Hope, Connection and Purpose Define Hartwick’s 94th Commencement Ceremony
In front of family and friends beaming with pride under the tent on Elmore Field, 220 graduates were recognized during Hartwick College’s 94th Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 16.
Throughout the ceremony, speakers reflected on themes of hope, connection, service and the lasting relationships formed on Oyaron Hill.
Amelia Williams ’26 received the prestigious Abraham L. Kellogg Oratorical Prize for her speech, “Mi, Tuh: Becoming,” originally delivered during the College’s Honors Convocation on April 29. Speaking as president of the Student Government Association during the ceremony, Williams reflected on the deep sense of connection students build during their time at Hartwick.
“The truth is, the people sitting beside you today may not share your last name, but they have become family,” Williams said. “And years from now, when life proves overwhelming and the world feels heavy, I hope we remember this version of ourselves, the version that we shared together on this hill.”
That sense of connection resonated with graduates across campus. Rheana Cameron ’26, a theatre arts major with a music minor, reflected on the relationships that shaped her Hartwick experience.
“All of the people that I’ve met here, students and faculty, have been so kind and sweet, so it really truly does feel like I’m at home away from home when I’m here,” Cameron said.
Jackson Frame ’26, an accounting major with a business administration minor, echoed those sentiments and described the close-knit environment fostered by the College’s smaller size.
“I consider all of my teachers and professors as family and it really just goes into the pros of going to a small school,” Frame said.
Laurel Bongiorno, president-elect and vice president for academic affairs and provost, presented the Margaret B. Bunn Award for Outstanding Teaching to Professor of Chemistry John Dudek. Over the years, Dudek has collaborated with numerous students on research projects presented at the American Chemical Society’s annual meeting. He has also received funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation and served for 15 years as a peer reviewer for the organization.
Kathleen Fallon ’88 and Colleen Connery ’83 each received the President’s Medal for Extraordinary and Exemplary Loyalty to the College in recognition of their dedicated service and longstanding commitment to Hartwick’s mission and future.
Speaking to the graduates, Fallon emphasized the importance of supporting future generations of students.
“If it’s coming back and speaking to students, or helping with internships at whatever company or college you wind up at, or financially—whatever you can do—give back,” Fallon said. “Someone held the door open for you and open it for the next student.”
Connery reflected on the shared responsibility of sustaining Hartwick’s future.
“Kathy and I have simply been doing the work that we believe is critical to Hartwick’s success: ensuring this amazing place has access to all the resources it requires to prepare tomorrow’s leaders and creators, artists and caregivers, public servants and scientists,” Connery said.
President James Mullen also awarded an honorary degree to Brent R. Nicklas in recognition of his distinguished career and support of education, healthcare and the arts. During the honorary degree recognition, Mullen highlighted Nicklas’ transformational support of Hartwick College and noted that, in recognition of his extraordinary vision and generosity, the School of Nursing has been named the Brent R. Nicklas School of Nursing.
In his final Commencement ceremony before retiring as president, Mullen also conducted the Hartwick College Wind Ensemble in a performance of the musical feature “His Honor” by Henry Fillmore. He closed the ceremony with reflections on the lasting impact Hartwick students have had on him throughout his tenure.
“Your greatest gift to me has always been the gift of hope,” Mullen said. “In all the interactions we’ve shared – be it on the field, in the arena, in the classroom, the studio, on the stage, the Commons, in Yager, trying to conduct the wonderful group, or just saying hi around campus – you’ve reminded me why there is a reason to hope in this world.”
He concluded with an emotional message to the Hartwick community that drew a standing ovation. “Commencements aren’t about goodbyes,” Mullen said. “Commencements are about forevers. Forever friends. Forever Hartwick. I love you all very much. God bless you and Go, Wick!”
For more Commencement 2026 coverage, visit the Hartwick College website.
