University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee alumnus and renowned Wisconsin historian Clayborn Benson will serve as the commencement speaker for UWM’s Spring 2026 graduation ceremonies on Sunday, May 17, at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the UWM Panther Arena. Benson will address graduates at both ceremonies and will receive an honorary degree during the 9 a.m. ceremony.
“Clayborn Benson is a distinguished storyteller, historian and community leader whose life’s work reflects the values of service, curiosity and perseverance we strive to instill in our students,” said UWM Chancellor Thomas Gibson. “As an alumnus who has dedicated decades to documenting and sharing Black history in Wisconsin, he will bring a powerful and deeply personal perspective to our graduates as they begin the next chapter of their lives.”
Benson is a photographer, historian and military veteran who has had two remarkable careers in his lifetime. He spent 39 years as an award-winning broadcast journalist with Milwaukee’s WTMJ‑TV, covering news and sports and earning a reputation for excellence in storytelling. While working full time at the station, he enrolled in Milwaukee Area Technical College’s photography training program and later attended the U.S. Army’s military photography school at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. He ultimately earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in film from UWM in 1987.
During his time at UWM, Benson received a grant to produce “Black Communities,” a documentary examining Black housing, migration, settlements and trade skills in the United States, Wisconsin and Milwaukee. The film aired on NBC affiliate WTMJ‑TV, on public television stations across the state and became a formative project in shaping his future work.
While producing the documentary, he recognized that the history and heritage of Black Americans in Wisconsin were widely scattered and inadequately preserved. In response, he founded the Wisconsin Black Historical Society/Museum in 1987 to collect, preserve and share that history while also serving as a neighborhood anchor and resource.
He has built and maintained an unparalleled collection documenting Black life in Milwaukee that has been used by researchers, students, journalists and community groups, and Benson remains one of the state’s most influential voices.
A life-long learner, Benson went back to earn a master’s degree in public history from UWM’s College of Letters & Science in 2024 at the age of 75.
Benson’s many honors include the City of Milwaukee Living Legacy Award, the Milwaukee Press Club Hall of Fame Award, the Emmy Silver Circle Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences regional chapter, and the UWM Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award.