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On Saturday, May 9, 51���� honored the Class of 2026 during its 156^th Commencement Ceremony at PPL Center in Allentown.  

President Elizabeth Meade welcomed students from the Class of 2026, their families, friends, and loved ones, and faculty and staff in attendance.  

“Graduates, I see you! You came to Cedar Crest from twenty U.S. states—New Hampshire to Arizona, Washington State to Florida. You came from the distant shores of countries as varied as Saudi Arabia, India, Cameroon, Pakistan, Haiti, and Iraq. You all chose Cedar Crest as your home and enriched our campus by your manifold contributions,” said President Meade.   

“Today, we don’t just celebrate an ending—we commemorate the magnificent beginning of your next chapter. Remember that ‘Commencement’ means ‘beginning.’ Today isn’t the conclusion of your Cedar Crest story—it’s the thrilling opening chapter of your journey as an alum. As you venture forth, know that Cedar Crest isn’t behind you—we’re beside you, championing your every success, supporting you through challenges, and celebrating the extraordinary impact you will undoubtedly make. Congratulations, Class of 2026! This isn’t the end—it’s your magnificent beginning!” said President Meade.  

During the ceremony, three distinctive students were recognized with prestigious awards:  

• Abena Nettles was awarded the Alumnae Prize for showing outstanding qualities of cooperation and responsibility and contributing un-selfish service to the College.  

• Mackenzie Pickard was awarded the Virginia (Ginny) P. Mihalik ’77 Prize for showing great dedication to 51����. 

• Hannah Medina was presented with the Frank M. Cressman Award for having attained the highest grade point average during her four years, including credit and grades earned at other institutions under cooperative programs recognized by the College. 

Student speaker Sarah Seltzer addressed her graduating class with pride and astonishment and commended every fellow classmate for “daring to dare.”  

“Some of us are first generation college students, some mothers or fathers, many of us worked multiple jobs, wore many hats on campus, or completed several academic programs, but all of us… we are all smashing expectations,” said Sarah. “We have found a place where we belong. In this place of belonging, we were given the most valuable message of all: Our voices deserve to be heard, and we can take up space. 

“As we part ways, let us hope that we carry a gingko leaf in our hearts to remind us of the friendships we have formed and the endurance of a mission to place us in roles we deserve. Go out, continue to dare, and exceed those expectations.”  

Susan Wild, former Congresswoman (2018-2025), delivered a powerful Commencement address celebrating the diversity, resilience, and shared humanity of the graduating class, encouraging students to embrace curiosity, inclusiveness, and critical thinking as they work to build a more just and compassionate world.  

“In moments of doubt or discouragement, whenever you need to find a light in the darkness or a spark of momentum to propel you forward, reach back to the improbable history you’ve become part of at this college—generation after generation of women, and men, breaking barriers and moving forward together,” said Congresswoman Wild.  

She reminded graduates that their education carries both opportunity and responsibility, urging them to use their voices, talents, and relationships to create meaningful change. 

The College then conferred approximately 42 doctoral, 73 master’s, and 176 bachelor’s degrees.  

The Class of 2026 was asked to rise for the moment they had all been waiting for—the tassel toss—where they moved their tassels to the left side of their caps as official 51���� graduates.  

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 on all your hard work and achievements!  

The 156^th Commencement Ceremony can be viewed in its entirety at .  

by Catherine Stroh