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Sarasota Native Known as “King of the High Wire” and author of “Facing Fear” will bring his message of preparation and courage to New College of Florida’s graduating class on May 22

SARASOTA, Fla. - New College of Florida today announced that Nik Wallenda, world-record holder, seventh-generation member of the legendary Flying Wallendas, and Sarasota resident, will deliver the commencement address at the institution's 2026 graduation ceremony on May 22.

The announcement carries Sarasota resonance for a campus that sits on land once belonging to Charles Ringling - the very circus magnate who along with his brother John, brought the Wallenda family to the United States in 1928. When Karl Wallenda and his troupe first arrived in Sarasota, they stayed at Ringling's Ca' d'Zan mansion, the bayfront estate that today anchors the New College campus. Nearly a century later, his great-grandson will stand before New College graduates on that same ground.

Wallenda, known globally as "The King of the Wire," has walked tightropes over Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, an active volcano in Nicaragua, and 25 stories above Times Square, earning 13 Guinness World Records and drawing television audiences in the tens of millions. He is also the owner of the Big Apple Circus and a widely sought voice on preparation, mental discipline, and performance under pressure.

"Nik Wallenda is one of Sarasota's most recognized figures, and his connection to this campus runs deeper than most people realize," said President Richard Corcoran. "Our graduates are stepping into a world that will ask everything of them. There is no better person to speak to preparation, faith, and commitment than Nick, putting it to test at the highest possible level."

What distinguishes Wallenda as a speaker is not the spectacle of his performances but the discipline behind them. Every walk involves years of planning before a single step is taken. The crossing of Niagara Falls required two years of geological surveys, engineering assessments, and legal negotiations across two countries. By the time he steps onto the wire, the walk is already complete in his mind. That relationship between preparation and confidence is the core of what he brings to graduation audiences.

New College of Florida's 2026 commencement ceremony will take place on May 22 on the Sarasota campus. 

Nik Wallenda is a 7th generation member of the legendary Wallenda family. Known world-wide for his incredible feats upon the high wire and beyond, Nik has set 13 World Records, among these the highest 4-level 8-person pyramid on the wire, the highest and longest bicycle ride on a wire, hanging from a helicopter by his teeth, and the first tightrope crossing of an active volcano.  His career began at the age of 2, learning to walk the wire while holding his mother’s hand, and it has continued with record breaking performances across the United States and around the world.  In 2012, he fulfilled his life-long dream to become the only person to walk directly over the precipice of Niagara Falls live on ABC. In 2013, he became the first person to walk a wire across the Grand Canyon, an epic event aired live by Discovery Channel in 178 countries, breaking network ratings and social media records in the process.  The following year, Discovery Channel again provided live coverage as Nik broke 2 more world records over the city of Chicago. In 2019, Nik & his sister, Lijana, became the first to walk a tightrope directly over Time Square NY live on ABC, and in 2020, ABC aired yet another special live to the world, as Nik claimed another world record, becoming the first person to walk a tightrope over an active volcano. Nik is a member of the ownership group of Big Apple Circus and headlined and produced the 2021 & 2022 seasons. In 2023, Nik and his wife Erendira started their own show, “Wonderland,” and have just completed the 3rd successful edition, both producing and headlining in what has become a holiday tradition in his hometown of Sarasota. Nik & Erendira have been married 26 years and have 3 children, and 4 grandchildren. Nik is the author of 2 books, “Balance” and “Facing Fear”, and he carries his motto of “Never Give Up” in every walk with the purpose of inspiring people around the world to follow their dreams.

Founded in 1960, New College of Florida is the state’s designated public honors college. Recognized nationally for its academic excellence, rigorous inquiry, and commitment to free expression, New College offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, graduate programs in Applied Data Science and Marine Mammal Science, and a growing NAIA athletics program.