Greatness Unleashed: UAlbany Celebrates the Class of 2026
By Amy Geduldig
ALBANY, N.Y. (May 19, 2026) — Nearly 5,000 students celebrated their graduation from the University at Albany this past weekend during the University’s 182nd commencement festivities, held Thursday, May 14, through Sunday, May 17. Among the graduates were an estimated 3,000 undergraduate students and 1,900 graduate students.
The series of events included two University-wide outdoor ceremonies for undergraduate and graduate students on Saturday. The Class of 2026 was congratulated by President Rodríguez, who acknowledged the uncertainty of an evolving world while encouraging graduates to meet its challenges with purpose, resilience and intention.
"There is no question that you are graduating into an imperfect world... I ask each and every one of you, when you see an injustice, let it fuel your passion for equality. When you see something broken, be the person who finds a solution,” Rodríguez said at the undergraduate ceremony. “When you feel isolated, reach out to your community... Face those challenges head-on and let them drive you toward greatness because you are part of the Great Dane family. And most importantly, hold tightly to your hope for the future. Change requires the capacity to envision a different and better outcome and turn it into reality. Each of you has the capacity to move the needle of progress forward, and together, together, we can all change this world for the better.”
Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs recognized graduates Gabby Fanti and Sean Millington — the latter a Dec. 2025 graduate currently serving as a Mayoral Fellow. During her remarks, Applyrs — a two-time UAlbany alum — recalled her early, uncertain moments as a new UAlbany student and how she learned to trust herself.
“There is so much advice I would give my younger self sitting out in that audience as you are today... Remain hopeful about the path ahead, even when you cannot yet see where it is leading you. Some of the greatest blessings, opportunities, relationships, and moments of growth may come from seasons that initially feel so uncertain and so uncomfortable... Your story is unfolding. Your best days are not behind you; they are in fact ahead of you. Stay open to the possibilities. Stay willing to grow and trust that there is something greater in store for you and that greater you may not be able to see or imagine. Graduates, today this is more than just the end of your senior year at UAlbany. It is the beginning of your next chapter in your own story. A story that is authentically your story and only you can write it and narrate it.”
The Class of 2026 student speaker was Psychology and English major Amaya Neuwirth, from Orchard Park, N.Y., who served as a Newman Civic Fellow, UAlbany Ambassador and president of the University's Middle Earth Peer Assistance program. During her speech, she emphasized how UAlbany helped her find her identity and the University’s “culture of collectivity,” which helped students build connections and support one another through change.
“It feels like we have lived a lifetime of change. At the same time, time has flown by, and sitting here today, right where we started, is a powerful reminder of how much can really change even when we keep showing up at the same place as we did... There's a bench on Western Ave that reads, ‘We are all famous to a few people.’ And today that feels especially true. Look around at how many people are here to celebrate you all. Today you are all famous for your grit, resilience and dedication to progress. Congratulations, Great Danes.”
At the graduate ceremony later that day, Joachim Frank reflected on the impact that both the University and the city of Albany had on his professional and personal pursuits. In addition to advancing the work that would later earn him the Nobel Prize, Frank also embraced creative outlets in photography, performance and creative writing.
“... these are the reasons why in my heart and my mind, Albany and its University will forever have a special place. Coming onto this campus on this very special occasion and seeing the success of the class of 2026 and the smiles on your and your parents' faces is a wonderful experience for me. I wish you all the best in the coming years and particularly stamina and courage to stand up for what is right.”
Commencement week also included individual stage crossings at Broadview Center and the annual Torch Reception on the Academic Podium overlooking the Main Fountain.
