GREEN BAY, Wis. – In two ceremonies this Saturday, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay will award 1,331 eligible graduates with their associates, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees. These newly minted Phoenix alumni enter the regional workforce, where they bring curiosity, problem-solving and will define the future of Northeast Wisconsin.

Included in the more than one thousand graduates are 218 Rising Phoenix graduates. The Rising Phoenix program offers students from state-wide high schools the opportunity to earn their associate degree before they graduate from high school later this month. Of these graduates, 83% of them will be attending one of the 13 Universities of Wisconsin, and 17% of those will be attending UW-Green Bay.

“We are honored to celebrate the 1,331 students who will earn their degree this weekend. More than 70% of our graduates stay in the region throughout their careers,” said UW-Green Bay Chancellor Michael Alexander. “These students will bring tenacity, critical thinking and a strong desire to ensure the communities that they live and work within are thriving.”

Thousands of friends and family of the Spring class of 2026 will arrive on campus this Saturday, May 16, 2026, in two ceremonies scheduled for 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Kress Events Center on the Green Bay campus. The ceremonies will honor graduates and celebrate with families from all of UW-Green Bay’s campuses awarding degrees in high-demand fields that will contribute to the economic development of our region.

Morning ceremony (9:30 a.m.)

  • College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
  • All associates degrees from all four campuses including the Rising Phoenix program

Afternoon ceremony (2 p.m.)

  • Austin E. Cofrin School of Business
  • College of Health, Education & Social Welfare
  • College of Science, Engineering & Technology

Every UW-Green Bay student is built to rise. Graduates from the University are future-minded problem solvers and critical thinkers, poised to transform the communities and the region. In addition to fueling the region’s workforce, UW-Green Bay continues to break down barriers to education and continue the positive momentum of the university. The stories below from the Class of 2026 exemplify the resiliency found in every UW-Green Bay student.

Note to media: If interested in speaking with one of the highlighted students on Saturday, please call or text Kristin Bouchard at 920-360-6045. Or you can email her at bouchark@uwgb.edu.

Morning ceremony student speaker Grace Holschuh’s future is defined with unlimited possibility

For many students, the idea of becoming a doctor begins as a romantic ambition — a childhood vision that often falters somewhere between organic chemistry and human anatomy. Grace Holschuh didn’t arrive at UW–Green Bay dreaming of medicine or imagining herself in a white coat. Instead, she arrived intent on doing as much as she could, as well as she could. “I don’t feel competitive with other people,” Holschuh said. “I feel competitive with myself. I’m always seeking more.”

When entering college, she planned to pursue occupational therapy while continuing to play volleyball. Athletics brought her to campus. But, in a departure from the typical narrative, academics soon took precedence — and began reshaping what she imagined might come next. Read her story here.

Afternoon ceremony student speaker Reyna Barske shares her story behind the numbers

Reyna Barske has a talent for numbers. Not just working with them but paying attention to what they reveal. “The numbers are always coming from somewhere,” she said. “There’s always a story behind them.” That instinct — looking beneath the surface — took shape early in her life. Barske grew up in Wind Lake, Wisconsin, where she lost her mother at a young age. Later, she moved to Waterford with her father and stepmother, Kristi Davies, who became an important force in her life.

“I learned pretty early that some decisions matter more than others,” she said. That mindset shaped her approach to college. By the time she finished her search, Barske had toured multiple campuses across Wisconsin and Minnesota. UW–Green Bay was ninth on her list — and the last visit she needed. Read her story here.

GRADUATES FOCUSED ON MEETING WORKFORCE NEEDS

Rising Phoenix grad, Mireya Castro-Lopez finds her path, passion and future with UW-Green Bay

Mireya Castro-Lopez is one of the highlighted speakers for the Rising Phoenix celebration on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the Phoenix Rooms on the UW-Green Bay campus. She will graduate on Saturday, May 16, 2026 during the 9:30 a.m. ceremony

Through UW-Green Bay’s Rising Phoenix program, Mireya Castro-Lopez transformed uncertainty into purpose—discovering a passion for Spanish-language study that she will continue to pursue at UW-Green Bay. The program’s future-focused academic experiences empowered her to explore diverse fields while building confidence in her direction, all while working towards earning an associate’s degree before graduating high school. Supported every step of the way by dedicated advisors and a network of faculty and staff committed to her success, she found not only guidance, but a community invested in her future. Her journey reflects the power of Rising Phoenix and UW–Green Bay’s commitment to help all students rise.

Nathan Halbach is built on connection and driven by opportunity

Nathan Halbach will graduate on Saturday, May 16, 2025, during the 2 p.m. ceremony.

It’s all about relationships for Nathan Halbach. But when he arrived at UW-Green Bay as a freshman, he couldn’t yet see how those relationships would shape his future. Like many new students, he focused on what was immediately in front of him—his coursework and his role on the swim and dive team. But something about UW-Green Bay stood out almost immediately. Read his story here.

About UW-Green Bay

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a school of resilient problem solvers who dare to reach higher with the power of education that ignites growth and answers the biggest challenges. Serving 11,519 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students as well as 101,000 continuing education learners annually, UW-Green Bay offers 200 academic degrees, programs, and certificates. With campus locations in Green Bay, Manitowoc, Sheboygan and a theatre in Marinette, the University’s access mission welcomes all students who want to learn, from every corner of the world. Championing bold thinking since opening its doors in 1965, it is a university on the rise – Wisconsin’s fastest growing UW. For more information, visit www.uwgb.edu.