More than 800 Eastern Connecticut State University students received undergraduate and graduate degrees in the 2025-26 academic year, culminating this past May in two commencement ceremonies at the conclusion of the spring 2026 semester.
Henry Mena Escobar of Pelham graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
From first-generation college students to seasoned professionals pursuing advanced degrees, the Class of 2026 hails from nearly all of Connecticut’s 169 towns, 24 U.S. states, and 28 foreign countries.
The graduates range in age from 19 to 81, with 28% being the first in their families to graduate from college and 11% being NCAA Division III student athletes. Women make up 60% of the class, and approximately 30% of students identify as people of color.
The graduates went through the University’s School of Arts and Sciences, School of Education and Professional Studies, and Graduate Division. Popular undergraduate majors included business administration, psychology, English, health sciences, and art. At the graduate level, students received advanced degrees in applied data science, management, accounting, education (early childhood, elementary, secondary), special education, and educational studies/technology.
During her keynote speech at the undergraduate commencement ceremony, Beth Regan ’79, justice and chairwoman of the Mohegan Tribal Council of Elders, urged the graduates to be flexible as they enter their careers.
“The universe may have other plans,” she said. “When those moments are presented to you, embrace them. If you allow yourself that flexibility, you may experience the best adventure you never could have imagined.”
President Karim Ismaili offered his congratulations to the Class of 2026. “What you have accomplished is no small thing,” he told the graduates. “You have navigated deadlines and exams, long nights and early mornings, work, family responsibilities, leadership roles, internships, athletics, and all the unexpected realities of life.”
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal was among the special guests. “We live in difficult, sometimes dark and daunting, times. … We have been through tough times before. We are a resolute and resilient nation, and it is you whose service and dedication will help get us through.”
During his remarks at the graduate ceremony, World Bank Executive Harold Tavares, recipient of Eastern’s second annual Distinguished Public Service Award, told the graduates to lead with courage and to pave the way for others.
Reminding them that they are in the minority of Americans with an advanced degree, he said, “Doors are opening for you. Be sure to hold them open for those around you. Each of you has the power – and the responsibility – to improve the human condition.”
Eastern alumnus James Woulfe ’09, chief of staff for the mayor of the City of Hartford, welcomed the graduates to the University’s alumni family. He reminded the graduates that they are not alone on this journey.
“Tonight, you become a part of the Eastern alumni family. Stay connected. Lean on one another, and lean on us.”
About Eastern Connecticut State University
Eastern Connecticut State University is the state of Connecticut’s public liberal arts university, serving upwards of 4,000 students annually on its Willimantic campus.
A residential campus offering 41 majors and 68 minors, Eastern offers students a strong liberal arts foundation grounded in a variety of applied learning opportunities.
Ranked among the top 25 public institutions in the North by U.S. News & World Report in its 2025-26 Best Colleges ratings, Eastern has also been awarded ‘Green Campus’ status by the Princeton Review 15 years in a row.
For more information, visit www.easternct.edu.
