WASHINGTON, D.C. November 12, 2026: American University alumnus Justin M. Bibb, SPA/BA ’09, mayor of Cleveland, Ohio, will address the Class of 2026 during December commencement, the university announced today. AU President David Marchick and Mayor Bibb will join the university community to celebrate 1,100 graduates receiving their degrees from eight academic units during the ceremony on December 20, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in Bender Arena on the AU campus. Mayor Bibb will be awarded the honorary degree.   

“Mayor Justin Bibb’s commitment to making a difference reflects the sense of purpose he cultivated at AU,” said AU Interim President David Marchick. “As Cleveland’s first millennial mayor, he puts that commitment into action and demonstrates the impact every AU graduate has the potential to make. We are proud to welcome him home as our 152nd commencement speaker.”

A Cleveland native, Mayor Bibb began his political career working for then-Senator Barack Obama. He has held leadership roles in government and the private sector and is a recognized national leader on climate action, advancing sustainability, and reducing gun violence.

Under Mayor Bibb’s leadership, Cleveland has seen significant reductions in violent crime; his administration has also transformed vacant and underutilized land into job-ready sites and is reconnecting residents to the city’s dual waterfront. Mayor Bibb is also tackling Cleveland’s housing challenges, while advancing long-term reform in public education to better serve students and families.

“I am honored to return to American University as its commencement speaker and celebrate the next generation of leaders, changemakers, and public servants,” said Mayor Justin Bibb. “My time at AU helped shape my belief that public service is about recognizing what is possible, having the courage to act, and doing the hard work to make a difference. As graduates prepare to take on the challenges and opportunities ahead with that same sense of urgency, I look forward to celebrating their achievements and the impact they are poised to make.”

Each ceremony will also highlight the achievements and stories of outstanding student speakers: 

• Ni’Aisha Banks, graduating with master of education in education policy and leadership, is a first-generation college graduate and mother of four. She is a dedicated parent advocate, restorative practitioner, and community leader. Her work reflects her commitment to bridging education policy and the lived experiences of families to create more equitable opportunities for students.

• Emma Desai, receiving her bachelor’s degree from the School of International Service, hopes to build a career centered on strengthening communities and creating meaningful change. Most recently, she worked with Valley National Bank, supporting community reinvestment initiatives and efforts to expand access to affordable housing and financial services.

This year’s ceremony marks American University’s 152nd commencement. Mayor Bibb joins a distinguished roster of previous December commencement speakers, including award-winning actor, advocate, and AU alumnus Sean Astin; CNN anchor Abby Phillip; Admiral James Stavridis; journalist Andrea Mitchell; and Dr. Vivek Murthy, the former surgeon general of the United States.