Dean College Celebrates 160th Commencement Exercises
Dean College celebrated its 160th Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 9, 2026, recognizing the achievements of the Class of 2026 during a celebratory ceremony held on the College’s picturesque campus in Franklin.
The 252 graduates, representing 23 states and five countries, received their degrees surrounded by family, friends, faculty, staff, and alumni. The ceremony was held outdoors on the front lawn of Dean Hall along Awpie Way, with a livestream option available for those unable to attend in person.
Jay R. Leiendecker, Chair of Dean’s Board of Trustees, welcomed guests, graduates, and alumni to the ceremony. In his remarks, he reminded the Class of 2026 that Commencement marks not only the culmination of their Dean journey, but their entry into a larger legacy of graduates who carry the College’s values forward, saying, “Graduates, as you cross this stage today, remember that you are part of something much bigger than yourself. You are now part of a legacy, one that began over a century and a half ago with a simple but powerful idea: that education can change lives.”
The ceremony’s keynote address was delivered by Nery Gomez, entrepreneur, investor, and member of Dean College’s Board of Trustees. Gomez is the founder, president, and chief operating officer of BlackSun Private Equity, Inc., as well as the founder and chief executive officer of multiple advisory and investment firms. A published author and speaker, he is widely recognized for helping individuals align financial decisions with long-term purpose and fulfillment.
Originally from Massachusetts, Gomez earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from Tufts University, with extensive coursework in economics, and has been accepted into Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program. Early in his academic journey, he studied at Dean College, an experience he has described as formative in shaping both his academic and professional path.
Drawing on his experience as an entrepreneur, investor, and longtime supporter of the College, Gomez encouraged graduates to embrace the present moment and move forward with intention, saying, “Stay where your feet are. Don’t rush ahead of your life or live in imagined futures or rehearsed fears. Meet what’s actually in front of you, fully, responsibly, and with care.”
In his commencement address, Interim President Darrell Kulesza spoke about the lasting lessons students developed during their time at Dean, reminding graduates that while knowledge and professional skills matter, qualities like resilience, creativity, discipline, and compassion will carry them just as far. He encouraged the Class of 2026 to lead with integrity, lift others up, and approach life’s inevitable challenges with confidence, noting that success is measured not only by professional accomplishment, but by the impact we make in the lives of others.
The ceremony also featured remarks from student speakers whose stories reflected the breadth of the Dean experience.
Representing the undergraduate Class of 2026 was Miro McIntyre Clere, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a minor in English. A student leader deeply engaged in campus life, McIntyre Clere served as Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Student Government Association, captained the Dean women’s soccer team, and contributed as a reporter for Dean Daily. A member of Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, an Academic All-District honoree, and a consistent President’s List student, she will begin her professional career following graduation in a marketing role with Boston Ballet School.
In heartfelt remarks, McIntyre Clere reflected on the moments, both large and small, that shaped the Class of 2026’s shared experience, from late-night breakfasts and student-run events to performances, competitions, and classroom breakthroughs. Speaking about the power of belonging and community, she reminded her classmates that what made Dean special was not simply the campus itself, but the way students, faculty, and staff chose to show up for one another. She encouraged her classmates to carry that spirit forward, saying, “Build workplaces where people feel seen. Build communities where people feel welcome. Build the kind of rooms where everyone knows each other’s name. Because the world needs more places that feel like Dean.”
Student speaker Leah Perez, who earned an Associate of Arts degree, offered a moving reflection on perseverance and the many paths that lead to achievement. Speaking candidly about balancing family responsibilities, work, and the demands of higher education, Perez celebrated students whose journeys were not always traditional, reminding graduates that growth has no set timeline. She reminded graduates, “Choosing to grow at any stage of life is not something to apologize for or minimize … it’s something to celebrate.”
Together, the messages shared throughout the ceremony reflected the values at the heart of the Dean experience: resilience, community, purpose, and the confidence to build meaningful lives and careers.
During the ceremony, two faculty members were recognized with Dean College’s Excellence in Teaching Award for their outstanding commitment to student learning and engagement. This year’s recipients were Coleen Bartlett Taylor, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Exercise Science, and Ursula Wefers, M.B.A., Assistant Professor of Marketing.
The College also recognized the Class of 1976, whose members joined the academic processional wearing gold regalia in honor of their 50th reunion year. Following Commencement, they were formally inducted into Dean’s 50th Society, a distinguished community of alumni celebrating more than 50 years since their graduation.
Reverend Beverly Waring, Minister of First Universalist Society in Franklin, delivered both the invocation and benediction.
As the newest members of Dean’s alumni family, the Class of 2026 now joins generations of Bulldogs who have carried the spirit of Dean College into their professions, communities, and lives. The College proudly celebrates their accomplishments and looks forward to all they will achieve in the years ahead.