Seniors in the Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education and School of Health Sciences graduated in Schar Center at Elon University’s 136th Undergraduate Commencement on May 22.
The event was the second Elon commencement of the day, with students from the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business and the School of Communications graduating at 9 a.m.
The morning’s speakers — Elon University President Connie Book, student speaker Ruby Radis ’26 and commencement speaker Patricia Walsh Chadwick — also spoke at the second ceremony.
Chadwick addressed current fears around emerging technology and how it will impact the job market, reassuring graduates that they are still the future of the workforce.
“In a world that seems increasingly competitive, fear can play an irritating role,” Chadwick said. “Don’t let it compel you. Learn to convert your fear into fuel that drives you forward.”
Biochemistry major Maximus Garganta had several cords and stoles around his neck at commencement. He said they are a physical representation of his involvements across campus, including minors in neuroscience and dance, being a resident assistant and being a first generation college student. To stay motivated, he said he remembers the people who have supported him along the way.
“I will say it was a struggle,” Garganta said. “My major is not easy, but my family kept me focused and I just kept moving forward.”
For arts administration major Bella Baird, Elon brought her close friends and a place to develop her skills. After graduation, she is excited to continue her career as a sculptor.
“I’ve loved my time here and I’m just so grateful for everything,” Baird said. “I’m doing this all for me. I’m really happy and I’m really proud to be graduating from here.”
Commencement speeches also motivated students to be connected to their communities and give back, whether through informal mentor-mentee relationships or professional career paths.
For Eva Farmer, that means continuing her education in Elon Law’s program pursuing family law or criminal justice. She said the interest came from her studies at Elon in psychology and human service studies.
“I just want to be in a place where I can directly help people to better their lives,” Farmer said. “There’s no better way to do that than being a prosecutor or family attorney.”
In her address, Radis urged the class of 2026 to stay optimistic and use the skills they have developed at Elon to push forward in a challenging political and social climate.
“While we live in a time filled with polarization and hate, Elon has given us the ability to build stronger bonds despite it,” Radis said. “To actively listen, participate ethically and work toward common goals.”
Book reminded graduating seniors of their freshman year common reading book, “Factfulness” by Hans Rosling. The author defines a possibilist as someone who looks honestly at the world’s problems and believes that evidence shows an improving future.
“Through your Elon journey, you have grown into these possibilists,” Book said. “You have learned to hold complexity without losing hope, to see what’s broken without losing your willingness to build, to zoom out, recognize progress and keep moving forward. That is the Elon way.”