DePauw Welcomes Class of 2026 as Newest Alumni

DePauw University celebrated the Class of 2026 by conferring degrees to 454 new graduates during its 187th Commencement exercises on Sunday, May 17. The ceremony took place on the East College lawn, as faculty, staff, family members and friends gathered to support a class whose achievements have made a lasting impact throughout the campus community over the last four years.

Addressing his fellow classmates, Walker Cup recipient Robby Ballentine said, "Leaving a legacy that inspires generations to come is one of the most important things you can do in this life, and I believe that is exactly what we have done here. I know that these seniors will continue to leave a legacy in everything they touch, whether that be family, career aspirations or the entire world itself."

DePauw's president Lori S. White also commended the graduates for the ways in which they have supported each other and encouraged each other during their time together on campus. "One of the most wonderful things about a small liberal arts college - DePauw in particular - is that relationships and community matter," she said, "and I have loved watching and experiencing the community you have each helped to foster and sustain at DePauw."

The ceremony featured guest speaker Nate Nichols '05, who was a research fellow, honor scholar and Rector scholar during his time at DePauw, graduating with a major in computer science and minors in English literature and mathematics. Since then, Nichols has gone on to earn a Ph.D. from Northwestern University and establish himself as a leading voice in the development and safeguarding of artificial intelligence, all while amassing over 40 patents related to his work in language processing and machine-generated content.

In his remarks to the graduates, Nichols acknowledged that they were entering a world shaped by unprecedented technological upheaval. "AI is going to massively, massively impact and disrupt your life and your plans," he said. "At some point soon, maybe while today's underclass students are still here at DePauw, we'll cross a point where AI is better than most people at anything done on a computer. Crossing this threshold will be completely destabilizing to us as individuals, to our society and to the world order, and we are profoundly unprepared."

In the face of these challenges, Nichols offered a sincere message of hope. He encouraged the graduates to set themselves apart by embracing the things that make them unique.

"In a world where AI is better than the typical person at everything, do not be a typical person," he said. "You've just completed a wonderful education in the liberal arts. You have the tools, and you're as well-equipped as anyone on Earth to develop and live a life that is meaningful to you and the people you care about. Don't mask and pretend you're normal. You're not, and there's no longer anything to be gained by pretending otherwise."

Following his address, Nichols was presented with an honorary doctor of science degree from the university in recognition of his achievements and societal contributions. Joining him on stage were Tim Evans and Marisa Kwiatowski, both of whom received doctor of journalism degrees for their groundbreaking reporting on the sexual abuse scandal at USA Gymnastics, Orcenith Smith, who received a doctor of arts degree for his steady leadership within DePauw's music programs since 1974, and Ken Owen, who received a doctor of journalism degree for his work as the former head of the university's media relations and director of the Ubben Lecture Series.

To view images from the ceremony, visit our photo gallery online. (New photos will continue to be added in coming days.)