May 22, 2026

Our Lady of the Elms celebrates the Class of 2026

REGIONAL
By Michael Pedro

CHICOPEE – Friends, families, fellow students and faculty members gathered at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield, Saturday, May 16 to cheer on the 2026 graduating class of Our Lady of the Elms College. This was the 95^th commencement ceremony for the college located in Chicopee.

More than 400 students received their degrees, including five valedictorians. Valedictorian Rafael Artero, addressed fellow graduates.

“The unknown is definitely exciting,” said Artero in his address to the class. “We each had a moment where we wondered if we truly belonged here. The answer, as it turned out, was always yes.”

Global business leader and philanthropist James Keyes was the keynote speaker.

“I want to make sure you recognize that word, commencement… this is just the beginning,” Keyes told the graduates. 

Keyes, along with Sister of St. Joseph Annette McDermott, received honorary degrees in recognition of their humanitarian contributions. Regina Hitchery, class of 1971, was awarded the college’s Via Veritatis Medal, honoring individuals who exemplify Catholic values and service.

“As we celebrate the accomplishments of the class of 2026 and confer upon them the degrees and certificates that they have earned through their hard work, Elms College is also thrilled to recognize the exemplary achievements of Commencement Speaker Jim Keyes, Honorary Degree Recipient Sr. Annette McDermott, and Via Veritatis Medal Recipient, Regina Hitchery ‘71,” said Elms College president Harry Dumay, Ph. D.

In total, five countries and 17 states were represented among the graduates. Elms College is a coed Catholic college founded in 1928 by the Sisters of St. Joseph.

A video version of this story will be featured on Saturday’s edition of “Real to Reel,” which airs at 7 p.m. on WWLP-22NEWS.