April 29, 2026
Doors open at 7 pm
Ceremony begins at 7:30 pm
UCCU Center
800 W. University Pkwy., Orem, UT 84058
See UCCU Center Map
Sharon McMahon is a New York Times-bestselling author, award-winning educator, and “America’s Government Teacher.”
A nationally recognized educator, Sharon became known as “America’s Government Teacher” for her viral efforts to explain civic processes during the 2020 election. Her debut book, “The Small and the Mighty,” became a number one New York Times bestseller. She also publishes a newsletter, “The Preamble,” which shares fact-based, nonpartisan insights on history, government, and current events, and hosts a popular podcast by the same name.
"Sharon McMahon is an original. She is a force of nature and a force for good ... Sharon's work reminds us of the power we each hold, and that every individual is mighty in some way." - President Astrid S. Tuminez
Through her platform, Sharon has also raised more than $13.5 million for charitable causes — ranging from disaster relief to medical debt forgiveness — and continues to champion civic engagement as a path to meaningful change.
Processional Lineup
Check in at 6 pm
Plan to arrive dressed in your cap and gown. You’ll be organized into several single-file lines.
Guest Seating
Be seated by 7 pm
Loved ones and friends should be in their seats by 7 pm to ensure they can see the graduate processional that will end in the UCCU Center at 7:30 pm.
Processional
Begins at 7 pm
Bagpipers will begin the processional, and graduates will walk down the Hall of Flags through the Pope Science Building and turn to the UCCU Center at the Liberal Arts Building crossroads. Graduates will enter the UCCU Center and proceed to their seats to “Pomp and Circumstance” before the commencement program begins.
Ceremony
Begins at 7:30 pm, Ends at 8:30 pm
President Tuminez and other keynote speakers will address the graduating class and congratulate all the graduates on their hard work! The ceremony also includes the awarding of honorary degrees. All graduates will stand together to officially move their tassels and graduate from Utah Valley University!
College and School CeremoniesNote: Each college and school has a specific date and time for its convocation ceremony. Make sure to check with your individual college or school for details.
