The Impact of a Life-Changing Education
May 20, 2026
Johns Hopkins SAIS Community Celebrates the Class of 2026
Graduates of the Class of 2026 at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies were celebrated in a joyous commencement ceremony held at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. on May 20. More than 2,100 members of the Johns Hopkins SAIS community—including faculty, staff, alumni, family, friends, and loved ones—gathered to honor the achievements of the graduates at the school’s 82nd commencement, followed by a reception at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.
More than 600 students walked across the stage as graduates in the Master of Arts in International Relations, Master of Arts in Global Policy, Master of Arts in Global Risk, Master of Arts in Strategy, Cybersecurity, and Intelligence, Master of Arts in Sustainable Energy, Master’s in International Economics and Finance, Master of International Public Policy, Doctor of International Affairs, and Doctor of Philosophy programs.
In his opening remarks, SAIS Dean James Steinberg welcomed distinguished guests, including Johns Hopkins University’s President Ronald J. Daniels, and urged graduates to nurture the lifelong friendships that began at SAIS and focus on their commitment to making a difference in the world. He closed with a reminder of their place in the vibrant SAIS community, saying, "you will always be welcome here at SAIS, your forever home.”
Wolf Blitzer, distinguished journalist, CNN anchor, and member of the SAIS Class of 1972
University President Ronald J. Daniels conferred the honor and praised Blitzer's outstanding career in journalism and his prominent role in delivering global news to a worldwide audience through his work at CNN. “What makes Wolf an even truer embodiment of the school is his commitment to its founding vision: the strengthening and safeguarding of democratic institutions, including a free press,” Daniels stated.
Reflecting on his own journey, Blitzer highlighted the profound impact his SAIS education has had on his life and career. “The Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies changed my life,” Blitzer said. “I would not be standing here today if had not been for my two years at SAIS. Years that were critical in my education, and my thinking. To this day when I am reporting on international issues, I am aware of what I learned at SAIS. Whether in American foreign policy or international economics or the Middle East, the lessons I learned from my professors at SAIS still come into play.”
Blitzer also shared insights from his early career, including his transition to CNN under the guidance of its visionary founder Ted Turner, who passed away on May 6, 2026. “Ted was an amazing man who not only changed my life by giving me the most incredible opportunity, but he also changed the world,” Blitzer said. “When people said it couldn't be done, Ted would not take no for an answer, and he would turn it into a “watch me” moment—whether in journalism, business, or sports.”
Blitzer urged the Class of 2026 to emulate Ted Turner’s bold vision and leadership. “Take advantage of everything you have learned here and go out and make some positive change around the world,” he said. “Don’t be shy. Go for your dreams and make it happen. The world needs you now. When the odds say no, say yes, and go for it. Be like Ted!”
Following Blitzer’s remarks, SAIS Dean James Steinberg highlighted Blitzer’s enduring connection to the institution and its alumni community. “Thank you for your inspiring career and everything you have done,” Steinberg said.
This year, SAIS Europe’s commencement was held in Bologna, Italy on May 16, with a speech by Frans Timmermans, former executive vice-president of the European Commission. The Hopkins-Nanjing Center’s commencement will take place in Nanjing, China on June 19, with an address from John Lipsky, former first deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund and chair of the Hopkins-Nanjing Council. The ceremony in Nanjing will be held side-by-side with a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Hopkins-Nanjing Center in 1986.
2026 Commencement Awards
Commencement Social Wall
Commencement Photo Album
