President Scholz sent the following message to faculty, staff and students on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
To the University of Oregon community,
As we head into the summer break, I want to take a moment to celebrate our 5,590 graduates and their families. But first, I also want to acknowledge the challenges posed by the record-setting temperatures on Monday. I am grateful for the overwhelming understanding, goodwill and adaptability of those who participated in the graduation ceremonies. But we also recognize that some graduates may not have had the experience they expected and that we would have wanted for them. For this, I am sorry. As with all events, health and safety are our priority. We will identify lessons and improvements that can make future commencements as safe and enjoyable as possible.
I extend my gratitude to the scores of team members and volunteers from across our university who set aside personal and professional demands to make graduation a special day. I also want to thank our faculty, whose knowledge and passion for learning guided and inspired our students throughout their years here. Your efforts and your commitment are part of what makes the University of Oregon the wonderful place that it is.
To our graduates and their families, please accept my best wishes and congratulations on this important milestone, and to the UO community, my gratitude and hopes for a great summer.
Sincerely,
Karl Scholz
President