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Class Day Crossover marks transition to alumni status with celebrity speaker, community celebration

May 12, 2026 Leigh DeLozier

group of college students smiling
The 2026 Class Day Crossover festivities began with a dinner and reception for graduating students.
college students in a dining hall laughing and embracing
The 2026 Class Day Crossover festivities began with a dinner and reception for graduating students.
college students sitting in meeting room seats smiling
The Class Day Program provided soon-to-be graduates with one more opportunity to gather as a class.
college students sitting in a group
The Class Day Program provided soon-to-be graduates with one more opportunity to gather as a class.
two male students standing up watching something above the crowd
The Class Day Program provided soon-to-be graduates with one more opportunity to gather as a class.
two college females smiling
Sarah Lim (left) and Ashwini Narayanan were recognized with the Spirit of Emory Awards.
woman receiving award
Hannah Joy Gebresilassie (right) received the Brit Katz Senior Appreciation Award.
male college student receiving medallion award
Thien Nguyen (left) was the Emory College of Arts and Sciences recipient of the Boisfeuillet Jones Award.
female college student receiving medallion award
Leilany Munoz (left) received the Boisfeuillet Jones Award for the School of Nursing.
male college student bending to receive an award
Yashonandan Kakrania (left) was the Goizueta Business School recipient of the Boisfeuillet Jones Award.
Elizabeth Gillies speaking at podium
Students heard inspiring words from Elizabeth Gillies, an actress, singer and director.
Elizabeth Gillies speaking at podium
Students heard inspiring words from Elizabeth Gillies, an actress, singer and director.
three female college students raise Coca-Cola cans
The Class Day Program ended with students sharing a Coke Toast.
two female college students raise Coca-Cola cans in a toast
The Class Day Program ended with students sharing a Coke Toast.
three college students raise Coca-Cola cans in a toast
The Class Day Program ended with students sharing a Coke Toast.
college students holding lit candles at dusk
The candlelight walk symbolizes that students are preparing to “cross over” into alumni status.
two female college students holding candles
The candlelight walk symbolizes that students are preparing to “cross over” into alumni status.
two male students lift candles
The candlelight walk symbolizes that students are preparing to “cross over” into alumni status.
smiling college students during a group candlelight walk
The candlelight walk symbolizes that students are preparing to “cross over” into alumni status.
students walk in a group together
The candlelight walk symbolizes that students are preparing to “cross over” into alumni status.
students walk in a group together
The candlelight walk symbolizes that students are preparing to “cross over” into alumni status.
two male students hold candles during a group walk
The candlelight walk symbolizes that students are preparing to “cross over” into alumni status.
male and female college students talking
Once students reached the Quad, they enjoyed food, music, photo opportunities and more.
students enjoy carnival activities together
Once students reached the Quad, they enjoyed food, music, photo opportunities and more.
male student at carnival
Once students reached the Quad, they enjoyed food, music, photo opportunities and more.
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Emory’s undergraduate Class of 2026 was honored with an evening full of music, food and celebration just days before Commencement

The evening kicked off with a dinner and student reception, then students shifted to the Emory Student Center for the Class Day Program. Several awards were presented, and attendees heard inspiring words from keynote speaker Elizabeth Gillies, an actress, singer and director known for roles that include playing Jade West in the Nickelodeon series “Victorious” and Fallon Carrington in the WB reboot of the 1980s drama “Dynasty.”

Students also enjoyed a final Coke Toast together.

Then, as dusk fell across campus, students processed in the Candlelight Crossover, a tradition symbolizing undergraduates “crossing over” into alumni status. Faculty, staff, alumni and community members lined the path, cheering students on as they walked toward a party on the Quad with more refreshments, DJs and photo opportunities.

The following awards were presented at Class Day:


Knights of Emory Spirit Awards

  • Ashwini Narayanan, Emory College of Arts and Sciences
  • Sarah Lim, Emory College of Arts and Sciences

This award recognizes outstanding seniors who have made great contributions to the university and promote Emory spirit with passion and selflessness.


Brit Katz Senior Appreciation Award

  • Hannah Joy Gebresilassie, associate director, Emory First

Britton Katz, role model, leader and director of residence life, was recognized at the first Class Day celebration in 2003 for his devotion to Emory’s students. The recipient of this award is selected by seniors for service as a role model and friend to the graduating class, for participation in the Emory community beyond their professional duty and who is deemed worthy of special recognition.


Boisfeuillet Jones Awards

  • Thien Nguyen, Emory College of Arts and Sciences
  • Leilany Munoz, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing
  • Yashonandan Kakrania, Goizueta Business School

These medals honor students selected for their good citizenship, outstanding leadership, devoted service to Emory and the community, academic performance and potential to become a “change agent” in their chosen profession and society at large.


Photos by Jenni Girtman (Atlanta Event Photography) and Paul Beezley Photography.

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