With calls to be caring, curious, and courageous, Skidmore College conferred 695 degrees to the Class of 2026 on Saturday, May 16. Family, friends, and Skidmore community members gathered to honor the graduates during the College’s 115th Commencement Exercises at Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
Sharing lessons learned from members of her own family, the Mohawk educator and storyteller encouraged graduates to pursue their passions, tell their stories, and remember that “we have more similarities than differences — that we all share this place we call Mother Earth.”
“Innovative and critical thinking matters in everything in life — in science and in art; in work, service, leadership, and in relationships,” the professor of women’s health at Harvard Medical School told graduates. “Keep an open mind. It’s OK to start out with the wrong theory ... Being able to change your views is a sign of strength.”
Members of the Class of 2026 hail from 43 countries, 34 U.S. states, and Puerto Rico. Skidmore conferred 479 Bachelor of Arts and 216 Bachelor of Science degrees.
Mohawk educator and storyteller Kay Olan (Ionataie:was) and distinguished physician, epidemiologist, and endocrinologist JoAnn E. Manson both received honorary degrees and addressed the graduates. Adam Tinkle, associate professor of media and film studies and director of MDOCS, and Kendrah Murphy ’03, associate professor and associate chair of physics, presented the degrees, respectively.
“As sobering as the world is right now, I have no fear for the future — for I have spent the last four years with you, and you are our future, and that is an encouraging thought,” said College President Marc C. Conner, whose niece was among the graduates. “There is great hope ahead, for you are that hope.”
Chair of Skidmore’s Board of Trustees Jon P. Achenbaum ’77 and Class President Madison Situ ’26 encouraged the graduates to carry forward lessons and core values of Skidmore — to be caring, curious, and creative — as they tackle complex issues facing the world.
Selected by the graduating class as faculty speaker, Professor of Political Science and Joseph C. Palamountain Jr. Chair in Government Beau Breslin shared a video “Declaration of Independence from the Tyranny of Incuriosity” that was read by Skidmore community members.
“The measure of an educated person is not how loudly they speak, but how earnestly they think,” Breslin said. “Let today be your intellectual Fourth of July.”
The ceremony included a processional led by the Schenectady Pipe Band, a colorful display of stoles and cords symbolizing the graduates’ many achievements, and a moving performance by members of the Class of 2026 of the College’s Alma Mater arranged by artist-in-residence Floydd Ricketts.
During the program, Vice President for Strategic Planning and Institutional Diversity Joshua C. Woodfork and Will Bryce ’26, president of Skidmore's Native American Cultural Club, presented the College’s newly approved land acknowledgement, which honors Indigenous stewards of local lands and commits to educating the campus community.
Commencement followed a week of celebrations on campus for the Class of 2026. In addition
to a variety of fun activities for the class, there were ceremonies hosted by Periclean
Honors Forum, Phi Beta Kappa, and other offices and departments. On Friday, students
and their families also participated in a Brick Dedication Ceremony for the Class
of 2026 on the walkway outside Case Center.
Skidmore also remembered Amadou Thiam ’26, who died in a swimming accident in New
York City in summer 2023, with a degree in memoriam.
This year’s faculty speaker, Beau Breslin, called a liberal arts education “training for a life of freedom” and brought together Skidmore voices to read a powerful new declaration.
Watch the video
Relive the joy, pride, hugs, and once-in-a-lifetime moments the Class of 2026 will never forget.
Watch the highlights reelKeep celebrating with more moments, memories, and snapshots from Commencement 2026 on Skidmore’s Instagram.
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