Crown Family School Celebrates the Class of 2026 During Hooding Ceremony
Graduates encouraged to embrace leadership rooted in purpose, integrity, and service
By Crown Family School
On Friday, June 5, 2026, the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice proudly celebrated the Class of 2026 during its annual Hooding Ceremony at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel. Family, friends, faculty, staff, and alumni gathered to honor graduates from the Master of Arts and Doctoral programs and celebrate their commitment to advancing a more just and humane society.
The ceremony featured remarks from Dean Deborah Gorman-Smith, who challenged graduates to rethink what it means to lead.
While leadership is often associated with titles and authority, Gorman-Smith encouraged graduates to recognize that leadership begins with the ability to help others navigate complexity, build trust, and move communities forward.
"Leadership is not simply a position. It is not a title on an organizational chart," she told graduates. "Leadership is the ability to help people navigate complexity. It is bringing others together around a common purpose. It is listening deeply, asking difficult questions, building trust, and helping communities and institutions move forward."
Drawing from a recent conversation with the Crown Family School Student Government Association, Gorman-Smith reflected on how many students hesitate to identify themselves as leaders because they associate leadership with hierarchy or formal authority. Yet, she noted, the very qualities students demonstrate throughout their education—critical thinking, collaboration, persistence, and compassion—are the qualities that define effective leadership.
She reminded graduates that the Crown Family School's mission is grounded in the University of Chicago's tradition of rigorous inquiry and evidence-informed action.
"Complex social challenges require both scholarship and action, both evidence and humanity," she said, emphasizing that meaningful change comes from understanding problems deeply, working collaboratively, and remaining committed to learning even when solutions are difficult.
Throughout the ceremony, graduates were encouraged to view their education as preparation not only for professional success, but for lives of service and impact. Whether leading organizations, shaping public policy, conducting research, mentoring future generations, or working directly with individuals and families, each graduate leaves the Crown Family School equipped to address society's most pressing challenges.
Hooding Highlights
Photo Credit: Beto De Freitas
Photo Credit: Beto De Freitas
Photo Credit: Beto De Freitas
Photo Credit: Beto De Freitas
Photo Credit: Beto De Freitas
Photo Credit: Beto De Freitas
Photo Credit: Beto De Freitas
As the newest members of the Crown Family School alumni community, graduates join a legacy of social workers, researchers, educators, nonprofit leaders, policymakers, and advocates whose work strengthens communities and expands opportunity around the world.
Closing the ceremony, Gorman-Smith reminded graduates that leadership is ultimately measured not by authority, but by the values they bring to their work.
"Leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room. It is not about having the most authority. It is about bringing your values, your expertise, and your humanity to the challenges before you—and helping others move toward a better future. By that definition, every one of you has already begun to lead."
The Crown Family School congratulates the Class of 2026 and looks forward to the impact its newest graduates will make in communities, organizations, and institutions around the world.
2026 Graduation Highlights Continued
Photo Credit: Beto De Freitas
Photo Credit: Beto De Freitas
Photo Credit: Beto De Freitas
Photo Credit: Beto De Freitas