May 17, 2026: Commencement 2026, Class Response by Jawaad "KJ" Benson '26

A lot of energy up here, guys. OK. Good morning to Bucknellians past, present and future; distinguished faculty, friends, family and especially the Class of 2026. My name is Jawaad “KJ” Benson, and today I am honored to share what it means to sit in those seats.

Whether you are (one of the many) in your family to continue your college tradition, or, like me, a first-generation college graduate breaking the generational curse and setting new standards, there is one thing that is certain: This is your moment.  

So, if you haven’t done so, take a deep breath, hold it in, and breathe slowly, because I want to take the next five minutes to tell you that you’ve made it.

When we first arrived on campus, we already had an idea of what college would be like. We dreamed of the big moments — the first day of classes, the big games, CAP Center events, the internships, research, conferences, a mixture of that good ol’ Saturday morning fun and, of course, graduation. Our vision was clear; the journey was about to begin.  

But if there’s one thing that Bucknell has taught us, it’s this: It’s not the big moments that shape us — it’s the moments between them. On average, you’ve made it through years of early mornings, hunting for spoons in the café, chicken nuggets for sustenance, energy drinks and whatever friend will let us vent about our professors and our assignments.

Or what about that walk across campus when it’s 10 degrees but miraculously turns into 70 degrees in the afternoon? I mean, come on now, previous generations love to talk about walking a mile in two feet of snow, but did they ever have to pack fall, summer and winter clothing just to make it through the day?  

We made it through the late nights in Bertrand Library when “just one hour” somehow turns into six.

Or, my personal favorite: deep intellectual conversations that start as small talk and somehow turn into something that sticks with you for years.

At Bucknell, we didn’t just learn in classrooms — we learned everywhere. We learned in group projects that didn’t always go smoothly — but they taught us patience, leadership, and an ability to express ourselves that benefits the entire team. And we learned from each other — people with different backgrounds, ages, beliefs and perspectives — who challenged us to grow in ways we didn’t expect. Most importantly, we learned that growth isn’t always comfortable.

Some of us took our experiences abroad and exchanged cultures and creative ways of thinking. While others, like many of our international students, chose Bucknell because it meant going abroad for four years. You flew hundreds to thousands of miles away from family, and we are proud and honored that you chose Bucknell as your home.

There were moments we all doubted our abilities. Moments we felt out of place. Moments where we exceeded expectations and moments where we fell short.

But guess what? You made it! It means we adapted. It means we supported each other. It means we kept going — even when it wasn’t easy. And that’s more than a simple education; that signifies a Bucknell experience. And what makes that experience so powerful is that it belongs to all of us. It doesn’t matter if you dreamt of being a scientist, artist, athlete or engineer; we are all here today celebrating how each person has a different story, but they all connect. We are Bucknellians.

And whether you found your place on the quad, in a lab, on a stage or a team, or are still searching for what comes next, you are part of something bigger than yourself.

You are part of this community. And that is something that we will carry with us long after today.

A year from now, we might not remember every assignment or every exam. But we will remember how this place felt.

We will remember the people who showed up for us. The times we surprised ourselves. The moments we realized we’re capable of more than what we thought.

So let us carry that resiliency beyond today. The next time you’re having a bad day, I want you to remember that you spent two to four years cultivating the skills to face any challenge, even in the face of adversity. 

And after the emotional high of graduating dissipates, there will be more obstacles to face. So, to the parents and the loved ones in the audience, there will come a time when each one of us students will encounter a test that will question our character. When we walk out the door, the likelihood of rejection increases by the second, and we will face many battles. And all I ask is that you don’t allow us to carry our shield home. Invite a conversation where someone can feel encouraged to be who they are without judgment. Allow outsiders to form opinions, but let our community uplift each other.  

So, Class of 2026, this isn’t just an ending. It is a continuation of everything we started here.

And wherever we go next, whatever paths we take, we’ll carry this experience with us.

Not in just what we know — but on who we become.

Thank you — and congratulations, Class of 2026! KJ out.