DePaul University School of Continuing and Professional Studies is delighted to announce that our 2026 Student Commencement Speaker will be Darletta Scruggs.

Darletta is currently a junior within SCPS, and a dual-degree graduate in Business Administration (BAPS) and Organizational Leadership (MAAPS). Outside of her studies at SCPS, Darletta works full-time and is also a single mother.

After dropping out of high school, Darletta earned her GED and was able to move into corporate jobs. Early in her career, she still remembers feeling ashamed for not trying to push through to pursue additional higher education, and assumed it was too late for her to return to school. But while preaching the importance of school and pursuing an education to her son, she decided it was time to set an example for him herself, and return to school.

Darletta was very particular while researching schools, and it was SCPS’s commitment to adult learners that attracted her to the School. She felt so grateful to have found a program tailored to adult students–one flexible to her journey and where she is at in life, and that also took into consideration the experience and work history that she was bringing to the table with experience and transferable skills she already gained on the job. Darletta also says SCPS scholarships were pivotal for her to be able to focus on her education without having to worry about the financial burden of pursuing a degree. The financial support she received from both SCPS and DePaul made it possible for her to eventually move from a part-time student into a full-time student.

During the ceremony, Darletta will be joined by Daniel R. Porterfield, President and CEO of the Aspen Institute, who will serve as DePaul University’s 2026 Commencement Speaker and will receive an Honorary Degree.

The School of Continuing and Professional Studies 2026 Commencement Ceremony will take place at 6PM on Sunday, June 14 at Wintrust Arena.