Grad Fair Celebrates Class of 2026

Seniors gathered in the Cate Center on March 25 for the Grad Fair, an all-day celebration designed to help the Class of 2026 prepare for commencement while enjoying time together.

Sponsored by the Office of Alumnae Relations, the event featured treats, giveaways, and raffle prizes as students picked up their caps and gowns. Representatives from Balfour were on site to clean onyx class rings and provide cap-and-gown photos, and professional LinkedIn headshot sessions were also available.

“Cap and gown pickup is always such an exciting time,” said Emily Kelleher, ’17, campus store manager. “I get to meet so many of these students during their initial visits to campus, and now they’re coming to pick up their graduation regalia. It’s a full circle moment that I look forward to every year.

Campus departments provided resources and information to support students as they transition from college to the next chapter. Tables included the commencement committee, the Campus Store, the Office of Career Planning, the Chaplain’s Office, the registrar, and the Office of Student Leadership and Service.

Registrar Shelly McMahon was in attendance to answer students’ questions and ensure seniors had the proper forms completed to participate in commencement. 

“We are here to support the graduates and remind them to check their emails for important information and give them websites that might be helpful. And it gives us the opportunity to talk to students in person who we have been emailing with, showing them the person who is trying to help them,” said McMahon.

Dana Sumner, director of career planning, said her office is participating in the Grad Fair to celebrate seniors and encourage them to take the first destination survey, which gathers their plans after graduation. The Office of Career Planning also shared ways their office can help these future graduates succeed.

“We are here to support them if they have a job or are still in the process of finding one,” said Sumner. “We have a couple more programs like Pitch Perfect Night, where we have a panel of employers to answer questions and an interactive workshop where they will have a speed networking kind of scenario, where students give their pitch to an employer, and the employer provides valuable feedback about the student’s response.”

Hilary Allen, ’01, director of alumnae relations, said the event is an important opportunity to bring seniors together during a meaningful time in their college experience.

“This event is a chance for our seniors to pause and celebrate all they’ve accomplished while also preparing for what comes next,” Allen said. “We love creating a space where they can connect with each other and the campus community as they get ready to join our alumnae network.”