Eastern Names 4 Honorees, 2 Commencement Speakers For 2026 Ceremonies

WILLIMANTIC, CT — Eastern Connecticut State University has announced the speakers and honorees for its 2026 commencement ceremonies.

Graduation is set for May 16 at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford.

The university said four people with longstanding ties to Eastern will be recognized during the undergraduate and graduate exercises.

During the graduate ceremony, which begins at 11 a.m., World Bank Executive Director Harold Tavares will deliver the keynote address and receive the university's second annual Distinguished Public Service Award.

Local philanthropists David and Marilyn Foster will each receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters during that ceremony.

The undergraduate ceremony begins at 4 p.m., when alumna Beth Regan '79 will serve as commencement speaker and also receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters.

Eastern President Karim Ismaili said Tavares's career shows "a remarkable blend of international leadership and a steadfast commitment to sound socioeconomic development." Ismaili said, "From his early days at Eastern to his current role at the World Bank, he has remained deeply focused on expanding opportunity and strengthening communities around the world. His achievements stand as a powerful example to our graduates of how an Eastern foundation can lead to meaningful impact on a global scale."

According to the university, Tavares is a native of Cabo Verde and serves as executive director of the World Bank's Africa Group II. Eastern said he previously served as alternate executive director and as chief of staff to the prime minister of Cabo Verde. Tavares said, "Higher education opened up a world of opportunity for me, and I've devoted my career to trying to do the same for others. Receiving the Distinguished Public Service Award is both a heartfelt and deeply personal honor. My educational journey began at Eastern, and the University played such an important role in helping me to become the person I knew I could be."

Ismaili said the Fosters have shown "a lifelong commitment to public service, community betterment, and the values at the heart of Eastern's mission." According to Eastern, the couple has supported organizations across the Windham area through the Lester E. Foster and Phyllis M. Foster Foundation, and their giving to Eastern includes a $250,000 gift to the David G. Carter Jr. Endowment Fund and more than $125,000 for other scholarships and programs. The university also said David Foster will perform a song during the graduate ceremony.

"Eastern and the Fosters have been very close for generations," David Foster said. "We love this university, it's our home. We've watched it grow and educate so many young people and do so much good for so many people. Of all the awards that I've gotten, this is by far the one that means the most to me." Marilyn Foster said, "We've learned and grown alongside this university. It's been a journey, one that [David and I] have always respected. Eastern has been so instrumental in helping so many people throughout the Windham area. To receive a doctorate of human letters is really a pinnacle."

For the undergraduate ceremony, Ismaili said Regan's work reflects "the highest ideals of service, leadership, and community building." Regan said, "My time here as a student and basketball player shaped my education and helped guide my path in life, which is why I am so deeply honored to return as this year's commencement speaker." Eastern said Regan has served on the Mohegan Tribal Council of Elders since 2014 and has been its chairwoman since 2024.