Posted By Celena Glaghassi on May 18, 2026 | 1 comment

Aerial view of the Class of 2026’s graduation. (Photo Courtesy of Gettysburg College)

By Celena Glaghassi, Assistant News Editor

On Saturday, May 16, the 191st Gettysburg College commencement was held, honoring the class of 2026. In accordance with College tradition, the graduates processed from the south to the north sides of Pennsylvania Hall, symbolically inverting the steps they took during their Convocation as first-year students in 2022. The processional was led by College Marshal Michael J. Birkner ‘72, who served in the role for the final time. 

A Special Commencement was held on May 12 for eight seniors on the women’s lacrosse team, who were unable to attend the main ceremony due to a match in Medford, Massachusetts, against Tufts University. 

Following the processional, Ella Reidway ’26 performed the national anthem. Rebecca Ruggles, valedictorian of the Class of 2026, then posted the class flag. 

College President Bob Iuliano welcomed the students and attendees with an opening address. 

“Class of 2026, you passed through Pennsylvania Hall this morning a very different person than you arrived just four years ago. You have been changed forever. You have been changed because of your own hard work and dedication, which we celebrate today. You have also been changed by virtue of the people who walked alongside you on your journey,” said President Iuliano. 

The senior address was given by Bishruti Rijal ’26, who reflected on her experiences at Gettysburg and the community she found on campus.

Bishruti Rijal ’26 delivering the Senior Address. (Photo Courtesy of Gettysburg College)

“We built community here. The kind that shows up. The people around you here are not just a chapter in your life that ends today. They are proof that you already know how to do hard things. They are how you’ll do the next hard thing, too. They are your lifeboat as you embark on life’s next great journey,” said Rijal. 

She also reflected on her heritage and journey to Gettysburg. 

“I crossed an ocean and found a home in a small town I will forever cherish, and in the people who lifted me in ways I never expected,” she said. “ And that’s Gettysburg.” 

Honorary degrees were awarded to James Basker, Susan Eisenhower, Chad Smith and Kate Anderson, who also delivered the commencement address. 

“During the last four years, you’ve probably felt that deep inner knowing that you were tapped into something that felt right— like a purpose. That feeling is your inner voice telling you something. It’s saying: ‘this is your path, this is what lights you up and gives you energy,’” said Anderson. 

Kate Anderson ’09 delivering the Commencement Address. (Photo Courtesy of Gettysburg College)

She also encouraged the graduates to go outside of their comfort zones and embrace uncertainty.

“Commit to the bit. Take a leap of faith and do something, and when it gets uncomfortable, don’t give up, because something magical might happen. You might inspire someone else to do the same.” 

Later in the ceremony, Jules Young ’26 performed the Alma Mater, accompanied by the commencement brass ensemble. 

President Iuliano concluded the ceremony with a final message to the graduating class. 

“My charge to you is simply this: be all in. Be all in for your family and friends. Be all in for your colleagues and communities. Be all in for a world that needs you.”