5-12-2026 5:02am

Dean Holds Graduation, Announces Awards

Alan Earls Editor

From Dean.edu...

Dean College celebrated its 160th Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 9, 2026, recognizing the achievements of the Class of 2026 during a celebratory ceremony held on the College’s picturesque campus in Franklin.

The 252 graduates, representing 23 states and five countries, received their degrees surrounded by family, friends, faculty, staff, and alumni. The ceremony was held outdoors on the front lawn of Dean Hall along Awpie Way, with a livestream option available for those unable to attend in person.

Jay R. Leiendecker, Chair of Dean’s Board of Trustees, welcomed guests, graduates, and alumni to the ceremony. In his remarks, he reminded the Class of 2026 that Commencement marks not only the culmination of their Dean journey, but their entry into a larger legacy of graduates who carry the College’s values forward, saying, “Graduates, as you cross this stage today, remember that you are part of something much bigger than yourself. You are now part of a legacy, one that began over a century and a half ago with a simple but powerful idea: that education can change lives.”

The ceremony’s keynote address was delivered by Nery Gomez, entrepreneur, investor, and member of Dean College’s Board of Trustees. Gomez is the founder, president, and chief operating officer of BlackSun Private Equity, Inc., as well as the founder and chief executive officer of multiple advisory and investment firms. A published author and speaker, he is widely recognized for helping individuals align financial decisions with long-term purpose and fulfillment.

Originally from Massachusetts, Gomez earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from Tufts University, with extensive coursework in economics, and has been accepted into Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program. Early in his academic journey, he studied at Dean College, an experience he has described as formative in shaping both his academic and professional path.

Drawing on his experience as an entrepreneur, investor, and longtime supporter of the College, Gomez encouraged graduates to embrace the present moment and move forward with intention, saying, “Stay where your feet are. Don’t rush ahead of your life or live in imagined futures or rehearsed fears. Meet what’s actually in front of you, fully, responsibly, and with care.”

In his commencement address, Interim President Darrell Kulesza spoke about the lasting lessons students developed during their time at Dean, reminding graduates that while knowledge and professional skills matter, qualities like resilience, creativity, discipline, and compassion will carry them just as far. He encouraged the Class of 2026 to lead with integrity, lift others up, and approach life’s inevitable challenges with confidence, noting that success is measured not only by professional accomplishment, but by the impact we make in the lives of others.
The ceremony also featured remarks from student speakers whose stories reflected the breadth of the Dean experience.

Representing the undergraduate Class of 2026 was Miro McIntyre Clere, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a minor in English. A student leader deeply engaged in campus life, McIntyre Clere served as Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Student Government Association, captained the Dean women’s soccer team, and contributed as a reporter for Dean Daily. A member of Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, an Academic All-District honoree, and a consistent President’s List student, she will begin her professional career following graduation in a marketing role with Boston Ballet School.

In heartfelt remarks, McIntyre Clere reflected on the moments, both large and small, that shaped the Class of 2026’s shared experience, from late-night breakfasts and student-run events to performances, competitions, and classroom breakthroughs. Speaking about the power of belonging and community, she reminded her classmates that what made Dean special was not simply the campus itself, but the way students, faculty, and staff chose to show up for one another. She encouraged her classmates to carry that spirit forward, saying, “Build workplaces where people feel seen. Build communities where people feel welcome. Build the kind of rooms where everyone knows each other’s name. Because the world needs more places that feel like Dean.”

Student speaker Leah Perez, who earned an Associate of Arts degree, offered a moving reflection on perseverance and the many paths that lead to achievement. Speaking candidly about balancing family responsibilities, work, and the demands of higher education, Perez celebrated students whose journeys were not always traditional, reminding graduates that growth has no set timeline. She reminded graduates, “Choosing to grow at any stage of life is not something to apologize for or minimize … it’s something to celebrate.”

Together, the messages shared throughout the ceremony reflected the values at the heart of the Dean experience: resilience, community, purpose, and the confidence to build meaningful lives and careers.

During the ceremony, two faculty members were recognized with Dean College’s Excellence in Teaching Award for their outstanding commitment to student learning and engagement. This year’s recipients were Coleen Bartlett Taylor, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Exercise Science, and Franklin resident, Ursula Wefers, M.B.A., Assistant Professor of Marketing.

The College also recognized the Class of 1976, whose members joined the academic processional wearing gold regalia in honor of their 50th reunion year. Following Commencement, they were formally inducted into Dean’s 50th Society, a distinguished community of alumni celebrating more than 50 years since their graduation.

Reverend Beverly Waring, Minister of First Universalist Society in Franklin, delivered both the invocation and benediction.

As the newest members of Dean’s alumni family, the Class of 2026 now joins generations of Bulldogs who have carried the spirit of Dean College into their professions, communities, and lives. The College proudly celebrates their accomplishments and looks forward to all they will achieve in the years ahead.

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Graduation ncluded announcement in which Dean recognizes its outstanding graduates. We celebrate our graduating students’ significant accomplishments inside and outside of the classroom. These students have excelled academically and in service, making a lasting impact on Dean College. We are delighted to announce the following award recipients.

Alumni Council Award

The Alumni Council Award is given to a graduating student who has exhibited extraordinary devotion and service to the College through volunteerism while maintaining high academic standing.

This year, the Alumni Council Award is presented to:

Jane Gerson

Campus Involvement Award

The Campus Involvement Award is presented to students who have persistently and diligently devoted their time and effort to the co-curricular life of the College in such a manner that their involvement has made a notable difference in one or more club, organization or athletic team.

The Campus Involvement Award is presented to:

Luciana Calderon
Samuel Wilmot

Bulldog Spirit Award

The Bulldog Spirit Award is presented to the students who have demonstrated Dean spirit, pride, loyalty and a commitment to making a difference. The students have freely given of their time and could always be counted on to bring others together to get the job done. These individuals are true Bulldogs and display a joy for living each day to its fullest.

The Bulldog Spirit Award is presented to:

Jason Wilson

The Excellence in Leadership Award

The Excellence in Leadership Award is the highest leadership honor bestowed on a student. It is awarded to the student who has contributed significantly to the extra- and co-curricular life of the College throughout the past four years. Nominees include, but are not limited to, students who have held executive officer positions in clubs and organizations or important leadership positions in some other capacity.

This year, the Excellence in Leadership Award is presented to:

Nora Rodas

Arthur W. Peirce Prize

The Arthur W. Peirce Prize was established by the Class of 1917 to be awarded annually to a member of the graduating class who is honest and loyal in character, as well as friendly and cooperative in spirit. This class also wanted to recognize a student who not only works hard but believes in and honors what is good in all their classmates. These were the traits so characteristic of Arthur W. Peirce, who served as headmaster of Dean Academy from 1897 to 1934.

This year, the Arthur W. Peirce Prize is presented to:

Eric Stoller

Trustees’ Prizes

The Trustees’ Prizes are awarded in each of our Schools. The Trustees’ Prize is presented to the student deemed by the faculty of their School to be the outstanding graduating student in their respective discipline(s). Recipients of a Trustees’ Prize have distinguished themselves in the classroom and represent truly outstanding effort and scholarship.

The Trustees’ Prize for the School of the Arts, Bachelor’s Degree Program is presented to:

Hannah Pogemiller

The Trustees’ Prize for the School of Business, Bachelor’s Degree Program is presented to:

Trent Marlow

The Trustees’ Prize for the Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance, Bachelor’s Degree Program is presented to:

Emma Chaney

The Trustees’ Prize for the School of Liberal Arts, Bachelor's Degree Program is presented to:

James Hughes III

The Trustees’ Prize for General Excellence

The Trustees’ Prize for General Excellence is the most prestigious honor the College awards to graduating students. These awards are presented to students who are not only recognized for their exemplary scholarship, but also for demonstrating loyalty and outstanding contributions to the College.

The Trustees’ Prize in General Excellence, Bachelor’s Degree Program is presented to:

Paige Langston

Graduating Honors Scholars

Dean College Honors Program is proud to recognize the Spring 2026 graduating Honors Scholars. This recognition, developed by the College in 2010, is designed to acknowledge those students who have been active in the Honors Program during their entire time at Dean. These students have taken honors courses throughout their degree program and excelled in them. They have participated in honors program activities and they have earned outstanding grades overall. These students have challenged themselves academically by enrolling in the most rigorous courses on campus. In addition to having an honors scholar designation on their transcript, these students also have the privilege of wearing the Dean College Honors Scholar Cord at graduation.

The following Bachelor’s Degree students are graduating as Honors Scholars: