Husson Conferred 806 Degrees at 127th Commencement Ceremony on May 9
Published on: May 9, 2026
Husson University held its 127th Commencement on Saturday, May 9, 2026, recognizing 726 students who earned a total of 806 undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Husson President, Dr. Lynne Coy-Ogan, commended graduates for their work in rigorous courses, labs and internships, as well as exploring new areas of interest and preparing for future careers.
“You have successfully navigated several years of learning experiences that will inform your professional trajectory as you move through your career and you have embraced change throughout your education — from the global pandemic to the transformational impact of AI in our society,” Coy-Ogan said.
Commencement speaker Lon Cardon, president and CEO of The Jackson Laboratory, advised students to find their North Star and follow it, to take the long view and that curiosity beats certainty.
“What feels certain today will inevitably become more nuanced over time. Progress rarely proceeds linearly and certainty is something that time pokes holes in. That’s why critical thinking matters more than ever. So challenge everything. Interrogate what you see, what you’re told. You are the first generation to face this new reality. You will also find that curiosity will open doors that you could have never anticipated,” Cardon said.
Cardon reminded graduates to “give credit generously.”
An honorary Doctor of Science degree was granted to Cardon. Melissa Smith, the chair, CEO and president of WEX, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Business degree.
Husson’s nine valedictorians — Breanne Lyssa Barton, Ruth Marie Damashek, Emmalyne Morgan Godin, Kyra Beth Levasseur, Laura Jean Martel, Camryn Erin Neal, JoHannah Marie Philbrook, Kyara Alexis Rutledge and Trinity Nicole Sharp — were also recognized, as were the university’s two salutatorians — Madelyn Faith Benner and Connor Alexander LaMontagne.
Commencement was one of several events held for the Husson community over the last several days.
On Friday, May 8, the university also held its nurses pinning ceremony to honor the graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs. The university held its graduate hooding ceremony to honor those receiving masters and doctoral degrees on May 9 as well. During a hooding ceremony faculty members place a hood on the graduate to signify the successful completion of their degree. Dan Cashman, host of The Nite Show and PR professional, was awarded the Chesley Husson Sr. Award for his contributions to experiential learning for Husson students. The Nite Show’s crew was made up entirely of Husson students, faculty and staff who used it as a learning opportunity while producing a real-life television show.