Albany State University (ASU) will celebrate the achievements of more than 900 graduates during its Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, at 9 a.m. at the Albany Civic Center. Doors will open at 8 a.m., and the academic processional will begin promptly at 9 a.m.

The University is honored to welcome award-winning chef, restaurateur, author, and television personality Marcus Samuelsson as the Spring 2026 Commencement speaker. 

Marcus Samuelsson is a world-renowned chef, restaurateur, designer, and cultural icon whose culinary influence spans continents. He is the creative force behind numerous acclaimed restaurants across the United States and abroad, each reflecting his signature blend of global flavors and cultural storytelling. An Emmy Award–winning television personality and accomplished author, Samuelsson is also deeply committed to philanthropic work, particularly in expanding access to culinary education and supporting underserved communities.

His expansive hospitality portfolio includes the internationally celebrated Red Rooster Harlem, alongside Red Rooster Overtown in Miami, Hav & Mar in Manhattan’s Chelsea Arts District, and Metropolis at the Perelman Performing Arts Center in Lower Manhattan. He also helms Marcus restaurants in Atlanta and New Jersey, with international locations in The Bahamas, Canada, and Ethiopia. His popular Streetbird and Vibe BBQ concepts are found across the U.S., Ethiopia, and in the Bahamas. Most recently, he introduced his acclaimed modern brasserie Marcus DC at The Morrow Hotel in Washington, D.C., along with Sly, a stylish rooftop bar and restaurant, and Goodie Lounge, a speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar.

Samuelsson made history as the youngest chef ever to receive a three-star review from The New York Times. He is an eight-time James Beard Foundation Award winner and was the guest chef for President Obama's first state dinner. On screen, Samuelsson is widely recognized as a longstanding judge on Food Network’s Chopped, and he’s a familiar face across the network—making frequent appearances on shows like Tournament of Champions and Beat Bobby Flay. He’s also a regular on Top Chef, where he hosted the Family Style spinoff, and was an Iron Chef on Netflix’s Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend. He served as the host and executive producer of the beloved PBS series No Passport Required, created and hosted the Audible series Seat at the Table, and currently produces and hosts Home Plate on the YES Network. In 2023, he earned an Emmy Award for the digital series My Mark. He is the author of several books, including Yes, Chef: A Memoir, a New York Times bestseller, and The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food, which received widespread critical acclaim for its celebration of Black culinary creativity.

Samuelsson serves as co-chair of the Culinary Careers Program (C-CAP), which helps young people from underserved communities build careers in the culinary world. He also works closely with World Central Kitchen and other nonprofit partners to expand access to food and economic opportunity. In addition, he is a sought-after speaker, engaging corporate, cultural, and global audiences on the intersections of food, business, and social impact.

In addition to the main commencement ceremony, ASU will host several special events recognizing graduates from specific academic programs:

• Health Sciences Pinning Ceremony
  Thursday, May 7 at 2 p.m.
  Student Center, Building C, Room 266 – West Campus
  
  
• Nursing Pinning Ceremony
  Thursday, May 7 at 4 p.m.
  Student Center, Building C, Room 266 – West Campus
  
  
• Professional Embracing Novice (PENning) Ceremony
  Friday, May 8 at 5 p.m.
  Billy C. Black Auditorium – East Campus

These ceremonies mark significant milestones for students transitioning into the workforce as educators, healthcare professionals, and social workers. They reflect Albany State University’s ongoing commitment to preparing leaders who serve communities across Georgia and beyond.

The Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony will also include a U.S. Army ROTC commissioning ceremony, recognizing graduates who will begin their service as commissioned officers in the United States Army.

For more information, visit www.asurams.edu/asucommencement.