On May 17, St. Lawrence University celebrated the Class of 2026 during its Commencement ceremony. President Kate Morris inspired graduates to use their “superpowers”—skills gained through their time at the university.
During the event, the university honored St. Lawrence alumnus Dan Buckley, an executive at Marvel Entertainment, with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Morris highlighted that real heroes are defined by their sense of purpose and integrity. “Like the heroes you admire, you too can serve something larger than yourselves,” she said. This message resonated throughout her speech.
Morris referred to the Class of 2026 as not just academically accomplished, but also rich in empathy, resilience, and creativity. She emphasized that these qualities are crucial as technology and artificial intelligence reshape the world. “You are entering a fast-changing landscape, but your human skills—like empathy and moral judgment—are what matter most,” she stated.
She spotlighted graduates, such as Nick Lyndaker, an NCAA champion runner, and Sara St. Clair, a budding neuroscience researcher. “The world needs your instinct to connect and care,” Morris added, reinforcing the importance of community in challenging times.
Dan Buckley, in his Commencement address, shared how his own beginnings—from St. Lawrence to studying in Japan—shaped his career. He encouraged graduates to embrace the unexpected. “The future is full of possibilities; keep an open mind,” he advised.
Associate Professor Megs Carpenter also spoke, reminding graduates that fear is a natural part of life beyond college. “It’s okay to be scared,” she said. She reassured them that their skills will guide them through any challenges. “You have everything you need to succeed,” she added, encouraging confidence in their abilities.
Senior Class Vice President Hayden Beyer highlighted the power of community, saying that no one accomplishes their goals alone. “Bring that sense of community wherever you go,” he urged. This year, the Senior Capstone Gift raised over $407,000 to support career development, reflecting the class’s commitment to helping future students.
Senior Orator Navya Aggarwal emphasized the diverse backgrounds of her classmates. She noted how they all chose the rigorous path of a liberal arts education, which united them in surprising ways. “It feels like St. Lawrence found us,” she said, drawing laughter and nods from the crowd.
A series of awards celebrated leadership and academic excellence. The Jeffery H. Boyd Leadership Prize was awarded to Michael Agyekum, while Abby Grace Barton and Kaitlin E. Hopper were recognized for having the highest GPAs in the class. Posthumously, Daniel G. Fay received the North Country Citation for his community contributions, illustrating the lasting impact of kindness.
As graduates step into a world filled with uncertainty, their personal journeys are just beginning. They carry with them the lessons learned and friendships forged at St. Lawrence, ready to make their mark in the world.
For a deeper dive into the importance of empathy and community in today’s job market, check out this [Harvard Business Review article](https://hbr.org/2021/12/the-importance-of-empathy-in-leadership) that explores leadership in changing times.
