Commencement 2026
By Molly Watson
“Stay Curious. Be Adaptable. Lead with Your Humanity.”
That advice from graduate commencement speaker and Western New England University (WNE) alumna Sheryl McQuade G’94 set the tone for Western New England University’s 2026 Commencement ceremonies on Thursday, May 14, at the MassMutual Center. Speaking to graduates entering a rapidly changing world shaped by technological disruption, uncertainty, and new opportunities, McQuade urged the Class of 2026 to remain grounded in curiosity, human connection, and authenticity as they begin their next chapter.
Celebrating resilience, achievement, and leadership, the University awarded 887 degrees across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs during two ceremonies honoring the Class of 2026. The day included the conferral of 483 bachelor’s degrees during the morning’s undergraduate ceremony and 404 graduate degrees in the afternoon, including 236 master’s degrees and 168 doctoral degrees.
The ceremonies also highlighted the strength of the Golden Bear alumni network, with alumni leaders returning to the podium to welcome the graduating class into the University’s more than 50,000-member alumni community. Heather Coulter Kemp ’10, president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, addressed undergraduate students while Nicole Mule L’17, president of the Law Alumni Association, welcomed graduate students and fellow law alumni during the afternoon ceremony.
The ceremonies also marked an important moment in the University’s history, as President Joseph C. Hartman participated in the undergraduate commencement ahead of officially assuming the presidency on June 1.
Interim President Michael B. Alexander reflected on the accomplishments of the graduates and the values that will guide them moving forward.
“College is not an end to learning, nor is it a beginning,” Alexander told graduates. “It is an acceleration. Work hard, persevere, seek the truth in all things, and be kind.”
Board of Trustees Chair Elena Gervino L’88 encouraged graduates to advocate for themselves and pursue opportunities with confidence.
“Sometimes the most important door in your life opens because you had the courage to knock,” said Gervino, who shared the story of being waitlisted before ultimately being admitted to WNE University School of Law.
Undergraduate student speaker Camden Kaufmann ’26, a Springfield native graduating with dual degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice, reflected on the unique experience of a class that entered college just as COVID-era restrictions were ending and had to navigate an uncertain and rapidly changing world together.
“We’re stepping into a world that’s unpredictable and fast moving, but we’ve already shown who we are,” Kaufmann said. “We are the class that is adaptable when the world changes, and shows up when it gets hard.”
The University also recognized nationally respected leaders during the ceremonies through honorary degree presentations.
At the undergraduate ceremony, Martin J. Walsh—former Boston mayor, former U.S. secretary of labor, and current NHL Players’ Association executive director—received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in recognition of his leadership in labor rights, public service, and social justice.
During the graduate ceremony, McQuade, regional president of TD Bank’s New England Metro and a proud WNE alumna, also received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
McQuade urged graduates to remain adaptable in a rapidly changing world.
“The most successful among you won’t be the ones who believe they know everything,” McQuade said. “They’ll be the ones who stay curious enough to keep learning… humble enough to unlearn… and courageous enough to relearn.”
The undergraduate class represented 15 states, with the top five fields of study being Mechanical Engineering, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Finance, and Computer Science. Graduate and professional students came from 26 states. In addition, the graduating class included international students from Canada, India, Mexico, Spain, and Saint Lucia.
As graduates crossed the stage and joined the ranks of more than 50,000 Golden Bear alumni worldwide, the ceremonies celebrated not only academic achievement, but the resilience, leadership, and sense of purpose that will shape the next chapter of their lives.
Visit wne.edu/commencement to view both recorded ceremonies.
