The University of Massachusetts Amherst will honor graduate student John Arigbede as the recipient of its Commitment to Diversity Award during the 2026 Doctoral Hooding Ceremony, which will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 9 at the Mullins Center.

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Arigbede, of Ilé-Ifẹ̀, Osun State, Nigeria, is a doctoral candidate in chemical engineering whose work combines scientific research, service and student leadership.

“I accept this award on behalf of the graduate students who keep showing up for one another,” Arigbede says. “Belonging is not a slogan; it is built through consistent support, fair access to resources and leadership that listens.”

His research focuses on developing rare-earth-free magnetic materials and transition-metal carbide systems using high-pressure, high-temperature methods, with potential applications in sustainable energy and catalysis. His honors include the Top Wing Award for Excellence in Teaching at UMass Amherst, the Student Chemical Society Merit Award, and the Most Outstanding Student Award in Industrial Chemistry at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology.

Beyond the laboratory, Arigbede has led efforts to strengthen graduate student life as president of the Graduate Student Government. He has helped expand engagement through initiatives such as the Summer Cookout, the Long Table of Friendship and the We Are One UMass campaign. He also has advocated for travel grants, emergency funding, parent-focused resources, and broader access, equity and belonging among graduate students.

After graduation, Arigbede plans to continue developing as a researcher and leader and aims to establish a manufacturing and research company focused on applying science and innovation to challenges including sustainability, food insecurity and community well-being. He has been selected to join the second cohort of the UMass Amherst Leadership Fellows program, a competitive, two-year, initiative funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation that prepares STEM doctoral students for inclusive academic leadership.

The Commitment to Diversity Award is presented annually by the Graduate School to recognize a student’s outstanding contributions to diversity and inclusion within the graduate student body. Honorees are selected based on the strength of nominating letters.

For more information on all activities related to UMass Amherst Commencement 2026, including the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony, visit www.umass.edu/commencement.