Interfaith Baccalaureate Ceremony 🕯️
This reflective ceremony celebrated the spiritual and personal journeys of the graduating class through music, readings, and student speeches. Seniors elected to share on behalf of the class were Bonnie Lord, Carly Fraser, Bayasgalan Gantulga, Abigail Dombrowski, Kaylun Butler, and Reese Williams. Musical selections were performed by the Briton Singers and Euphonics.
Senior Payton Landry was presented the DeVinney Scholar Award by Professor of Religious Studies Ron Mourad. The DeVinney Scholar Award is named in honor of four generations of the DeVinney family who graduated from Albion College, starting in 1900. The award celebrates a graduate who intends further religious study or a career in human services.
Not an end, but a new beginning
Before crossing the stage, our graduating seniors took a moment to look back. From late-night study sessions to the lifelong friendships formed, this reflections video captures the heart of the Albion experience. Here’s to the memories that shaped you and the futures that await you.
This year's Commencement celebration beautifully highlighted the countless ways our Brits have crafted and nurtured our unique campus community. As these graduates prepare to embark on new journeys beyond Albion, keynote speaker George Pennacchio ’83 delivered an inspiring charge, encouraging our Britons to stay determined when things feel challenging, to be open to redirection, and to never forget that their Albion community will always be here cheering for them. Listen to the full keynote address that shocked audiences across generations!
Commencement 2026 Senior Class Speakers 🎓
Reflecting on their Albion College journeys, Erica Fischer, Natalie Altayeb, and Haileystar Jazmine Castañeda-Amaya, captured the essence of what it means to lead. Through their stories of "firsts," they showed us the power of their individual experiences: the drive to build, the courage to be the first, and the impact of finally being seen. These students exemplify excellence and serve as inspiration for the next generation of campus leaders.
Following a tradition that spans generations, the sounding of the horn officially opened the ceremony! Cloud Rimer sounding the horn, supported by Jamison M. Jakubowski.
Shoutout to the Senior Class Gift Committee for their incredible work supporting the Briton Scholarship Fund! 🎓 These dedicated Brits led fundraising initiatives that raised a grand total of $3,317.50. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to this philanthropic effort. We are so proud of you for paying it forward to the students following in your footsteps.
SCG Committee: Natalie K. Altayeb, Kaylun J. Butler, Carly D. Fraser, Shania K. Clemon-Hawkins, Bria L. Jackson, Bonnie F. Lord, Hailey C. D. Manson-Wilson and Amani D. Williams.
Student conductor and graduating senior Jeremy Romero leading the Albion College Concert Choir in a rendition of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Paul Simon.
Dr. Darren Mason, professor of mathematics and computer science, delivered this year’s farewell address.
Retiring professor Jocelyn McWhirter leading the faculty marshals for one final time.
A tribute to our retiring faculty 🕯️
As these beloved professors prepare for their own "graduation" into retirement, we take a moment to honor their brilliance, mentorship, and dedication. Thank you Trisha, Jocelyn, and Thomas. You did more than teach; you transformed lives. For decades, your wisdom has been the guiding light for students navigating their futures. Though you leave the classroom, the impact of your work will be felt for a lifetime in the lives of those you inspired.
Trisha Franzen, professor of women's, gender, and sexuality studies Jocelyn McWhirter, professor of religious studies Thomas Wilch, faculty director for the center for sustainability and the environment, professor of earth & environment
Congratulations, class of 2026! Thank you for making Albion your home and leaving your mark on our campus. We can’t wait to see the amazing things you accomplish next! 🕯️
Keep up with us albion.edu/alumni and we hope to see you at Homecoming Oct. 2-3! 💜