Bridgewater College recognized 315 undergraduate and 26 master’s students receiving degrees on Saturday, May 2, during the College’s 146th Commencement ceremony. The degrees were conferred by Dr. David W. Bushman, President of Bridgewater College.
After Grand Marshal Dr. Elizabeth MacDougall, Professor of Psychology, called the ceremony to order, College Chaplain Emily Miller ’05, Andrea Cibrario ’26, Mighty Doffoe ’26, Saron Enyew ’26, Emily Martinez ’26, Ateh Nji-tanji ’26 and Ifeatu Udokwu ’26 shared invocations in English, Italian, Twi, Amharic, Spanish, Meta’ and Igbo.
Bushman welcomed the gathered family, friends, faculty, staff and other attendees to the ceremony and recognized them for their contributions to the success of the graduating students.
Chair of the College’s Board of Trustees D. Bruce Christian P’06 then spoke to the Class of 2026, encouraging them to continue to be curious, ask questions and be open to new possibilities.
President of the College’s Alumni Association, Amanda Graziano ’95, congratulated the graduates and welcomed them to the community of more than 15,000 Bridgewater alumni: “You are part of a network of Eagles who support one another, who give back and who continue to strengthen this institution for future generations. Whether you stay close to campus or travel far from it, this will always be home.”
Stacey Bandell M’26 spoke on behalf of the graduate program candidates. Bandell, graduating with a master of science in human resource management, spoke of her experience as a non-traditional student juggling family, work and school responsibilities. She thanked BC faculty and staff for “understanding that many of us were balancing more than coursework,” and encouraged her fellow graduates to remember “that we can take on more than we thought possible.”
Senior Class President Mackenzie Buckley ’26, graduating with a bachelor of science in health and exercise science, reminded her fellow graduates of the value of the community that was created at BC. She also presented the class gift: a contribution to the Ernie Fund for the refresh of the College mascot, due to be launched in the fall.
Kristopher Schultz ’26, recipient of the 2026 BC Founder’s Award and graduating with a bachelor of science in health and exercise science, encouraged his fellow graduates to embody the characteristics of the College mascot, an eagle: excellence, accountability, grit, leadership and empowerment.
“Eagles do not drift aimlessly, they rise above the noise, gaining clarity from a higher perspective, reminding us to think beyond the immediate and act with intention,” Schultz said.
Following the reflection, Charles Hale V ’26 performed “Simple Song” by Leonard Bernstein, accompanied by Dr. Larry Taylor.
Robert Newlen ’75, Acting Librarian of Congress, served as the Commencement speaker and was honored with the BC President’s Medal. In his address, “It’s Your Story,” Newlen asked graduates to consider what story they wanted to be told with their lives and try to make it a great one. He encouraged graduates to find the things in life that bring them joy, to travel to unexpected destinations, to believe that their dreams can come true and to cultivate and treasure their friendships.
“And finally,” he said, “when you suffer setbacks—big or small—always give yourself some grace. Learn from mistakes, move on and don’t linger on what you cannot change.”
Among the 315 undergraduate students in the class of 2026, 146 earned bachelor of arts degrees and 169 earned bachelor of science degrees. Thirty-four members of the class graduated summa cum laude—the top academic honor which requires students to achieve at least a 3.9 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Thirty-eight graduates earned magna cum laude honors—a 3.7 or better average. Cum laude honors, requiring a 3.4 grade point average, were earned by 58 graduates.
Bridgewater College also graduated students from four different master’s programs. Five students graduated with a master of arts in digital media strategy; three graduated with a master of arts in nonprofit management; nine graduated with a master of science in athletic training; and nine graduated with a master of science in human resource management.
Media Contact:
Heather Cole
Editor & Media Relations Director
hcole@bridgewater.edu
5/2/26