Inside Commencement 2026

The countdown to the cap and gown excitement has begun! Learn more about the Class of 2026 and Dean's 160th Commencement below.

Ceremony information

WHEN:

Saturday, May 9, 2026

A detailed timeline can be found here.

WHERE:

The front lawn of Dean Hall, along Awpie Way, on the Dean College campus, 99 Main Street, Franklin, MA. A livestream will also be available here.

Who:

J.Darrell Kulesza, interim president of Dean College
Jay R. Leiendecker, chairman of the Board of Trustees
Nery Gomez, member of the Board of Trustees
Student keynote speakers
Student Singers

Fun facts about the class of 2026

Total number of graduates: 252
- Total earning a bachelor’s degree: 235
- Total earning an associate degree: 31
Number of Graduates earning double Degrees: 17
- One student is earning three degrees, BA, BS and AA!
Number of Graduates earning double majors: 8
Number of countries represented: 5 (U.S., Australia, Barbados, China, Japan)
Number of U.S. states represented: 23
Percentage of graduates from out-of-state: 49%
Percentage of graduates who lived on campus their senior year: 83%
Percentage of graduates who participated in an Athletic Program while at Dean: 25%
Percentage of graduates who are first-generation college students: 37%
Percentage of graduates who received financial aid while at Dean: 97%
Top Majors for the Class of 2026

Business Management
Dance
Criminal Justice
Sport Management
Psychology
Exercise Science
Theatre/Musical Theatre

Number of graduates who have earned honors designations: 30
Number of active-duty military or veterans: 1
Most common last name amongst the 2026 graduates: 3 students with the last name Santos, Smith and Vasquez
Most common first name amongst the 2026 graduates: 6 students with the first name Jacob

get to know the Keynote Speaker

We are pleased to announce Nery Gomez, entrepreneur, investor, and member of the Dean College Board of Trustees, has been chosen as the Keynote speaker at Commencement. Learn more about Nery and his time at Dean.

Teaching award Recipients

Each year, Dean College recognizes outstanding faculty through its Excellence in Teaching Awards. Recipients are selected for their creative, passionate approach to teaching and for the meaningful ways they engage with students both inside and outside the classroom. Through their dedication, they create learning environments that are dynamic, supportive, and inspiring.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients, Dr. Bartlett Taylor and Ursula Wefers.

Bartlett Taylor, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Exercise Science

Dr. Coleen Bartlett Taylor, affectionately known as Dr. BT, is a dedicated educator and valued member of the Dean College community. She joined the College in 2012 and became a full-time faculty member in 2016. Dr. Bartlett Taylor is recognized as a supportive, innovative instructor who is deeply committed to student success. She meets students where they are developmentally and presents scientific concepts in ways that are engaging, accessible, and relevant to diverse interests and identities.

Dr. Bartlett Taylor teaches courses including musculoskeletal anatomy, motor learning, personal training, and exercise for special populations. She creates dynamic learning environments that foster engagement and achievement, integrating technology and student-centered approaches to support strong academic outcomes.

In addition to her teaching, Dr. Bartlett Taylor contributes through her service to the College. She has served on the Curriculum Committee and played an important role in advancing the Dean Career Advantage initiative. Through her work teaching DCA 200 and DCA 350, she prepares students for internships and post-graduate success. She also supports curriculum development and assessment within Exercise Science.

In 2019, Dr. Bartlett Taylor received the Excellence in Teaching Award from Dean’s Chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success. She is a certified CPR instructor and personal trainer. She earned her Ph.D. in Health Studies from Saybrook University, and her M.Ed. in Health Psychology and B.S. in Sociology from Springfield College.

Ursula Wefers, M.B.A., Assistant Professor of Marketing

Ursula Wefers is a marketing educator and practitioner with more than 16 years of experience teaching undergraduate and graduate business courses. She specializes in digital marketing, social media strategy, branding, and integrated marketing communications, bringing real-world relevance into the classroom through experiential learning and applied projects.

Originally from Lima, Peru, Professor Wefers brings a global perspective shaped by early exposure to international business. Prior to academia, she built a career in international logistics and operations, where she led process improvements, managed global vendor relationships, and drove cost-saving initiatives. This experience informs her practical, applied approach to teaching.

At Dean College’s School of Business, Professor Wefers designs and delivers student-centered courses in both online and in-person formats. She integrates emerging tools, industry trends, and hands-on projects that help students build portfolio-ready work and career-ready skills. Her courses often include partnerships with businesses, allowing students to address real marketing challenges.

Guided by her philosophy of “Live, Learn, Share,” Professor Wefers fosters collaborative learning environments focused on critical thinking and real-world application. She is committed to helping students think strategically and prepare for success in today’s marketing landscape.

Professor Wefers earned an M.B.A. with a Certificate in Strategic Marketing from Plymouth State University and a B.S. in International Business from Florida Metropolitan University.

student singers

The following graduating students have been chosen to perform at Commencement this year.

The National Anthem

Helenna Clanton
Aiden Day
Luke Farlow
Kayleigh Lyons
Emily Marino
Mikayla Wray

The Alma Mater

Helenna Clanton
Dylana Deignan
Luke Farlow
Paige Langston
Hannah Pogemiller
Alaina Rothwell
Ava Turner
Mikayla Wray

A Beginning, Not An End

Helenna Clanton
Aiden Day
Dylana Deignan
Cordelia D’Orsi
Jackie Enokian
Paige Evora
Luke Farlow
Paige Langston
Kayleigh Lyons
Emily Marino
Hannah Pogemiller
Alaina Rothwell
Emily Russell
Ava Turner
Jason Warner
Mikayla Wray
Lia Zajas
Sophie Zawadski

More commencement celebrations

The Graduating Student Awards Ceremony will be held on Friday, May 8, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. A livestream will be available.