WILLIAMSBURG— Political scientist, international relations expert, and author Francis Fukuyama will speak at William & Mary’s 2026 Commencement ceremony as the university continues its celebration of the Year of Civic Leadership.
Fukuyama, best known for his book “The End of History and the Last Man,” currently serves as the Olivier Nomellini Senior Fellow at Stanford University’s Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies and as a faculty member for the institute’s Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law. He has longstanding connections to the Alma Mater of the Nation, and visited William & Mary last fall as a guest lecturer.
Fukuyama will receive an honorary degree at the ceremony along with Frank Shatz HON ’15, a prolific journalist and Holocaust survivor who helped establish the university’s Reves Center for International Studies in 1989.
The Commencement ceremony begins at 6 p.m. on May 15 in Zable Stadium. Tickets are required, and the university’s clear bag policy will be in effect. The event will be streamed live online.
Launched at this year’s Charter Day ceremony, the Year of Civic Leadership affirms the university’s commitment to preparing civic leaders and celebrates its foundational role in establishing democracy in the United States. The year coincides with the semiquincentennial anniversary of America’s founding.
“We will celebrate the Class of 2026 with two thoughtful leaders who share William & Mary’s dedication to our pluralistic democracy. Dr. Fukuyama’s writings explore the foundations of political and communal life in the 21st century. Mr. Shatz’s keen eye for the impact of history in the present moment helped W&M found the Reves center, expanding our global reach,” said President Katherine A. Rowe. “Our nation’s alma mater looks forward to honoring them during this year dedicated to civic leadership.”