Central European University 5d ago

On June 19, 2026, Central European University celebrated its 35th Commencement Ceremony in Vienna, honoring 459 graduates from more than 90 countries around the world. The ceremony featured addresses from CEU leaders, distinguished guests, alumni, and graduating students, highlighting the values that define CEU: academic freedom, critical thinking, human dignity, democracy, and open society. CEU Board of Trustees Chair Carol T. Christ reminded graduates that a CEU education does not simplify the world's complexity—it prepares students to think rigorously, challenge assumptions, and defend democratic values. Alexander Soros, Chair of the Board of the Open Society Foundations, reflected on the future of open society and the responsibility of each generation to renew and protect it. "The future cannot be predicted because it depends on things that have not yet happened. It is up to you to make things happen." The ceremony also included the presentation of the 2026 Open Society Prize to Polish writer, activist, and democracy advocate Klementyna Suchanow, whose work has been instrumental in defending women's rights, freedom of expression, and the rule of law. CEU Interim President and Rector Carsten Q. Schneider, alumni speaker Alexander Shlyk, and graduating student Shazma Ilyas reflected on the challenges facing today's world and the importance of openness, dialogue, and civic engagement. As graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas, they joined a global community of scholars, leaders, and changemakers committed to transforming knowledge into action. Congratulations to the CEU Class of 2026. Central European University is an institution of advanced research and teaching, dedicated to socially and morally responsible intellectual inquiry. More from CEU: Home https://www.ceu.edu/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WeAreCEU Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/weareceu.bsky.social Instagram https://www.instagram.com/weareceu/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/school/central-european-university Threads https://www.threads.net/@weareceu #CEU2026 #Graduation2026 #opensociety Subscribe for more videos: https://www.youtube.com/CentralEuropeanUniversityChannel