Commencement 2026

“Passion is a force that can transform obstacles into opportunities and setbacks into fuel for growth,” N. Louis “Lou” Shipley ’85—a Trinity trustee, multi-time tech CEO, and senior lecturer in entrepreneurship at Harvard Business School—told the Trinity College Class of 2026 during his Commencement address on Sunday, May 17.

Addressing a crowd of thousands assembled on the Main Quad for Trinity’s 200th Commencement, Shipley urged students to combine their liberal arts degrees with an entrepreneurial mindset. “The resilience and intellectual agility cultivated in a liberal arts education lays the foundation for entrepreneurialism,” he said. “Your degree will help you navigate changes, learn new roles, and reinvent yourself throughout your career.”

The 549 members of the Class of 2026 represent 30 states and 46 countries. Among the undergraduates, 317 received bachelor of arts degrees, and 221 were awarded bachelor of science degrees. Eleven graduate students received master’s degrees.

Trinity bestowed an honorary doctor of humane letters degree on Shipley in recognition of his distinguished career, exceptional entrepreneurial spirit, and unyielding dedication to the College.

Trinity also awarded an honorary doctor of science degree to Joanne Berger-Sweeney, Trinity

College president, emerita, who served from 2014–25 as Trinity’s 22nd president and is an accomplished neuroscientist and author of more than 60 scientific publications. Carolyn A. Pelzel ’74 received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree in recognition of her career in higher education advancement and her contributions to Trinity in a variety of roles, including shepherding the All In campaign.

Members of the Class of 2026 also heard from Trevor Francis McDonald ’26, who spoke about gratitude in the face of obstacles. “You learn far more about yourself in moments of struggle than in moments of comfort,” he said. “True growth often happens when things are hard.”

President Daniel G. Lugo said the class helped him understand the meaning of the College as a living community. “In my first year as president, I have come to understand that Trinity’s tradition matters most when it becomes fuel for our future,” he said. “The point of honoring 200 Commencements is not to look backward with satisfaction. It is to ask what the next 200 will require of us.” He left the students with a charge: “Carry the tradition. Build what is missing. And bring others with you.”

Ki Tae Hwang, of South Korea, who earned a B.S., summa cum laude, with honors in mathematics and computer science, was named valedictorian; Marie Naka, of Maryland, who earned a B.A., summa cum laude, with honors in educational studies, was named salutatorian.

Following the awarding of degrees, Trinity College Alumni Association President Scott A. Lessne ’80 welcomed the graduates into the company of Trinity alumni, numbering more than 30,000 around the world. The celebrations began as the new Trinity graduates tossed their mortar boards in the air.

Accolades

Trustee Award for Faculty Excellence

Charles A. Dana Professor of Music Gail H. Woldu

Staff Excellence

Interim Director of Career and Life Design and Associate Director of Strategy and Student Development Maria Dyane; Associate Director of Strategic Projects and ERP Project Manager Kimberly F. Eckart

Student Excellence

Zaynab Hameed Khan ’26, Alexandra Torres Pons ’26

The Thomas Church Brownell Prize for Teaching Excellence

Associate Professor of Political Science Reo Matsuzaki; Professor of History Jennifer Regan-Lefebvre

The Dean Arthur H. Hughes Award for Achievement in Teaching

Assistant Professor of Philosophy Carmen De Schryver; Assistant Professor of Political Science Nhat-Dang Do

Header Image: Soon-to-be graduates, including Mackenzie Vallas ’26, center, take part in the Commencement ceremony.

Photos: Nick Caito and Fiona Cunningham ’28