What’s the Number One Thing You Hope the Class of 2026 Remembers?

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Bryan Lipiner

Bryan Lipiner is the Senior Manager for Social Media and Content Marketing at Babson College. Since arriving at Babson in 2019, he has dramatically scaled engagement and followings on Babson’s social media channels, led award-winning social media campaigns, written for Babson Thought & Action, and more. Prior to Babson, he worked as a reporter and editor at the Record-Journal newspaper in central Connecticut. Bryan received his undergraduate degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University in 2015.

June 3, 2026

Wide-angle photo of a graduation ceremony inside a large white event tent at Babson College. In the foreground, rows of graduates wearing black caps and gowns with green accents sit facing a raised stage. Some graduates have decorative caps or accessories. The stage runs across the right side of the image and is lined with green ferns and floral arrangements. On the stage, a group of officials in academic regalia sit in a row, while one speaker stands at a podium delivering remarks. Behind the stage is a large green backdrop repeatedly printed with “BABSON COLLEGE” and the college seal, along with a large screen displaying the speaker. An American flag stands near the stage, and lighting and sound equipment hang from the tent ceiling above.

Graduates in the Class of 2026 from Babson College's F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business listen to the words of wisdom at the Commencement ceremony last month. (Photo: Nic Czarnecki/Babson College)

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Graduates of the Babson College Class of 2026 have turned their tassels and are ready to create impact.

At the Commencement ceremonies, we asked a handful of College leaders to share their number one thing that they hope members of this class remembers.

Here’s what they said:

Jeffery S. Perry ’87, P’23, chair of the Board of Trustees

“Remember all that you learned at Babson that has prepared you to make a positive difference, and will be valuable at every step along the way.”

C. Dean Metropoulos ’67, MBA’68, H’26, undergraduate Commencement speaker

“Pursue your passions in your career, but the core to your happiness will be your loving family and loving community. To the extent you can influence that, you’ll be a happy person.”

Fred S.C. Kiang ’ 70, MBA’75, H’19, trustee

“Don’t forget what you’ve learned here, and don’t forget your convictions. Do right by you, as well as society.”

Kenneth G. Romanzi ’82, trustee

“Don’t ever forget your ties to Babson. You made your lifelong memories, lifelong friendships. Go change the world.”

Deborah L. De Santis ’85, P’27, trustee

“I hope this graduating class never forgets how amazing you are, and that the Babson community goes far and wide. Take advantage of it forever.”

Amanda Strong ’87, trustee emerita

“We are all here for you. Call us any time, and you are all going to be super successful.”

Anthony R. Chiasson ’95, P’26

“Take risks.”

Ariel Armony, provost and executive vice president

“Walk along others. Together, we achieve greater things, and make this world a better place.”

Philip Boulton ’97, P’28, trustee and chair of the Babson Alumni Advisory Board

“Never forget your Babson friends and connections. These are lifelong connections that are going to be there for you, always.”

Poonam Arora, dean of the Undergraduate School

“Never forget that you have the tailwinds that come with being a Babson graduate, they will carry you far and wide, and we look forward to seeing where your journeys take you.”

Cyril Camus ’91, H’26, P’26, chair of the Global Advisory Board

“In the future in moments of doubt, think back to those years at Babson. Think back to how you felt when you were here, capture the confidence again, and go out, take on the world, and make a difference.”