Despite the rainy day, the energy across campus on Friday, May 15, was anything but gloomy.
As Commencement Weekend officially began, the Endicott community came together for a day filled with celebration, reflection, and meaningful traditions honoring the Class of 2026.
At the College’s Baccalaureate & Awards Ceremony, Kendall Harris ’26, Endicott’s Student Government Association President, encouraged the graduates to pause and appreciate how far they had come since their first days at the Nest.
“The people you first met may not be the ones who stand beside you now. The interests you once had may have grown into something entirely different,” said Harris. “And yet, each of those changes has played a role in getting you here.”
As each Gull takes their next steps beyond Endicott, Harris reminded the students to embrace change, remain grateful for their journey, and trust that everything happens for a reason.
“It’s not just about reaching the end of something, but about recognizing how every experience—every challenge, every change, every unexpected turn—has shaped us into the people we are today,” she added.
Bryan Cain, Ph.D., President of Endicott College, echoed this sentiment, urging graduates to learn from the “lighthouses” in their lives: the people and experiences that helped guide them to this moment.
Drawing from a lesson his father often shared with him growing up, Dr. Cain described lighthouses as symbols of perspective gained through experience. He reminded graduates that while they have already traveled far, there is still much ahead to learn, and that the support of mentors, faculty, loved ones, and peers can help illuminate the path forward.
“As you leave here, I hope you carry forward the pride of what you’ve accomplished, the gratitude for the people who got you here, and the confidence to keep moving forward, even when you don’t have all the answers,” said Cain. “One day, you’ll look back and realize you’ve passed more lighthouses than you ever thought possible.”
The day’s celebrations also included the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony, honoring students earning the highest degree offered by Endicott College, and the Cummings School of Nursing & Health Sciences Pinning Ceremony, where undergraduate nursing students received their nursing pins in a long-standing tradition.
“Here’s what I know about the Class of 2026: You show up. You care. And when things don’t go your way, you try and try again. Through academics, sports, clubs, and involvement, you have made this place better,” said Cain.
“You have built relationships that will last far beyond this campus. And you’ve proven that you are ready for whatever comes next,” he added.
Gulls who soared above and beyond
Inside the MacDonald Gymnasium, where planned outdoor events were moved because of the rain, the College honored the recipients of this year’s Campus Leadership Awards, Dean’s Awards, and Thesis & Capstone Awards.
Gretchen Warland, an adjunct professor in the School of Sport Science, received the Adjunct Teaching Excellence Award from Provost Sara Quay.
Quay also presented the Academic Excellence Award, which recognizes an exemplary faculty member for outstanding achievement in teaching, scholarship, and service, to Associate Professor and Faculty Lead of Sport Management and Esports Management Dr. Alyssa Czarnecki.
Nominated by the faculty and selected by the school deans, the recipient is chosen based on excellence across all three areas.
“Passionate about digital literacy and technology integration, Dr. Czarnecki champions the intentional use of emerging technologies—including AI and esports—to create engaging, forward-thinking educational experiences that prepare students for modern careers in sport management,” said Quay.
Retiring School of Education Professor Dr. Lynne Stasiak was awarded the honorary title of Faculty Emeritus, a distinction reserved for professors who have dedicated at least 20 years of employment to Endicott College.
The Staff of the Year Award, voted on by the graduating class, went to shuttle driver Bill Jedrey.
“Bill has spent more than four years safely transporting students while building meaningful connections along the way,” said Kiara Karwowski ’26. “Known for his positivity and unwavering school spirit, Bill embodies what it means to be part of the Endicott community.”
Presented by Maren Found ’26, the Faculty of the Year Award—chosen by the senior class—was awarded to Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Dr. Ashley Appleby, who also delivered the afternoon’s Baccalaureate Address.
Appleby reflected on her own experience as a first-generation college student, sharing that she often questioned whether she belonged and did not have a perfect path through college. She reminded graduates that uncertainty, change, and growth are all part of the journey.
“You don’t have to have it all mapped out. Sometimes the best thing you can do is ride the wave of opportunity, stay open, and see where it takes you,” she said.
Appleby also emphasized showing up on difficult days, finding connection and joy in the classroom, and learning from the people around us. Throughout the address, she credited her students for shaping her both personally and professionally.
“Even though I’m supposed to be the ‘expert’—especially in corrections—my students are truly my greatest teachers. I learn from you all every single day, whether you know it or not,” she said. “I’ve been teaching for almost ten years, and here at Endicott for three, and I can honestly say my students make me better, and even more passionate about my career. Every single day.”
Endicott’s 86th Commencement featuring Soledad O’Brien will be held rain or shine on May 16, 2026, at Hempstead Stadium. The ceremony will be livestreamed on the College’s YouTube.