Wilmington University’s Class of 2026
Wilmington University celebrated its 55th Commencement ceremonies on May 31 and June 1, 2026, awarding more than 3,300 academic degrees at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington, Delaware.
Graduates, ranging in age from 19 to 73, represented 58 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. The farthest graduate lives in China, while the graduate who traveled the greatest distance to attend the ceremonies in person journeyed from Germany. More than 2,400 students completed their degrees entirely online. Additionally, 1,040 graduates represented Wilmington University’s corporate partner organizations. All graduates automatically joined the Wilmington University Alumni Association, which now includes more than 80,000 members.
Across six ceremonies representing the University’s academic colleges, commencement speakers reflected on perseverance, personal growth, and the support systems that helped them reach graduation.
Student Speakers
- Dr. Meghan Catts – Ed.D. in Educational Leadership (College of Education and Liberal Arts and College of Sciences and Engineering)
- Ms. Belinda Foy – MSN in Nursing Leadership (College of Nursing and Health Sciences)
- Dr. Kasey Mears – Doctor of Social Science in Prevention Science (College of Social and Behavioral Sciences)
- Mr. Akib Rahman – M.S. in Information Systems Technologies (College of Business and Technology)
- Ms. Tyiya Richards – Master of Business Administration (College of Business and Technology)
- Ms. Laura Ruth – B.S. in Organizational Leadership (College of Business and Technology)
Laura Ruth, executional excellence leader in engineering operations at GEICO and a member of the Sigma Beta Delta International Honor Society, represented the College of Business and Technology and earned a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership.
“Balancing life during this journey was not easy,” Ms. Ruth said. “I worked full-time, changed roles, and stepped into a completely new area in engineering, all while keeping up with school and my son’s travel hockey schedule, which seemed like a second full-time job. There were times it felt like too much.”
Ms. Ruth shared that she stepped away from school for seven years after her son was born before returning to complete her degree. “Sometimes, all it takes is one person to remind you what matters,” she said. “For me, it was a leader who encouraged me to keep going.”
Dr. Kasey Mears, who represented the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, is an Army veteran and director of clinical engineering for Trinity Health, overseeing maintenance, safety, and performance of medical equipment across hospitals in the Mid-Atlantic region. Dr. Mears earned both her master’s degree in Human Services and Doctor of Social Science in Prevention Science from Wilmington University.
“Over 20 years and three degrees later, that persistence proved that showing up really can take you further than anyone expects,” Dr. Mears said. “Wilmington University understands this truth deeply. This institution welcomes students who show up in many forms: working professionals, parents, veterans, caregivers, and lifelong learners.”
Dr. Mears described the University as “more than a place of learning,” calling it “a second family” where faculty and staff encouraged students through both challenges and successes.
Akib Rahman, an international student from Bangladesh, spoke during the College of Business and Technology graduate ceremony about balancing education with everyday responsibilities.
“For me, the Master of Science in Information Systems Technology was the perfect fit,” said Mr. Rahman. “But what truly made the difference was not only the program itself. It was the flexibility, the support, and the genuine understanding that Wilmington University offered to students with full lives and real responsibilities.”
Mr. Rahman said the University provided students with an opportunity to continue their education “without putting their lives on hold.”
During the College of Education and Liberal Arts and College of Sciences and Engineering ceremony, Dr. Meghan Catts reflected on the relationships formed throughout the academic journey.
“Throughout our journey to this momentous day, we have formed bonds and friendships with our classmates and professors that will last a lifetime,” Dr. Catts said. “Wilmington University has helped to strengthen our voices, expand our thinking, and prepare us to make a meaningful impact in the world.”
Wilmington University congratulates the Class of 2026 on their academic accomplishments and wishes graduates continued success in the next chapter of their lives and careers.
Wilmington University celebrated its 55th Commencement ceremonies on May 31 and June 1, 2026, awarding more than 3,300 academic degrees at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington, Delaware.
Graduates, ranging in age from 19 to 73, represented 58 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. The farthest graduate lives in China, while the graduate who traveled the greatest distance to attend the ceremonies in person journeyed from Germany. More than 2,400 students completed their degrees entirely online. Additionally, 1,040 graduates represented Wilmington University’s corporate partner organizations. All graduates automatically joined the Wilmington University Alumni Association, which now includes more than 80,000 members.
Across six ceremonies representing the University’s academic colleges, commencement speakers reflected on perseverance, personal growth, and the support systems that helped them reach graduation.
Student Speakers
- Dr. Meghan Catts – Ed.D. in Educational Leadership (College of Education and Liberal Arts and College of Sciences and Engineering)
- Ms. Belinda Foy – MSN in Nursing Leadership (College of Nursing and Health Sciences)
- Dr. Kasey Mears – Doctor of Social Science in Prevention Science (College of Social and Behavioral Sciences)
- Mr. Akib Rahman – M.S. in Information Systems Technologies (College of Business and Technology)
- Ms. Tyiya Richards – Master of Business Administration (College of Business and Technology)
- Ms. Laura Ruth – B.S. in Organizational Leadership (College of Business and Technology)
Laura Ruth, executional excellence leader in engineering operations at GEICO and a member of the Sigma Beta Delta International Honor Society, represented the College of Business and Technology and earned a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership.
“Balancing life during this journey was not easy,” Ms. Ruth said. “I worked full-time, changed roles, and stepped into a completely new area in engineering, all while keeping up with school and my son’s travel hockey schedule, which seemed like a second full-time job. There were times it felt like too much.”
Ms. Ruth shared that she stepped away from school for seven years after her son was born before returning to complete her degree. “Sometimes, all it takes is one person to remind you what matters,” she said. “For me, it was a leader who encouraged me to keep going.”
Dr. Kasey Mears, who represented the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, is an Army veteran and director of clinical engineering for Trinity Health, overseeing maintenance, safety, and performance of medical equipment across hospitals in the Mid-Atlantic region. Dr. Mears earned both her master’s degree in Human Services and Doctor of Social Science in Prevention Science from Wilmington University.
“Over 20 years and three degrees later, that persistence proved that showing up really can take you further than anyone expects,” Dr. Mears said. “Wilmington University understands this truth deeply. This institution welcomes students who show up in many forms: working professionals, parents, veterans, caregivers, and lifelong learners.”
Dr. Mears described the University as “more than a place of learning,” calling it “a second family” where faculty and staff encouraged students through both challenges and successes.
Akib Rahman, an international student from Bangladesh, spoke during the College of Business and Technology graduate ceremony about balancing education with everyday responsibilities.
“For me, the Master of Science in Information Systems Technology was the perfect fit,” said Mr. Rahman. “But what truly made the difference was not only the program itself. It was the flexibility, the support, and the genuine understanding that Wilmington University offered to students with full lives and real responsibilities.”
Mr. Rahman said the University provided students with an opportunity to continue their education “without putting their lives on hold.”
During the College of Education and Liberal Arts and College of Sciences and Engineering ceremony, Dr. Meghan Catts reflected on the relationships formed throughout the academic journey.
“Throughout our journey to this momentous day, we have formed bonds and friendships with our classmates and professors that will last a lifetime,” Dr. Catts said. “Wilmington University has helped to strengthen our voices, expand our thinking, and prepare us to make a meaningful impact in the world.”
Wilmington University congratulates the Class of 2026 on their academic accomplishments and wishes graduates continued success in the next chapter of their lives and careers.
