In her final address to the students of Utah Valley University, President Astrid S. Tuminez told the Class of 2026 to cultivate joy as “a form of beautiful rebellion” at UVU’s 84th commencement ceremony on April 29 in the UCCU Center on UVU’s Orem Campus.
In her final address to the students of Utah Valley University, President Astrid S. Tuminez told the Class of 2026 to cultivate joy as “a form of beautiful rebellion” at UVU’s 84th commencement ceremony on April 29 in the UCCU Center on UVU’s Orem Campus.
“In especially difficult times, I believe it becomes ever more important to choose and create joy,” she said.
During her remarks, Tuminez acknowledged the “difficult and lonely times” the world is facing and referred to her own moments of “the dark night of the soul” from the past year.
Quoting the writer Ross Gay, she said joy is a spiritual discipline and a political act, reminding us “again and again, that we belong not to an institution or a party or a state or a market, but to each other. Needfully so.”
Tuminez gave UVU graduates 10 lessons in cultivating joy drawn from her own life:
In her final lesson, Tuminez referenced the book “Women Who Run With the Wolves,” by Clarissa Pinkola Estes, saying, “Don’t let life tame you too much. Joy requires some wildness. Listen to your soul’s calling, to your soul’s craving.”
Paraphrasing an internet influencer, she said: “[Joy] is a choice that we make each morning, and we don’t have the luxury of [joylessness] if we want to make progress.”
Before Tuminez’s remarks, graduates waved their own pom-poms in honor of her trademark enthusiastic display at Wolverine athletic events, and a video tribute played featuring highlights from Tuminez’s time as president and interviews with university and community leaders.
Kyle Cullimore, UVUSA student body president, spoke to the Class of 2026 about the importance of overcoming the “paradox of choice” and committing to meaningful choices while maintaining the connections and relationships formed at UVU.
“What I’ve learned, especially here at UVU, is this: That no amount of success replaces our connections,” Cullimore said. “That no achievement replaces the feeling of being known. And that no perfect life can ever replace meaningful relationships.”
UVU’s Class of 2026 was also treated to two joyous performances from musician and activist Daryl Davis, who received an honorary doctorate of fine arts during the ceremony. Davis, a former pianist for legendary rock and roll pioneer Chuck Berry, played a solo blues piece titled “Y2K Boogie,” and played and sang “Let’s Work Together,” a song popularized by Canned Heat in 1970.
Honorary degrees were also awarded to local philanthropists Nathan and Shannon Savage, who received honorary doctorates of humane letters, and prominent business leader Brandon D. Fugal, who received an honorary doctorate of business.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox spoke to the UVU graduates via a video message. “You’re stepping into a world that needs your energy, your ideas, and your leadership,” he said. “The education you’ve gained has prepared you not just for a career but for a life of purpose. And as you move into the workforce, I hope you’ll think not only about what you do but how you can lift others along the way.”
The Class of 2026 is the largest graduating class in UVU history, with more than 13,400 students receiving more than 18,000 degrees and certificates. Graduates represent 47 states and 54 countries, with 70% from Utah. The youngest graduate is 16 years old, while the oldest is 83. About 40% of graduates are over the age of 25, and one-third are first-generation students (the first in their families to earn a bachelor’s degree).
Convocation ceremonies for UVU’s individual colleges and schools are scheduled for April 30 and May 1 at locations across UVU’s Orem Campus.
