Bennington College Celebrates Graduation of Class of 2026

BENNINGTON, Vt. NewsWK —Bennington College recently celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2026, bringing together students, families, and friends for a special commencement ceremony. Despite inclement weather, the enthusiasm of the graduates was palpable as they marked this significant milestone in their academic journeys.

On Saturday, the college conferred diplomas to 222 graduates. The breakdown of degrees awarded includes 192 Bachelor of Arts, 14 Bachelor of Fine Arts, and 16 Master of Fine Arts degrees. These graduates represent a diverse cohort from 39 states and 28 countries, including Afghanistan, Brazil, and the United Kingdom, with ages ranging from 19 to 51.

Inspirational Speakers

Interim President Elissa Tenny opened the ceremony with heartfelt congratulations to the graduates, eliciting cheers and applause from the audience. Faculty speaker Ikuko Yoshida, who has taught at the college since 1998, emphasized the importance of embracing the unexpected in life. She advised graduates, “Don’t fear the unforeseen, embrace unexpected experiences, recognize that mistakes and setbacks often provide unexpectedly valuable perspectives.”

Student speaker Andy Farrell, who focused on philosophy and computer science, referenced the cautionary tale of Camazotz from Madeleine L’Engle’s “A Wrinkle in Time,” urging his classmates to resist conformity and cultivate individuality. He encouraged them to create meaningful connections in their communities, saying, “Wherever you go, build small worlds inside larger ones… refuse weightlessness and create friction where it matters.”

Highlighting Alumni Success

Commencement Speaker Molly Jong-Fast, a Bennington alumna and author, shared her insights on perseverance in the face of obstacles. “I didn’t take no for an answer, and I implore you not to take no for an answer,” she stated, inspiring graduates to pursue their dreams passionately. She encouraged them to embrace their Bennington values as they step into the world.

The ceremony concluded with a musical recessional titled “Joyful Noise,” composed by faculty member Michael Wimberly, performed by students and faculty as the graduates embarked on their next adventures.

Looking Ahead

As the Class of 2026 moves forward, they are poised to make impactful contributions in their respective fields. To learn more about their future plans and accomplishments, residents can visit Bennington College’s website.