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Jensen Huang Inspires Carnegie Mellon Graduates

On May 10, 2026, Carnegie Mellon University held its 128th commencement ceremony, celebrating the achievements of over 5,800 graduates. The event featured notable accomplishments in both undergraduate and graduate programs, making it a momentous occasion for a diverse group of new alumni. Among the key highlights was the presence of Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA, who delivered the keynote address and received an honorary Doctor of Science and Technology degree.

In his address, Huang emphasized the pivotal moment in which the graduates find themselves. "You are entering the world at an extraordinary moment. A new industry is being born. A new era of science and discovery is beginning. AI will accelerate the expansion of human knowledge and help solve problems once beyond our reach," he remarked. Huang's words served as a motivational rallying cry for the new graduates and conveyed the immense potential at their fingertips.

Having spent over three decades at NVIDIA, Huang shared poignant anecdotes and lessons from his journey in building the company into a leader in AI technology and accelerated computing. His role in the tech industry has earned him recognition as one of the most influential figures in recent years, and during his time at Carnegie Mellon, he personally interacted with students, learning about their research and aspirations.

Reflecting on his love for hard work and dedication, Huang drew on the university’s motto ‘My heart is in the work,’ urging graduates to invest their hearts into their efforts. He reminded them that they possess the tools to address society’s most pressing challenges and that they have the power to lead society toward progress. "We have the opportunity to close the technology divide — and bring the power of computing and intelligence to billions for the very first time. This is your moment to help shape what comes next. So run. Don't walk," he encouraged.

Prior to the address, Carnegie Mellon University President Farnam Jahanian introduced Huang and commended his vision of utilizing technology to elevate human creativity and achievement. Jahanian’s own comments underscored the importance of adapting to a rapidly changing landscape, urging graduates to embrace lifelong learning and open dialogue as they navigate their futures.

Graduating student Simi Olusola-Ajayi, in her representation of the class, resonated deeply with the audience by reflecting on her personal growth journey at Carnegie Mellon. Sharing her thoughts about the ‘middle,’ she expressed an understanding that the future may hold diverse opportunities that they are yet to explore. "We get to show up in every room, in every middle, in ways only a Carnegie Mellon education could have prepared us for," she articulated.

Keenan Norton, another new graduate, an environmental and sustainability studies major, emphasized the importance of cultural and political humility in the engineering field, illustrating the broader impact of a Carnegie Mellon education in advancing meaningful change.

Beverly Da Costa, the first student to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon, noted how the university's problem-solving approach to education has equipped her with essential skills for real-world challenges. The blend of experiential learning and hands-on research has prepared her well for future endeavors.

As the ceremony concluded, Carnegie Mellon honored several esteemed individuals, bestowing honorary degrees upon Jamie deRoy, a Tony Awards nominee, Samuel Hazo, founder of the International Poetry Forum, and Thomas Sargent, a Nobel laureate in economics, alongside Huang. These tributes reflect Carnegie Mellon's commitment to fostering a community of innovators and leaders, further highlighting the influential nature of its graduates.

In the words of Huang and other speakers, the message was clear: Today’s graduates hold the potential to redefine the future through dedication, innovation, and unwavering determination—the very essence that has characterized the Carnegie Mellon experience and that will continue to inspire change across fields and industries. As they embark on this new chapter, they are reminded of the immense power they hold to shape what comes next in the world of technology and beyond.