Forward Together – Honoring the Class of 2026
Recently, I had the privilege of attending a dinner at the Wisconsin Club in recognition of Armed Forces Week. During the evening, I learned that this year’s national theme is “Forward for Liberty,” a fitting message as our country celebrates the 250th anniversary of America.
As I heard those words, I found myself thinking not only about our nation’s future, but about the future of the students preparing to cross the commencement stage next week at St. John’s Northwestern.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of watching many of these students grow from their freshman year into young adulthood. I have also watched students join our community midway through their journey, some arriving from across the country and around the world, each carrying their own unique story, challenges, ambitions, and dreams.
That is one of the things I value most about St. John’s Northwestern. We are a global campus, shaped by students from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. No two paths look exactly alike, and that diversity of journey is something worth celebrating.
Some graduates leave with a clear destination already mapped out. Others are still discovering where their passions and talents may lead them. Some students have declared majors and career paths with certainty, while others are still exploring what comes next. The truth is, there is honor in both.
As educators and mentors, we often celebrate achievements that are easy to measure: scholarships earned, appointments received, colleges selected, and accomplishments achieved. Those moments certainly matter, and we are proud of every student who has worked diligently toward those goals.
This year, we are especially excited to welcome alumnus and NBA player Brandin Podziemski back to campus as our 2026 Commencement speaker. His journey from the halls of St. John’s Northwestern to professional basketball is an inspiring reminder of what is possible when talent, discipline, and perseverance come together.
But as meaningful as stories like Brandin’s are, they are not the only measure of success.
Success can also look like the student who found confidence here. The student who learned resilience. The student who discovered leadership, independence, discipline, or a renewed sense of purpose. Sometimes the most important transformations are the ones that happen quietly over time.
As I watched our Pipes and Drums students perform during the Armed Forces Week dinner at the Wisconsin Club, I felt a sense of pride. What struck me most was not simply the performance itself, but the professionalism, poise, and pride with which our students carried themselves. They showed up with confidence and purpose, representing something greater than themselves.
In many ways, that is what commencement represents as well.
It is not simply the closing of one chapter. It is the beginning of many different journeys moving forward. Some paths will be direct. Others may take unexpected turns. Some students will pursue military service, others college, aviation, business, athletics, engineering, music, entrepreneurship, or opportunities they have not yet discovered.
No matter where their journey leads, we celebrate them all.
To the Class of 2026, know this: you do not need to have every answer today. Growth rarely follows a straight line, and success is not defined by a single path. What matters most is your willingness to continue moving forward with integrity, courage, and purpose.
As we prepare to celebrate commencement next week, I could not be more proud of the young men and women who make up this community. Thank you for allowing St. John’s Northwestern to be part of your story. We can’t wait to see you walk across the stage!
Forward for Liberty. Forward for your future. Forward together.