Woxsen University held its Annual Convocation 2026 on 18 July. The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Dr. Roy F. Baumeister, social psychologist and Professor Emeritus at The University of Queensland. Regarded as one of the most cited scholars globally, Dr. Baumeister is best known for his work on ego depletion and self-control, including the strength model of willpower, which examines self-control as a limited but developable resource. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to psychology and human behaviour, Woxsen University conferred upon Dr. Baumeister an Honorary Doctorate, reflecting the University’s recognition of his lasting contributions to the field and his influence on researchers, educators, and students around the world.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Roy F. Baumeister urged students to embrace artificial intelligence but nurturing their curiosity equally. “Use AI but build your curiosity and articulate the wonders of the world,” he said, adding that adaptability would be essential as “the pace of change in the world has increased remarkably.” Encouraging graduates to think beyond the present, he advised them to always have a five-year plan. “You can change the plan, but having a plan helps you orient towards a bigger future rather than living day-to-day,” he remarked.
Reflecting on India’s evolving economy, Roy observed that in India, career paths are increasingly shaped by individuals rather than organizations, making it important for graduates to chart their own course. While job changes are becoming increasingly common, he advised, “Don’t just change jobs to get away from problems. If you move, move towards something better and exciting.”
The ceremony also marked the release of the Woxsen University Annual Report 2026, presented by Dr. V. J. Byra Reddy, Vice-Chancellor, Woxsen University.The report highlighted Woxsen University’s achievements in research, innovation, and global engagement. It featured more than 655 research publications, with 70% published in Q1 and Q2 journals. It also highlighted partnerships with over 190 universities worldwide. Additionally, the report also highlighted the university’s academic growth, with the B. Arch intake expanding from 40 to 80 seats, the introduction of B.Sc. in Sports Science, the launch of an M. Tech program in AI and ML, and the launch of an M. Des in Product Design Innovation.
The convocation also honoured this year’s top-scoring students and graduates securing the highest placement package. Anthati Shivani, MBA Business Analytics topped her batch, while Korimi Meghana won the gold medal in B. Tech. Notably, Koukuntla Rishitha Reddy had a big day: she won the gold medal for BBA Financial Services and landed the highest-paying job offer in her batch, at Warner Brothers Discovery. Shreyasi Sar graduated top of her B. Com. Kurinji V S won the gold medal in Fashion Design, and M Janani took top honours in Architecture. Sofia Villamarin Rodriguez led the Liberal Arts and Humanities batch, and Archi Tiwari topped Science.
On the placement front, MBA graduate Sarah Hazel Philip got the highest-paying job offer in her batch, at Silicon Labs, and B.Tech graduate Gaddam Srikesh Reddy landed the top offer at Vivnovation. Koukuntla Rishitha Reddy, BBA Financial Services, landed a top offer, at Warner Brothers Discovery. Pakeeru Sri Varsha, who studied Interior Design, was placed at Yula Construction, and Architecture graduates, P Keerthi and K B Shivani, both got placed at APS Property Solutions.
Finally, at the convocation, 1,198 students from undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across Woxsen University’s schools — School of Business, School of Technology, School of Arts & Design, School of Architecture & Planning, School of Science, School of Law, and School of Liberal Arts & Humanities — were formally conferred their degrees, celebrating their academic and personal achievements. The graduating cohort exemplifies Woxsen University’s commitment to nurturing future-ready leaders, innovators, and changemakers, equipped to make meaningful contributions to society, industry, and the global community.
The Convocation 2026 reaffirmed Woxsen University’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, global collaboration, and social impact, celebrating a new generation of graduates poised to make meaningful contributions to society, industry, and the world.