Cullen Triplet Among Record Graduation Class for College, UH

At the University of Houston, dreaming big isn’t just encouraged — it’s expected.

From bold ideas in the classroom to impact in the community, Coogs are defined by their ambition and drive to think bigger, reach higher and push further. This year’s graduating class, which is expected to be the largest in UH history, reflects that spirit in record-setting fashion.

"Commencement is the most joyous and profound moment in the academic year, representing the culmination of years of relentless dedication and intellectual growth,” said Diane Z. Chase, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost at UH. “This spring, we are incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of 7,819 graduates — a remarkable cohort whose energy and ambition have left an indelible mark on our campus. As these students transition from scholars to alumni, we share in their excitement and stand ready to see how they transform the world around us.”

Three Paths, One Journey

Three siblings. Three distinct paths. One shared milestone.

For triplets Chiamaka, Somto and Anita Anigbogu, the journey to graduation at the University of Houston has been anything but ordinary. Born in New York and raised in Nigeria, they have spent the past four years balancing independence and their unshakable bond.

Each carved out their own academic path — Chiamaka earning a B.S. in economics, Somto graduating with a degree in management information systems and Anita earning a degree in computer information systems from the Cullen College of Engineering.

Their decision to attend UH came from different places but ultimately led them to the same destination. Anita, who initially wanted to go her own way, found something unexpected in staying together.

“They became my anchor and support system, my built-in best friends,” she said. “Having the three of us by each other’s side made the journey a seamless experience.”

For Somto, being a triplet came with expectations, but also perspective.

“People often compared us, expecting us to be on the same level in everything,” he said. “But I’ve learned to stay true to who I am — success looks different for everyone.”

Graduating together is more than a shared achievement — it’s the culmination of years of sacrifice, perseverance and unwavering family love.

“It means everything to us to celebrate this together, but none of it would be possible without our parents,” Chiamaka said. “They sacrificed so much for us to get here, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without their love and support.”

As they step into the next chapter, their paths may take them in different directions, but a bond they share as triplets will remain a constant.

“No matter where life takes us, we’ll always be close,” Somto said. “We’ve grown together, supported each other and pushed each other to be better — and that’s not going to change.”

UH Ceremony Facts and Figures

Across the university, more than 7,800 graduates will cross the stage over the next several days, including nearly 5,800 receiving their bachelor’s degree, about 1,300 receiving their master’s degree and more than 200 receiving their doctorate.

Nearly one-third of the class is graduating with honors, including 933 cum laude (3.5-3.69 GPA), 936 magna cum laude (3.7-3.89 GPA) and 559 summa cum laude (3.9-4.0 GPA).

The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences has the most graduates with 1,912, followed by the C.T. Bauer College of Business with 1,617 and the Cullen College of Engineering with 1,407. In addition, the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine will celebrate its largest graduating class ever with 51 students earning their degrees.

At 18 years old, Eguono Okpohworho is the youngest member of the Class of 2026 — he will receive a B.B.A. in management information systems from the Bauer College. The oldest member of the class is 69-year-old Steven Jones, who is earning a doctorate in business administration from Bauer College.

Graduation ceremonies will take place on campus at the Fertitta Center and Cullen Performance Hall. A complete schedule for all ceremonies is available on the University Commencement website. For those who cannot attend in person, the ceremonies will be livestreamed.

For Cullen-specific commencement ceremony information, click here! Livestreams will be available here.

If you have any questions regarding the Engineering Commencement ceremony you may contact:

• Undergraduate Engineering Majors may contact Jemal Moore at jmoore [at] central.uh.edu (jmoore[at]central[dot]uh[dot]edu).
• Undergraduate Technology Majors may contact Katherine Frazier at kfrazier [at] central.uh.edu (kfrazier[at]central[dot]uh[dot]edu).
• Graduate students may contact Miranda Vernon-Harrison at mavernon-harrison [at] uh.edu (mavernon-harrison[at]uh[dot]edu).