Author Min Jin Lee '90 to Speak at Yale's Class Day

The acclaimed novelist will address the graduating Class of 2026 at the annual ceremony.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:12am

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Min Jin Lee, an internationally renowned novelist, essayist, editor, and critic who graduated from Yale in 1990, will be the keynote speaker at the university's 2026 Class Day ceremony. Lee, known for her deeply researched fiction exploring the lives of Koreans and Korean Americans, will address the graduating Class of 2026 at the annual event held the day before Yale's commencement.

Why it matters

As a distinguished alumna and acclaimed author, Min Jin Lee's selection as Class Day speaker reflects Yale's commitment to celebrating the achievements of its graduates and inviting them to share their perspectives with the next generation of Yalies. Lee's work has earned critical acclaim and resonated with readers worldwide, making her an inspiring choice to address the Class of 2026 as they prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives.

The details

Min Jin Lee emigrated from Seoul, South Korea to Queens, New York at age seven. She received her B.A. in history from Yale in 1990 and went on to earn a law degree from Georgetown. Lee is known for her deeply researched fiction that traces the lives of Koreans and Korean Americans over generations, including her acclaimed novel 'Pachinko' which was a National Book Award finalist. She has been recognized with fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard, and the New York Foundation for the Arts.

  • Min Jin Lee will deliver the Class Day address on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
  • The annual Class Day event is held the day before Yale's commencement exercises.

The players

Min Jin Lee

An internationally acclaimed novelist, essayist, editor, and critic who graduated from Yale in 1990. She is known for her deeply researched fiction exploring the lives of Koreans and Korean Americans.

Pericles Lewis

The Dean of Yale College, who praised Lee's work for its power to 'transport us across time and space, spark new insights into our own lives, and reaffirm our collective humanity.'

Yale College

The undergraduate division of Yale University, which hosts the annual Class Day ceremony celebrating the graduating class.

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What they’re saying

“With her extraordinary novels, Min Jin Lee reminds us of the power of the written word to transport us across time and space, spark new insights into own lives, and reaffirm our collective humanity.”

— Pericles Lewis, Dean of Yale College

“It is a privilege of a lifetime to return to school to honor the Class of 2026. My four years at Yale shaped my point of view on history, literature, English, politics, sociology, and ethics. However, when life grew difficult, I needed more than what was in my head, so I returned to what my classmates, professors, clergy, and the people who worked at Yale had put into my heart to carry me through. I look forward to Class Day, and I thank the Class of 2026 for including me in their celebration.”

— Min Jin Lee

What’s next

The Class Day ceremony on May 17, 2026 will include student performances, awards, and other long-held Yale traditions, in addition to Min Jin Lee's keynote address.

The takeaway

Min Jin Lee's selection as the 2026 Class Day speaker at Yale underscores the university's commitment to celebrating the achievements of its distinguished alumni and providing graduating students with inspiring perspectives from accomplished individuals who have walked the same halls. Lee's acclaimed body of work and personal connection to Yale make her an ideal choice to address the Class of 2026 as they prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives.