Hobby School Commencement
2026 Commencement Celebrates Milestones
Graduates, along with their families and friends, celebrated an academic milestone at the 10th Hobby School of Public Affairs commencement ceremony on May 15, 2026. The ceremony honored students earning degrees and certificates in public policy and public administration.
The graduates join a growing network of mission-driven leaders who have completed interdisciplinary coursework, ethics and leadership training, and advanced quantitative analysis since the school’s founding in 2016.
Nekane Diaz Lopez, Bachelor of Science in Public Policy
2026 Garnet Coleman Award for Student Excellence
Nekane Diaz Lopez (’26) built a strong foundation in public service through city, county and federal government internships, legal advocacy, and academic research. From supporting families navigating the legal system to broadening her perspective while studying abroad in Spain, the former Civic Houston Intern, Harris Fellow and Leland Fellow is prepared for a career at the intersection of law and public policy.
“I feel immensely fortunate to have gained real-world experience at the city, county and federal levels that shaped my path in public service.”
Michael J. King, Master of Public Policy
2026 Garnet Coleman Award for Student Excellence
Michael King (’24, MPP ‘26) has contributed to campus voter education initiatives, served as a graduate teaching assistant and worked as a research and data analyst intern with the Center for Civic and Public Policy Improvement through the Social Economy and Enterprise Academy, examining community infrastructure and resource distribution across the region. As an undergraduate student, King was introduced to public service through the Civic Houston Internship Program.
“I leave the Hobby School with greater confidence in my ability to think critically about the world around me. Through the skills and diverse perspectives I gained in and out of the classroom, my time at the Hobby School shaped how I approach problems big and small.”
2026 Commencement Speaker
Sean Teare (’04, J.D. ’07) delivered the keynote address, reflecting on his upbringing
and the lived experiences that shaped his commitment to compassionate public service.
He praised the next generation of public servants for stepping forward at a time when
trust in government and democratic institutions is low, encouraging graduates to ask
tough questions, follow the data and choose service over status.
As Harris County district attorney, Teare leads efforts to strengthen public safety
while advancing fairness and accountability in the justice system. Since taking office,
he has launched initiatives addressing complex issues, such as homelessness, mental
health and violent crime. A two-time University of Houston graduate, Teare has hosted
students in the Civic Houston Internship Program.
“We need people to choose service over status. We need people who believe all problems are solvable. We need people who understand that democracy is not self-sustaining. It survives because ordinary people choose to participate in it.”
Class of 2026
Sixty-seven graduates crossed the stage, representing the largest graduating class in the history of the Hobby School of Public Affairs. The Class of 2026 included 29 students who earned bachelor’s degrees in public policy, 22 who earned a Master of Public Policy and 14 who earned a Master of Public Administration.