Graduating Class Honored at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., as BAU Marks Another Year of Academic Excellence and Global Impact
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 23, 2026 — Bay Atlantic University (BAU) celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2026 on Friday, May 22, in a ceremony held at the historic National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The event brought together graduates, families, faculty, staff, and distinguished guests to honor the academic achievements of students who completed their degree requirements during the 2025–2026 academic year.
The ceremony, held at 1:00 p.m. in the Ballroom on the 13th floor of the National Press Club at 529 14th Street NW, was the culmination of months of preparation and the conclusion of the 2025–2026 academic year. Graduates representing BAU’s full portfolio of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs walked the stage, receiving their degrees in front of hundreds of family members, friends, faculty, and institutional leaders.
“I feel deeply honored to stand before you today. Since the founding of this university, our mission has remained clear: to provide accessible, global, focused education that empowers students to become leaders, innovators, and engaged global citizens. So, as you begin this next chapter, I want to leave you with a few thoughts: Be brave, even when the path feels unclear, and pursue your ambitions with conviction. Lead with kindness and integrity, especially in moments when it is difficult. Stay curious. Keep learning, questioning, exploring, and growing. And remember that success becomes truly meaningful when it contributes to the lives of others. Class of 2026: your story is only beginning.”
— Dr. Sinem Vatanartiran, President of Bay Atlantic University
Distinguished Guests and Program Highlights
The ceremony featured remarks from BAU’s Board Chair and distinguished guests.
- Dr. Ahu Yildirmaz, Chair of the BAU Board of Trustees
- His Excellency Ambassador Sedat Önal, Ambassador of Türkiye to the United States
- Nicole Infill, Keynote Speaker
- Michael Schneider, BAU Board Member
- Damla Guclu
- Gjergj Dollani
- Gunay Evinch
- Figen Onal
- Sevil Altinsoy
- Yahya Ozdemir
The valedictorian address was delivered by Angie Alexandra Angarita Velasquez, who graduated Master of Business Administration (MBA) with Summa Cum Laude.
“We’ve spent years learning and educating our minds. But don’t forget to educate your heart and your soul.”
— Angie Alexandra Angarita Velasquez, Valedictorian, Class of 2026
Class of 2026 — By the Numbers
The Class of 2026 reflects BAU’s mission as a globally focused, NECHE-accredited institution serving a diverse student body in the heart of Washington, D.C. Graduates earned degrees across BAU’s full range of undergraduate and graduate programs in business, political science, information technology, software engineering, cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. Among the 97 expected graduates, 62 earned academic honors, underscoring the exceptional achievement and dedication of the Class of 2026. More than 60 graduates proudly crossed the commencement stage, joined by additional degree recipients celebrating this important milestone with family, friends, faculty, and fellow students.
A Year of Milestones
The 2025–2026 academic year was marked by significant institutional growth and student achievement. BAU launched three new certificate programs in Software Engineering, Cloud Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence Engineering, and hosted its inaugural BAU Innovate Hackathon in February 2026. BAU students also earned a Bronze Medal at the AI-focused DevFest DC Agentic AI Hackathon, competed in the CCSC:EA Programming and Cybersecurity Finals, and participated in the DC Startup & Tech Week. The university also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) and expanded its partnership with the Global Policy Institute (GPI) through a new research residency program.
A live stream of the 2026 Commencement Ceremony is available on Bay Atlantic University’s Facebook page. A full recording will remain accessible on BAU’s official social media channels.
About Bay Atlantic University
Located steps from the White House in Washington, D.C., Bay Atlantic University (BAU) is a private, non-profit, NECHE-accredited institution founded in 2014. BAU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs with a focus on STEM, business, and political science, serving a diverse community of U.S. and international students. As a member of BAU Global — a network of universities spanning Europe, Asia, and the Americas — BAU provides students with access to global opportunities, hands-on learning experiences, and a vibrant campus in the heart of the nation’s capital.
Website: www.bau.edu | Instagram: @bau_dc | LinkedIn: Bay Atlantic University
