Temple University welcomed back West Philadelphia native and acclaimed actor Colman Domingo as its keynote speaker.
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 9:35PMcelebrated its 139th commencement Wednesday, welcoming back West Philadelphia native and acclaimed actor Colman Domingo as its keynote speaker and newest honorary degree recipient.
"Graduates: Success is lovely, awards are shiny, titles are impressive, but character - character - is the legacy," Domingo told the crowd. Domingo, who attended Temple in the late 1980s and left to pursue a career in acting, reflected on his years at the university and the community he found there.
"We really had a good time here and maybe that good time kept me from getting my degree, but I learned a lot," he said. "And I learned how to be a human. And how to be part of community.
" Domingo has earned wide recognition for his work on stage and screen, including Academy Award nominations for his roles in Rustin and Sing Sing. He also appears in Michael, now in theaters. Temple's Class of 2026 includes more than 8,100 graduates representing 49 states and more than 100 countries.
"I have to be taken aback to feel like this is 'really real. ' I'm very grateful. I'm very appreciative. I'm very loved," said graduate Cole Penix.
For Ivan Thomas, the day marked the completion of a long journey. With his family, including young daughter, Mariah, by his side, he celebrated earning his degree.
"He was active duty in the Army for 10 years and is a nontraditional student, but he wanted to finish his degree, and today is that day. We are very proud of him," said his wife, Brittney Thomas.
"I hope that I can make a difference and I can orient my life to care more about people and the communities that I'm in," said graduate Kenneth Angelikas. The ceremony at the Liacouras Center drew thousands of families and supporters, cheering on the newest class of Temple Owls as they stepped into the next chapter.
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