Class of 2026 commencement speakers recognize community: ‘None of us got here today alone’

KINGSTON, R.I.–June 4, 2026–Student speakers Julia Johnson, Jordyn Hickey, Skyla Anderson, Gianna Petrangelo, Victoria Reilly, Asta Habtemichael, Zoie Ndonye, Angel Vega and Prachi Patel each took to the stage during the äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾’s Commencement ceremonies, May 15-17, at the Ryan Center, to offer words of wisdom and encouragement to their fellow graduates and express excitement about the future. 

They talked about challenges and heartbreaks, successes and triumphs, meeting new friends and mentors, discovering things about themselves and their capabilities, and about finding a supportive community during their time at äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾.

Some surprised their loved ones with the fact they had been chosen to represent their college as a student commencement speaker. While they congratulated their classmates on their achievements and encouraged one another to go out and change the world, each also took time to also express their love and gratitude to friends and family members as well as to the family they found at äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾.

Watch their speeches.

Julia Johnson of Pretty Prarie Kansas
College of Health Sciences


Jordyn Hickey of West Babylon, New York
College of Business


Skyla Anderson of Pawtucket, Rhode Island
College of Arts and Sciences


Gianna Petrangelo of West Warwick, Rhode Island
College of Nursing


Victoria Reilly of Johnston, Rhode Island
College of Engineering


Asta Habtemichael of Eritrea
Graduate School of Oceanography


Zoie Ndonye of Nairobi, Kenya
College of the Environment and Life Sciences


Angel Vega of Providence, Rhode Island
Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Education


Prachi Patel of Norton, Massachusetts
College of Pharmacy