Graduation season kicks off this weekend as the Class of 2026 from Washington State University Tri-Cities and Heritage University turn their tassels. 

More than 330 WSU Tri-Cities graduates are expected to walk at 1 p.m. May 10 at the Toyota Center in Kennewick. Speakers include WSU President Elizabeth Cantwell, Executive Vice President for WSU Statewide Campuses Sandra Haynes, U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse and WSU alumna and former Starbucks executive Rachel Ruggeri. 

No tickets are required. Parking is free. Doors open at noon. There will be entry requirements, including a clear bag policy.  

To view the WSU Tri-Cities commencement program, go to: commencement.tricities.wsu.edu. 

Heritage will hold its commencement at 10 a.m. May 9 at the Yakima Valley SunDome in Yakima. Nearly 250 students from the university’s Toppenish and Kennewick campuses will receive their degrees. 

The keynote speaker for Heritage’s event will be Helena Lourdes Donato-Sapp, a 16-year-old activist, youth poet laureate and artist recognized globally for disability advocacy and educational leadership. 

Heritage’s commencement will be available to watch live on Zoom. Go to: heritage.edu/commencement. 

Columbia Basin College's graduation is June 18.