Bucknell Celebrates Class of 2026 Graduates

There is no single recipe for success. Instead, the path toward personal and professional fulfillment is filled with trials and triumphs alike. However, to help Bucknell’s Class of 2026 navigate what comes next, Ken Freeman '72 shared a few pieces of time-tested advice. 

"First, decide the type of human being you want to be," said Freeman, who addressed the class during Bucknell's 176th Commencement on Malesardi Quadrangle on Sunday, May 17. "You are in charge of your own life. Take the time to define your purpose and your personal values — who you are and what you stand for."

Ken Freeman '72, the keynote speaker of Bucknell's 176th Commencement, shared advice on how graduates can approach life with purpose, confidence and gratitude. Photo by Emily Paine, Marketing & Communications

Freeman, the namesake of Bucknell's Kenneth W. Freeman College of Management, has built an accomplished career in business and education, including roles as the CEO of Quest Diagnostics, partner at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., and interim president of Boston University. Harvard Business Review named him as one of the 100 Best-Performing CEOs in the World in both 2010 and 2013, and, in 2018, he was honored with the Stephen W. Taylor Medal for his extraordinary service to Bucknell. 

However, as he shared with the record-setting 995 degree candidates — 978 bachelor's degrees and 17 master's degrees — that made up the Class of 2026, he was once just like all of them: a young person, degree in hand, wondering what the future held. 

"When I sat in your seat, I did not appreciate the impact Bucknell would have on my life," said Freeman. "I sat where you are saying to myself, 'got my degree, it’s time to move on.' "

It was in his journey of self-discovery that Freeman first realized how big a role the Bucknell community would play. He scored his first job at Corning Glass thanks to the generosity of Campbell Rutledge '33, M'34, and it was Professor Sidney L. Miller, who taught management, who encouraged him to take risks that would allow him to discover his own path. “These two Bucknellians — one a graduate, and the other a professor — changed my outlook, my prospects and my future, and represent the best of Bucknell,” he said.

Just as important as it is to have people in your corner, Freeman also shared with the Class of 2026 his second piece of advice: "Believe in yourself." He advised them on how to walk the fine line between arrogance and doubt, toward confidence. "Each of you has earned the right to be self-confident," he said, acknowledging that a college degree is a hard-won achievement. Nurturing that confidence is the next step in being "able to make a difference in the world."

Finally, Freeman revealed his third tip, which involved adopting two simple words as part of everyday living: "thank you." As much as graduation is a significant milestone, no doubt earned through a combination of grit, curiosity and resilience, it is also the result of a supportive community. "Take the time to say 'thank you' to the people that have made and are making a difference in your life — professors, staff members, family and friends," he said. "You will be glad you did, and so will they." 

Student speaker Jawaad "KJ" Benson addresses the Class of 2026 during Bucknell's 176th Commencement. Photo by Emily Paine, Marketing & Communications

The student speaker Jawaad "KJ" Benson '26, a biology major and Bucknell Community College Scholar from Philadelphia, embodied Freeman's advice in his remarks to his classmates. He began his speech by acknowledging all the people who make Commencement possible, giving a special shoutout to his fellow graduates. "This is your moment," said Benson, encouraging them to savor their collective achievement. "I want to take the next five minutes to tell you that you made it."

Rather than focus primarily on academic triumphs, Benson encouraged the crowd to reflect upon the many small moments that constitute the unique experience of being a Bucknellian. Of subsisting on a combination of chicken nuggets and energy drinks to eke out one more hour of studying during late nights in Bertrand Library. Of the idle chatter between classes that blossoms into deep philosophical conversations. Of the friends who "let us vent about our professor and assignments."

For Benson, what made the Bucknell experience special is the fact that learning wasn't limited to the classroom. "We learned in group projects that didn't always go smoothly," he said, but it was these experiences — of friction and collaboration — that taught patience and leadership. "We learned from each other — people with different backgrounds, ages, beliefs and perspectives — who challenged us to grow in ways we didn't expect."

Of course, Benson said, between those moments of self-discovery and elation, "there were moments we all doubted our abilities. Moments we felt out of place." However, what was important was that they had learned how to adapt, overcome and persevere — together. While graduation marked the end of their undergraduate journey, Benson implored the audience to never forget that being a Bucknellian extends far beyond campus. "Whether you found your place on the quad, in a lab, on a stage, on a team or are still searching for what comes next, you are part of something bigger than yourself," he said. 

For some of the graduates seated on the Quad, the path in front of them had already begun to reveal itself. Of the 637 degree candidates in the College of Arts & Sciences, the 173 in the College of Engineering, and the 168 in the Freeman College of Management, many were off to graduate school and exciting careers that would put their degrees to the test. For those still searching for what came next, the Bucknell community would be there to support them through the process. "You are part of this community," said Benson. "And that's something we'll carry with us long after today."

President John Bravman echoed Benson's sentiment and reminded those gathered on the Quad that being a Bucknellian doesn't end with graduation. "No matter where you go, no matter what you pursue, or how long it's been — this place and this community will be here for you," he said.

"As you begin your next chapters, be confident in your ability to embrace difficulty, navigate uncertainty and reach your goals," said Bravman. "Go and do difficult things. Go and do important things. Go and build a better life for yourselves, your families, and for the world. That's easy now, because you're Bucknellians."