Congratulations Class of 2026
Let us help you make the most of this momentous occasion. The Cornell Store has everything you need to celebrate your accomplishments and announce your graduation to family and friends.
Order Your Cap and Gown
For more information about Commencement Weekend including detailed cap and gown information by degree, visit the Office of Commencement Events website. Cap and gown orders can be placed for shipment or for on campus pickup (see pickup information below).
Cap and gown distribution takes place on campus the week of commencement. Pickup is in Teagle Hall, 1st floor Mulitpurpose Room (bring your student ID to pick up you cap and gown):
- May 19, 20, 21, 22 10am-6pm (Tues.-Fri.)
- May 23 & 24 8am-6pm (Sat. & Sun.)
Vet, Law and Cornell Tech grads: refer to your college information for specific distribution dates and locations to obtain your orders.
Save the Date: Class of 2026 Grad Fair April 14-15!
Join us at The Cornell Store (main store location) April 14-15, 2026, from 10am-5pm to:
- Learn about Commencement at Cornell
- Shop exclusive sales
- Shop class of 2026 merchandise
- Enter to win prizes
- and more!
Shop the 2026 Grad Pack
You’ll save $100 when you purchase the Cornell 2026 Grad Pack!* The Grad Pack contains our best-selling Cornell graduation items packaged inside a large reusable Cornell tote bag (40”x32”; over a $10 value). The Grad Pack includes:
- an Embossed Murano diploma frame ($199.99 value);
- a Cornell Stole of Gratitude ($59.99 value); and
- a Cornell Class of 2026 Afghan blanket (48" x 60"; $79.99 value).
Personalized Graduation Stoles
Celebrate your unique accomplishments with a personalized graduation stole. Each stole features the Cornell seal and grad year. Customize your stole to highlight personal interests, showcase a sport or special club and celebrate your advanced academic achievements. Please allow 6 weeks for production and shipping (in-store pickup is not available). Order by Monday, April 20th, 2026.
The Cornell Store is partnering with Herff Jones to provide personalized stoles. Visit the Herff Jones website to design your personalized stole.
Custom Stoles for Groups or Clubs (25-piece minimum order)
Spring Deadline: Thursday, April 16th, 2026
Order custom stoles for your club or organization; minimum order quantity is 25 pieces. These stoles are made with fine red satin and feature a white edge binding. The Cornell University emblem is embroidered on the lower right side. Your club or organization will be embroidered on the lower left (up to 3 inches wide). The high-quality construction assures that the stole will drape perfectly against your graduation gown. Made in the USA.
Grad Portraits
GradImages by Balfour makes it easy to capture your graduation moment with a professional portrait session designed around you.- No fee for photo session
- Digital proofs within 48-72 hours
- Easy online viewing and ordering
- Portrait packages starting at $19.99
- Easy scheduling and client portal
Sessions are 15 minutes long between 9am and 5pm on the following dates:
- April 28-30, 2026: Schedule a session
- May 7-8, 2026: Schedule a session
Follow the links above to view information on how to prepare for your portrait.
Order Flowers for Graduates
Rose bouquets and Orchid leis are available for pre-order. Flowers can be purchased onsite (while supplies last) and orders may be picked up at the booths located conveniently at: The Cornell Store May 22-24 from 9am-5pm; Schoellkopf Stadium at a table on the Crescent concourse on May 23 from 8am-5pm; and Bartels Hall, outside under a tent May 22 from 12-6pm and May 23 from 9-6pm. There will also be a booth outside Bartels Hall for the Law School Convocation on May 17 from 10am-4pm.
To guarantee availability, pre-order by 12pm on May 21 for Commencement Weekend or 12pm on May 16 for the Law School Convocation.
Shop Cornell Diploma Frames
The Cornell Store is proud to offer the finest quality frames available, expertly handcrafted in the USA by Church Hill Classics. Each frame features archival-quality matting, backing and mounting materials that meet stringent Library of Congress standards for document preservation. Frames are officially licensed by Cornell University and are manufactured with high quality, solid wood mouldings. We offer a variety of styles, finishes, some of which are available to be embossed with the names of graduate and professional schools.
Frames are made to fit diploma documents that are 14 inches wide by 11 inches tall (diplomas issued 1993-present). The back of the frames are removable so you can easily insert your diploma document.
If you received your diploma prior to 1993, please contact our supplier partner Church Hill Classics to order a custom frame.
Official Cornell University Class Rings
Cornell University and Balfour have created a collection of timeless Cornell University rings that reflect the rich heritage of the university. There are options for men and women, imprinted with Cornell University marks or the emblems of the professional schools. You can personalize with degree and graduation year, and engrave the band.
View Rings at The Cornell Store!
Visit The Cornell Store’s main campus location to view the complete collection of official Cornell rings. Our staff can help you determine your ring size, discuss personalization options and help you order.
Class Ring Events
Speak with a Balfour representative to help you customize your ring order. A rep will be on-site:- Tues., Apr. 14 & Wed., Apr. 15: 10am-5pm
- Wed., Apr. 29 & Thurs., Apr. 30: 10am-5pm
- Thurs., May 7 & Fri., May 8: 10am-5pm
- Fri., May 22 & Sat., May 23: 10am-5pm
- Sun., May 24: 11am-2pm
Personalized Graduation Announcements
Cornell University partners with Balfour/CB Graduation to offer you high quality personalized graduation announcements. Our custom announcements are beautifully designed created from the highest quality paper with a time-honored feathered edge. The announcements are engraved with the Cornell University seal. Each announcement is personalized with your name, degree, major and ceremony information.
Save up to 20% with Announcement Packages!
Save up to 20% with announcement packages! Announcement packages include announcements, thank you notes, inner envelope seals, return address labels, an announcement cover and inner/outer envelopes. Items are also available to order individually. See package options and begin to personalize your announcements on our partner website.
Reasons to Send Graduation Announcements
(Credit: Lucier, Kelci Lynn. "Reasons to Send Graduation Announcements." ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, www.thoughtco.com/reasons-to-send-graduation-announcements-793484.)
- Your family & friends want to know.
- Your parents and other family members want to brag about you.
- Not to be crass, but....many folks might send you some cash.
- It’s a good way to start networking.
- It’s a great keepsake.
- It’s a good way to keep in touch with people.
- It’s a great way to celebrate your achievement!
- It’s a great way to thank those who helped you get to where you are today.
