Santa Clara University’s 175th undergraduate commencement took place Saturday morning at Stevens Stadium, where friends, family and faculty came together to celebrate the Class of 2026.
Graduates lined up in front of Benson Memorial Center bright and early before the ceremony, sharing special last moments with friends before the command came to proceed across campus to the stadium.
The route down the Alameda Mall is one that Santa Clara University students might walk every day, over and over throughout their four years—on the way to class, to study, to meet a friend or to grab a quick bite from Cramer’s Bagels. For the soon-to-be graduates, the significance of the moment and the day ahead was felt keenly.
“It feels surreal to be here with all of them,” said Rachel Lin-Peistrup ’26 of sharing the moment with her friends, who were all gathered in the same line. “I love them all so much, and I wouldn’t want to be here with anyone else.”
The ceremony featured introductions and remarks from University leaders including President Julie Sullivan, Provost and Executive Vice President James Glaser and Vice Provost for student life Jeanne Rosenberger. All commended the graduating class on their great achievement, and reiterated that they will always find a home among their Bronco family.
“I often say that the ultimate measure of Santa Clara’s success as a university is the impact of our alumni, and I have great confidence in the impact that you will make in your workplaces and in your communities as our newest crop of Bronco alumni, because you are prepared,” said Sullivan. “Prepared for career success, for personal fulfillment and for making this a better world.”
The ceremony found special ways to showcase the hard work, talents and rich involvement of this year’s graduating students before their tassels were turned. Allyson Bell ’26, George Mouratoff ’26, Gabriel Symkowick ’26, Mary Clare Broyles ’26 and Katie Castillo ’26 continued the tradition of performing the national anthem as graduating members of the University’s Chamber Singers.
Before graduate names were read, Rosenberger again acknowledged the achievements and contributions of Nobili and St. Clare Medal recipients Jalen Paige ’26 and Claire Krebs ’26, as well as Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J. Award recipient Gabrielle Pitre ’26.
Alumna Dee Dee Myers ’83, former White House press secretary and trailblazer for women in politics, delivered the commencement address. Myers, who received an honorary Doctorate of Public Service at the ceremony, urged graduates to embrace the wins, losses, mistakes and moments that the future will offer—and remember the lessons instilled in them through their time at Santa Clara University.
“The work is the reward, the purpose, the meaning, even the joy in life,” said Myers. “It comes from believing in something, from committing to it, to working for it, to being part of something bigger than yourselves, even when you don’t always win.”
Temperatures climbed as the midday sun settled in while graduates began to cross the stage. Although the nearly 90-degree conditions weren’t ideal, the heat didn’t stop graduates and attendees from celebrating and cheering when loved ones’ names were called.
To close out the ceremony, Associated Student Government President Claire Krebs introduced class valedictorian Charlie Silver ’26, who delivered a thoughtful and earnest address to his peers on finding belonging—both in appreciating those who made you feel like you were welcome, and what you could do to be that person for someone else.
“The world is going to give you a lot of reasons to turn inward, to focus on yourself, to build your own thing, to keep your head down,” said Silver. “And while those things matter, don’t let them be the whole story. Make room, show up, turn outward. This is what the world needs. And there’s no one that I trust more to give it than you all.”
Silver gave a special shoutout to beloved University staff member Cecilia Carrasco, who works in the Cellar Market in the basement of Benson Memorial Center. He noted her kindness and familiarity to the campus community, which was met with loud cheers from fellow graduates.
“She treats everyone like a friend before they’ve given her any reason to,” said Silver. “She remembers our names, asks how things are going, asks about our families, and actually means it. This is exactly what we need. That’s exactly what the Jesuit tradition has been asking of us this whole time.”
After caps were tossed, graduates and attendees made their way through the red and-white-clad Abby Sobrato Mall, taking pictures with loved ones and offering final thanks to beloved faculty members.
From start to finish, the day was full of graduates reflecting on how far they’d come and what it meant to finally reach the finish line.
“I’m so happy to be here with the people that I love and the people that I care for, and every year was important to me, and I wouldn’t trade it for a second,” said Christian Barnard ’26.
