Celebration of Hope and Resilience at University of Bridgeport's 116th Commencement Ceremony

University of Bridgeport's 116th Commencement: A Celebration of Hope and Resilience

On May 2, 2026, the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater resonated with applause as the University of Bridgeport (UB) celebrated its 116th Commencement. Graduates adorned in caps and gowns joined their families in a vibrant and emotional atmosphere. The day was marked by reflections on perseverance, purpose, and the innate courage that often starts with the commitment to keep moving forward.

UB conferred an impressive total of 1,500 degrees across two ceremonies, including 400 for undergraduates and 1,100 for graduate students. Additionally, the event honored graduates who had completed their studies and had their degrees awarded in the previous August and December.

The ceremonies focused on themes of courage, compassion, and accountability, urging graduates to embrace the complexities of an uncertain future with a strong sense of humanity. Each session commenced with a traditional processional. The UB Choir Ensemble presented a special rendition of the National Anthem, setting an inspiring tone for the day.

Prominent figures graced the occasion with their uplifting messages, notably U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, State Senator and UB's VP for External Affairs Herron Gaston, and Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim. UB President Danielle Wilken, Ed.D., addressed the graduates with empathy, recognizing the multitude of emotions present that day: excitement, pride, relief, anxiety, unpredictability, and hope. She acknowledged that this graduating class faced unique challenges characterized by disruption and change. “Perhaps no class understands uncertainty better than the class of 2026,” she stated. “You adapted. You persevered. You continued forward when it wasn’t easy. That matters.” Wilken encouraged graduates to view hope not as naïveté but as a potent choice, asserting that “Hope is the decision to believe that difficult circumstances can still produce extraordinary outcomes.”

The ceremonies also highlighted the support systems that have surrounded the graduates, including family, friends, faculty, and longstanding alumni from the class of 1976—dubbed UB's Golden Knights. Among the honorary distinctions during the event was the posthumous award of the Doctor of Humane Letters to Carolyn Vermont, a renowned civic leader associated with Habitat for Humanity and the NAACP, known for her commitment to community welfare. Her sister received the degree on her behalf.

In another moment of recognition, humanitarian and author Carl Wilkens was honored with the Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, for his bravery during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Serving as the commencement speaker, Wilkens shared intimate stories that illustrated moral courage and compassion. He urged graduates to recognize the humanity in others, stressing that “we build trust and healing with the message that my world is better because you're in it.” This perspective echoed UB’s core value of inclusivity.

Ananda Lailah Lindsey, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science and a minor in Pre-Medicine, represented the undergraduate class as a speaker. Lindsey moved the audience with her reflection on the juxtaposition of triumph and struggle throughout her educational journey. “College is not just about the highs,” she articulated, “For every accomplishment, there were tears.” Her speech underscored that true success is rooted in resilience and growth, not perfection.

The graduate ceremony continued the discourse on professional service and ethical responsibility. President Wilken stressed the importance of merging expertise with integrity across various fields, stating that the world requires principled professionals who demonstrate trust and impact in their communities. Sebastian Alix-Trabucco, who completed his MBA, inspired his peers by highlighting the transformative power of shared learning and adaptability in an ever-evolving world. “The future belongs to bridge builders,” he affirmed, reinforcing the essence of collaboration in problem-solving.

As cap tassels were turned from right to left, signifying the transition from students to alumni, UB's newest graduates were imbued with a vital charge: to lead with hope, serve with humility, and forge a future rooted in humanity.

To explore more about UB’s commencement ceremonies and watch full recordings, visit bridgeport.edu/commencement.

About University of Bridgeport

The University of Bridgeport offers comprehensive academic programs geared towards personal and professional development, nurturing a culture of excellence and community service. Its curriculum is designed for an international audience within a diverse and inclusive environment, preparing graduates for impactful roles in a global society. More details can be found at www.bridgeport.edu.

For media inquiries, contact:
Abby Levandoski
Assistant Director of Communications
University of Bridgeport
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 203-576-4151