'The Thrill of Possibility’ Defines Simmons University’s 121st Commencement

During its 121st Commencement ceremonies held Friday at MGM Music Hall at Fenway, Simmons University celebrated the Class of 2026 with messages of courage, compassion and possibility.

Across two ceremonies, Simmons awarded more than 500 undergraduate degrees and nearly 1,200 graduate degrees as speakers reflected on leadership, community and the power graduates hold to shape what comes next.

President Lynn Perry Wooten reflected on Simmons’ longstanding mission of expanding opportunity through education and encouraged the Class of 2026 to see themselves as active participants in shaping the future.

“Simmons was founded on the belief that education could advance social and economic equity,” said Wooten. “For over 125 years, this institution has created space for students to learn, grow, and thrive.”

Wooten told graduates that their Simmons education had prepared them not only for careers, but for lives of leadership, service, and impact.

“Your future is not something waiting to be discovered,” she said. “It is something you will create.”

Calling the Class of 2026 “the next generation of leaders, innovators, caregivers, advocates and changemakers,” Wooten offered her warm congratulations.

Themes of possibility, courage and community echoed throughout the day.

Gregory Maguire ’78MA — bestselling author of Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West and recipient of an honorary Doctor of Arts degree — reflected on the uncertainty that accompanies every stage of life and urged graduates to embrace the unknown with curiosity and courage.

“Not to be able to anticipate the good as well as the fatal is what gives life savor and the thrill of possibility,” said Maguire, who encouraged graduates to recognize that journeys themselves carry meaning and that “being on their way is just as legitimate as having arrived.”

Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, recipient of an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree, praised Simmons as “an institution that has long stood for opportunity, leadership, service and the empowerment of generations of women and changemakers.”

Driscoll also connected graduates’ achievements to the broader role education, innovation, and civic engagement play in shaping communities across Massachusetts. She encouraged students to consider opportunities in public service and community leadership.

“This Commonwealth leads because we believe deeply in the power of education, research, creativity, and civic engagement,” said Driscoll. “It’s why people from around the world come here to learn, to innovate and to build their futures. And now you are part of that story.”

Dr. Anthony Estreet, Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and recipient of an honorary Doctor of Laws degree, challenged graduates to lead with humanity and connection in divisive times.

“Moments like this have always produced leaders willing to push humanity forward,” said Estreet. “Within this graduating class, there are people willing to organize instead of isolate; people willing to build community instead of deepen division; people willing to choose courage over cynicism, and that is why your leadership matters right now.”

Estreet closed with a reminder that leadership is defined not by titles, but by everyday actions and responsibility toward others.

“Leadership is how you show up, how you treat people, how you carry responsibility,” he said.

During the ceremony, student speakers Rachel Ilyce Otero ’26MS, Daniella Oyindamola Adeshina ’26, and Angelica Barron Maulucci ’17, ’18MSW, ’26DSW moved attendees with powerful reflections on the winding and often uncertain paths that led them to this moment — from changing career plans and navigating new countries to returning to Simmons for advanced study. Their remarks emphasized gratitude for the people who help carry us forward and the importance of resilience.

“We do not need certainty to keep going,” said Adeshina. “We just need courage for that next step.”

Reflecting on her experience as a first-generation international student, Adeshina reminded graduates that the sense of community and belonging they found at Simmons would continue to support and shape them long after Commencement.

“Simmons is built through community, compassion and people who choose to believe in you,” she said.