Goodwin University’s 2026 Commencement took place at a moment when career-ready, accessible higher education feels not just relevant, but essential. Across industries and communities, students are seeking pathways that honor lived experience, adapt to real life, and lead to meaningful opportunity. On Thursday, June 4, that vision came to life as more than 500 students crossed the stage, representing over 800 graduates from the Class of 2026.
Non-traditional — unstoppable
Held at 4:00 p.m. in the Courtyard at One Riverside Drive, Goodwin University’s on-campus ceremony brought together graduates, families, faculty, staff, and community leaders to celebrate achievement, resilience, and purpose. With keynote remarks from award-winning actor Dr. Malik Yoba and a powerful student address by graduate and author Shatoya Simmons, the ceremony echoed a unifying message: there is no single path to success — and every story deserves a seat at the table.
The ceremony opened with a moment of tradition and reflection as valedictorian Lisa M. Neveu, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), rang the Ceremonial Bell 27 times — one for each year since Goodwin University’s founding. The national anthem, performed by staff member Alaina Magaldi, was followed by a moving rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing by Lauryn McGill, ’25, Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL).
Board of Trustees Chair Se-Mon Sohn welcomed graduates and guests, setting the tone for a ceremony centered on inclusion and possibility. University Founder and President Mark E. Scheinberg reinforced that message, reminding graduates that success is rarely linear.
Quoting John Lennon, Scheinberg reflected, “Life is what happens when you’re doing something else. What has happened to you is so much bigger than taking a straight path from high school to college.” He emphasized Goodwin’s strong population of non-traditional and first-generation students — learners whose experiences enrich the classroom and redefine what achievement looks like.
“This is us,” he said. “This is Goodwin.”
Right on time
Student speaker Shatoya Simmons, Associate of Science in Human Services and certificate holder in Violence Intervention and Advocacy, delivered remarks that resonated deeply with the graduating class. Born in Hartford and a longtime Manchester resident, Simmons shared her non-linear path — one shaped by motherhood, a return to education later in life, and the discovery of her passion for advocacy.
After completing her high school diploma in 2022, Simmons pursued certifications in addiction and substance abuse counseling before finding her academic home at Goodwin University. During her studies, she was diagnosed with ADHD, an experience that deepened her commitment to neurodiversity and inclusive environments. A motivated writer, Simmons serves on the editorial board of Beacons, Goodwin’s creative writing magazine, and presented her work at the 2026 Humanities Fest.
Her message centered on tuning out external “noise” — comparison, doubt, and pressure — in favor of authenticity and self-trust. “Healing came before confidence, and survival came before clarity,” she shared, reflecting on the journey that led her to the Commencement stage. “But non-traditional does not mean delayed. I wasn’t behind — I was right on time for the life I was meant to live.”
Promised to be
The ceremony also honored leaders whose work reflects Goodwin University’s mission of equity and opportunity. Roy Kojo Jawara (Jay) Williams received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for his local and national leadership in philanthropy, economic development, and social mobility.
Jeffrey and Nancy Hoffman were jointly awarded Doctor of Humane Letters degrees in recognition of their enduring commitment to the arts, education, healthcare, and community advancement across Greater Hartford.
Keynote speaker Dr. Malik Yoba, also awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters, delivered a stirring address on leadership, responsibility, and promise. Yoba, an accomplished actor, educator, social justice advocate, and three-time NAACP Image Award recipient, embodies a career defined by purpose, creativity, and service. Born in the South Bronx and raised in Harlem, Yoba rose to prominence through groundbreaking roles in film and television, beginning with the 1993 Disney classic Cool Runnings and continuing across major networks and streaming platforms.
Beyond the screen, his entrepreneurial and philanthropic work has consistently centered on amplifying marginalized voices and creating pathways for opportunity. In each chapter of his career, Yoba has remained committed to challenging exclusion, fostering equity, and encouraging individuals to live as the changemakers they are meant to become.
Speaking to the divisions and exclusionary rhetoric saturating the current moment, Yoba challenged graduates to embody a better vision for tomorrow. “We all have a responsibility to make America not great again,” he said, “but make America what it was promised to be — because the vision of America is what I’m looking at.”
Celebrating the Class of 2026
Degrees were formally conferred by President Scheinberg and Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Michael Pardales, Ph.D., followed by closing reflections that returned to hope and intention. Scheinberg drew attention to Tibetan prayer flags hanging inside the ceremony tent, gently moving in the breeze.
“When the wind hits these flags, it sends prayers out into the world,” he said. “Our prayers are for all the good things to happen to you — that everything you hope for in life will come to you.”
With that, Goodwin University’s Class of 2026 stepped forward — prepared, empowered, and right on time. Congratulations, graduates.
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Bri Gagné is a content developer at Goodwin University, bringing backgrounds in literary studies, creative storytelling, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and social justice. They earned their bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Film Studies, and Gender Studies from University of Connecticut and a master’s in Elementary Education from Eastern Connecticut State University.
After teaching English abroad and locally, Bri transitioned to a full-time writing career, contributing to the University’s educational narratives and brand-building efforts. They are currently earning their Master of Fine Arts in Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing at Emerson College.