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Telling their own story: Meet ߣƵ’s Class of 2026

May 11, 2026

More than assignments, deadlines, and exams, the Class of 2026 has spent the last four years defining their own identities in a world eager to define their generation for them.  

At a time when artificial intelligence reshaped industries, global conflicts unfolded, and concerns about economic stability dominated the news, the Class of 2026 was busy writing a different story. 

They’ve approached their education with intention, embraced opportunity, and built a supportive and caring environment for one another.  

Members of ߣƵ’s Class of 2026 walk together during Convocation at the start of the academic year.

Students from the Class of 2026 at New Student Convocation in fall 2022, marking the beginning of their journey at ߣƵ.

Since they arrived on campus in fall 2022, the class brought a vibrant range of talents and experiences to ߣƵ. From the very start, they led with confidence as they embarked on a journey that would empower not only themselves but each other. 

"We think of the Class of 2026 as resilient and irrepressible — and it certainly is — but we should also celebrate its revolutionary spirit," said Beau Breslin, Joseph C. Palamountain Jr. Chair in Government and this year's faculty Commencement speaker. "More than any class I can recall, this one exudes a strength — a fierceness that deserves our acclaim." 

They leaned on ߣƵ’s spirit of Creative Thought Matters as a call to action, rejecting all the narratives about who they were, who they are, and who they will become.

At the same, the Class of 2026 has committed to giving back to ߣƵ, ensuring that future generations can enjoy transformational experiences similar to those that they enjoyed. 

Meet ߣƵ's Class of 2026: 


695 Graduates

479 B.A. and 216 B.S. candidates

34

U.S. states and Puerto Rico represented

43

Countries represented

55

Dual citizens

65

International students 

75

First-generation college graduates

 

Academics

Completing 859 majors and 415 minors, with passions spanning business, psychology, media studies, art, economics, and English, the Class of 2026 made their mark across disciplines and departments.  

Beyond the classroom, they co-authored published research, presented at academic conferences, and collaborated with faculty on summer research projects. One hundred sixteen seniors took advantage of the Summer Experience Fund, and 32 received SEE-Beyond awards and pursued internships and other experiences that supported their career exploration.   

Along the way, they earned hundreds of awards and memberships in national honor societies:

325
Memberships in national and international honor societies
68
Departmental honors and award recipients
29
Periclean Scholar Award recipients
4
President’s Award recipients
A ߣƵ men’s lacrosse player in a yellow jersey carries the ball upfield during a game while players from Oneonta defend around him

Caleb Lawson '26 carries the ball upfield during ߣƵ men’s lacrosse’s game against SUNY Oneonta at Wachenheim Field.

Athletics

On the field, they didn’t just compete — they excelled. Fifty-nine senior student-athletes earned a grade point average of 3.67 or higher, including 24 who had perfect 4.0 GPAs when they were inducted into the Thoroughbred Society this spring.   

1
National championship
8
Conference championships
9
National tournament appearances
180
Conference academic awards
Two students relax together in a hammock strung between trees on ߣƵ’s campus while other students gather nearby on a fall day.

Liu Glassberg '26 and Ella Theoharis '26 enjoying a warm spring day on campus.

Campus Life

As they found themselves and explored their passions, they also shaped campus life — bringing creativity, curiosity, and care to every corner.  

And they made the most of their time as Skidkids — embracing both the big moments and the small, from Kyle’s performance at Big Show and ߣƵ’s first ever renaissance fair to the opening of McCaffery-Wagman Tennis and Wellness Center, and the everyday moments that make ߣƵ feel like home. 

29
Studio art majors displayed their capstone work at the Tang
42
students hosted a radio show during their time at ߣƵ
392
Members of the class participated in off-campus study
12,000+
Campus events organized

Studio art major Oliver Frontini ’26 describes the development of “Fringe,” his large-scale senior capstone sculpture that was featured in the "Senior Thesis Exhibition" at the Tang Teaching Museum.

Looking forward

More than all they have created and accomplished, the greatest measure of the Class of 2026 is who they have become. ߣƵ encourged these students to grow and define their own paths, but their story is best told in their own words: 

Cameron Liberty ’26

Environmental studies and dance major 

“I feel confident in my ability to move forward into the professional world, chasing the passions that drive me and beg me to continue. I am supported by all that I leave behind at ߣƵ: the classes, professors, and experiences that led me to create my own narrative, as well as the skills that I bring with me.” 

 

Milo Flamenbaum ’26

Physics major, business minor  

“I am proud that I found a community at ߣƵ that pushed me to lead, create, and show up for others in ways I never expected. It made space for me to grow into someone I am genuinely proud of.” 

 

Jazlin Chen ’26

Business major, international affairs and political science minors 

“I am ready to embark on my next adventure. As I do so, I feel confident knowing ߣƵ has equipped me with both the practical skills to solve problems creatively and a lifelong network of supportive faculty and friends.” 

 

Isiah Karitanyi ’26

Physics major, management and business minor 

“I am proud that I was allowed to do many things that piqued my interest while still pursuing my dream of becoming an engineer, such as running a cultural student organization, starting ߣƵ’s own National Society of Black Engineers chapter, and working in an amazing place like the IdeaLab.” 

 

Madison Situ ’26 

Business management and environmental studies majors 

“I’m ready to take on the world, knowing I’ve grown into myself and will lead with kindness!” 

 

 

Elizabeth Drabek ’26

Education studies and history major 

“After four years in ߣƵ’s supportive community, I feel ready to continue building connections and to embark on my professional journey as an educator. The professors who pushed me to constantly evolve into a better version of myself and the friends who kept me grounded in the everyday life of being a college student are the reasons I’m the best version of myself today. I’m leaving ߣƵ with a village of supportive friends and professors I know I can call on when I need advice, and that’s priceless.”

 

Josh Maxwell ’26

Political science and philosophy majors, international affairs and Periclean Honors Forum minors 

“I am someone who hopes to make a difference in the world!” 

 

 

Brianna Nelson ’26

Music major, media and film studies minor 

"I am someone who gets joy out of making others spark through creative performance, writing, and photography!" 

 

Lulu Magee ’26

Psychology major, education studies minor

"I am proud that my ߣƵ experience gave me opportunities to make an impact in my community and taught me the skills to be an empathetic, self-aware, and resilient leader."

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