Merit Pages News
(July 9, 2026) — More than 800 Eastern Connecticut State University students received undergraduate and graduate degrees in the 2025-2026 academic year, culminating this past May in two commencement ceremonies at the conclusion of the spring 2026 semester. Among the graduates were:
Eve Ceplenski of Haddam, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Olivia Wettemann of Killingworth, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work.
From first-generation college students to seasoned professionals pursuing advanced degrees, the Class of 2026 hailed from nearly all of Connecticut’s 169 towns, 24 U.S. states, and 28 foreign countries. The graduates ranged in age from 19 to 81, with 28% being the first in their families to graduate from college and 11% being NCAA Division III student-athletes. Women made up 60% of the class, and approximately 30% of students identify as people of color.
During her keynote speech at the undergraduate commencement ceremony, Beth Regan ’79, justice and chairwoman of the Mohegan Tribal Council of Elders, urged the graduates to be flexible as they enter their careers. “The universe may have other plans,” she said. “When those moments are presented to you, embrace them. If you allow yourself that flexibility, you may experience the best adventure you never could have imagined.”
President Karim Ismaili offered his congratulations to the Class of 2026. “What you have accomplished is no small thing,” he told the graduates. “You have navigated deadlines and exams, long nights and early mornings, work, family responsibilities, leadership roles, internships, athletics, and all the unexpected realities of life.”
Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic is a public liberal arts university, serving upwards of 4,000 students annually. A residential campus offering 41 majors and 68 minors, ECSU offers students a strong liberal arts foundation grounded in a variety of applied learning opportunities.
