner (English Department Chair / Faculty) will be the faculty speaker, and Adara Smith will be the student speaker.

Guenthner was selected as ACC’s 2025-26 Faculty of the Year for his dedication to student success, commitment to ACC’s culture of innovation, and fostering an inclusive, enjoyable and engaging learning environment in his classes. Gunthner, whose current committee work includes Achieving the Dream and the Academic Collaborative Council, has been teaching for a total of 25 years, including nine years of service at ACC.

Adara Smith, ACC student speaker

Smith began her studies at Arapahoe Community College in January 2025. A native of Aurora, she is graduating with her Associate of Applied Science degree in Commercial Photography. Smith is a member of ACC’s chapters of the PTK and NSLS honor societies, and she was recently elected as President of the ACC Student Government Association for the upcoming 2026-27 school year. She earned distinguished academic honors on the ACC Dean’s List in the summer of 2025 and is currently employed in the Student Life office. She is actively involved with the ACC eSports Club and garnered Outstanding Engagement recognition at this year’s Student Awards ceremony. Adara is the recipient of a COSI scholarship from the ACC Foundation, and she plans to pursue a career in radiology while continuing her photography endeavors.

Commencement message from Colorado Community College System Chancellor Dr. Marielena DeSanctis

Doors will open at 12:00pm for guests (graduates must be on site by 12:15pm) and tickets are not needed for admission into Magness Arena. The ceremony should last approximately two hours and 30 minutes. There will be free parking in designated lots at DU, and ACC will provide a live stream of the ceremony. Please note - only the names of graduates physically attending the ceremony will be announced on the live stream. Review the DU visitor guide for more information.

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