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LIM College's 2026 Commencement Ceremony

On May 17, 2026, LIM College celebrated its 87th annual Commencement at David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center. The ceremony was a significant milestone for approximately 500 graduates who received their master's, bachelor's, and associate degrees. The event featured a keynote address from Elyce Arons, the Co-Founder and CEO of Frances Valentine, and a notable figure in the fashion industry recognized for her role in co-founding Kate Spade.

Keynote Address by Elyce Arons

Elyce Arons, who has been a guiding light in fashion education as a member of the LIM Fashion Education Foundation, started her address by sharing a personal narrative. She recalled how, as a high school student, the book The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale profoundly impacted her life. Arons emphasized the message that "We become what we think about," which she attributed to her success and decision-making throughout her career.

In her speech, she laid out four key principles for the graduates that she believes are essential for success:
1. Set Goals - Arons stressed the importance of having clear goals. She advised graduates to write down their goals, stating that once a direction is chosen, it becomes easier to focus and work towards it.
2. Work and Go the Extra Mile - Hard work should not be just a tick box but a stepping stone to doing better, she pointed out. She mentioned that the results of hard work can often exceed expectations.
3. Build Relationships - Networking was presented not merely as exchanging business cards but as a way to form genuine connections. Arons encouraged the graduates to show real interest in others and maintain these relationships over time.
4. Take Risks Early - Arons prompted graduates to embrace the unknown, suggesting that trying new roles and stepping out of their comfort zones would lead to growth. She reassured them that even if some risks don't pay off, the real regret lies in not trying at all.

Arons concluded her address with an empowering message: "You don't need to have it all figured out. Just decide who you want to become and take intentional steps every day toward that vision. You are needed in this world with your unique creativity and ideas."

Insights from LIM College's President

LIM College President Ron Marshall delivered a following message, emphasizing that graduates are stepping into a complex world that requires adaptability and innovative thinking. He noted that traditional career pathways have significantly changed due to advances in AI and big data. Marshall instilled in the graduates the idea that they hold the reins of their future and that the skills acquired at LIM—including critical thinking and communication—grant them the agency to shape their own careers.

He encouraged students to remain accountable not just in their professional lives but also in their personal relationships, pushing for integrity and consistency at all times. His concluding remarks reinforced the essence of humanity in an automated world, urging graduates to leave a positive impact on those they encounter.

Celebrating Alumni Excellence

The ceremony also recognized notable alumni and faculty. Tamika Young, a graduate from the Class of 2005 now serving as Chief Marketing Officer at Hinge, received the prestigious Maxwell F. Marcuse Award. This award represents the highest honor for LIM alumni, named after the College's founder. Jeanine Polizzi, an esteemed faculty member, received the Adrian G. Marcuse Award for her exceptional teaching and dedication.

Undergraduate Valedictorian Fernanda Mannarino Brasil Siqueira and Salutatorian Andrea Garrido Torre also made their marks, signifying the diverse backgrounds of students represented at the ceremony. The event was highlighted by powerful speeches from student representatives, including Hannah Talavera and Srishti Bagaria.

A Promise of Future Success

The 2026 Commencement ceremony of LIM College is not just a graduation; it embodies hope and potential as students leave with the skills and confidence to navigate the challenges of their future careers. The ceremony was made available for on-demand viewing, allowing the broader community to share in this significant occasion. LIM College, founded in 1939 in midtown Manhattan, remains dedicated to preparing students for successful careers in the global fashion and lifestyle sector through practical experiences and internships.

As graduates disperse into the world, the messages conveyed during the Commencement will stay with them, empowering them to drive change and innovation within their chosen fields.