JWU Class of 2026 Tells Their Stories on Decorated Grad Caps

At Johnson & Wales University's Commencement 2026, the decorated caps of graduating seniors offered a parallel ceremony of their own. As graduates crossed the stage, tassels swinging back and forth and cameras flashing, it wasn’t just their gowns and stoles telling a story; it was the many decorated caps adorning the heads of graduates. These graduation caps acted as canvases, portraying the journeys, people, culture, personality and faith that brought them to this very moment. Each cap represented not only a degree earned, but the identity of those wearing it and the experiences that have shaped who they are today.

Caps Rooted in Faith

Keisha Collins showing religious scripture decorated grad cap — Keisha Collins' graduation cap

For Food & Beverage Management major Keisha Collins ’26, faith was central to her cap’s decoration. “I wanted to do a scripture from the bible because my faith is really important to me,” she said. She eventually settled on the verse “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” reasoning that the quote was a reminder of perseverance throughout her senior year. “It really carried me through this whole year,” Collins stated.

Elmira Green showing off religious themed grad cap with lights — Elmira Green's graduation cap

This centrality on faith was also an important part to Baking & Pastry Arts major Elmira Green’ 26, who decorated her cap with the phrase “I did my best and God did the rest.” Green said she “Wanted to do something that gave glory to God,” while still adding her own decorative touches through bows, lights and decorative accents.

Honoring Family & Friends

Anna Countouroudas shows memory decorated grad cap — Anna Countouroudas' graduation cap

Others used their caps to honor those who supported them throughout their life and their college journey. Anna Countouroudas ’26, a Sports Entertainment & Event Management (SEEM) major specializing in event management, admitted she almost chose not to decorate her cap at all. “I was on the verge of not decorating because I wasn’t sure if others were doing so,” she said. In the end, she decided to decorate her cap with photos of family and friends, from both college and home. “They really gave me the strength to leave home and complete my degree,” Countouroudas said. “I couldn’t have done that without them.”

Alia Delacros showing off cap decorated with photos of friends — Alia Delacros' graduation cap

In a similar vein, Baking & Pastry Arts major Alia Delacros ’26 decided to decorate her cap to highlight her memories in college and the gratitude she had for this experience. Her cap featured many photos documenting her experiences as a student at JWU. “My cap is decorated with the pictures and memories of my college experience and all those who’ve helped me get this far,” Delacros said.

Personality on Display

Amelia Marten showing barbie themed grad cap — Mia Martens' graduation cap

For Baking & Pastry Arts major Amelia “Mia” Martens ‘26, the inspiration came from a personal love of Barbie and everything pink. Mia embraced this love by decorating her cap in hot pink, with the phrase “This Barbie is a graduate” adorning the cap. “I’m a girly girl, I love pink and I’ve always loved Barbie growing up,” she said. After seeing similar designs online, she knew it fit perfectly.

A Statement of Heritage

Mayara Haddad showing off keffiyeh decorated grad cap — Mayara Haddad's graduation cap

Some graduates, instead of using their cap to represent memories or personality, used their caps to represent their cultural upbringing and make a powerful, yet personal statement regarding their culture and how they hold space for it. Mayara Haddad ’26, a Sustainable Food Systems major, did just this, by incorporating the keffiyeh, a traditional Palestinian scarf/headdress to honor her heritage and culture as a Palestinian. “My Palestinian heritage was the driving motivator behind why I put a keffiyeh on my cap,” Haddad explained. But for her, the cap represented much more than just her heritage. “I wanted to dedicate my education and educational career to women and children who don’t have access to it,” she said, adding that “this is not only a celebration of my heritage, but also a tribute to people who don’t have access to what I have.”

Where Craft Meets Celebration

Shannon Burns showing whip and whisk sculpture grad cap — Shannon Burns' graduation cap

With their gift for decorating showpiece desserts, it was no wonder so many Baking & Pastry students incorporated their own crafts into their designs, creating elaborate, sculptural caps. Shannon Burns ’26, for example, used her first passion as the template of her sculptural whip and whisk cap decoration. “I got started in baking and pastry with making macaron cookies,” Burns said. Using air dry clay and pipe cleaners, she designed a miniature whisk and whipped topping effect for the cap. “I thought that was a good way to kind of tie this end to this beginning,” she said.

Jilian Reed showing off softball and baking themed grad cap — Jilian Reed's graduation cap

For Jilian Reed ’26, another Baking & Pastry student, the cap became a reflection of who she is as a person and every aspect of her identity. “My cap is inspired by my personality, so lots of glimmer and glitter and shiny things,” Reed said. Alongside the sparkle, she included JWU’s logo, a chef’s hat and a softball to represent her time as a student-athlete. “I also have bows because I love bows,” she added.

Though every cap looked different, one common theme connected them all throughout the ceremony; each represented far more than just decoration. Behind the glitter, lights, photographs and handmade sculptures were stories of faith, culture, love, identity and gratitude. Together, these caps turned graduation into something more personal.

Check out some of the other fun caps that were spotted at Commencement!

Winnie the poo themed grad cap