Some 870 graduates from Johns Hopkins University’s Krieger School of Arts and Sciences celebrated the completion of their master’s degrees during the 2026 KSAS Master’s Graduation Ceremony on May 18 on Homewood Field, a milestone event held during the university’s 150th anniversary year.
Krieger’s interim associate dean for graduate and professional programs, Douglas Mao, opened the ceremony by highlighting the diversity and accomplishments of the graduating class and welcoming the students into the lifelong community of Blue Jays.
Distinguished alumna of the MS in Energy Policy and Climate program and the former senior director of design engineering at Nike Winnie Lam provided one of the evening’s most memorable addresses, encouraging graduates to discover and follow their inner compass.
“Graduation is a great time to ask the question, ‘What should I do with my life?’ Lam said. “I asked myself that question until I was 33 years old, when I realized that what I really cared about was the environment. Your inner compass is yours alone. Only you can define it and have the courage to stick with it and give it the care that it deserves.
“When you listen to it, you will become so much more sensitized to all the opportunities, big and small, around you, and your achievements will accumulate,” she continued. “I urge you to take the time to figure out what you really care about, because not doing so makes it easy for everyone else to tell you how to spend your one precious life.”
Christopher S. Celenza, the James B. Knapp Dean of the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, also congratulated the graduates on completing rigorous coursework, conducting impactful research, and balancing academic pursuits with professional and family obligations.
“These are times when information comes at us from all directions, and it is challenging to pay attention to what is real,” Celenza said. “But in spite of the cacophony of voices, you set your sights on something more lasting, the search for truth.
“We give you, your family, friends, and other supporters a great deal of credit for holding fast to the hope and promise that remain the bedrock of your vision for the future,” he continued. “You are all now part of the rich legacy of Johns Hopkins and will carry with you the value of your degree, but also a powerful message about who you are and what you offer. This degree speaks to your intellect and your commitment, your purpose and your excellence, your knowledge and your expertise. It will open doors for you, and most importantly, place you in a position where you can open doors for others. You are exactly what the world needs in this moment, and we offer you our heartfelt congratulations.”
Following the ceremony, graduates, family members, faculty, and staff gathered on Keyser Quad, in front of iconic Gilman Hall, to celebrate the occasion with a reception.