New England College Celebrates the Class of 2026

The College celebrated the graduation of over 1,200 students for the 2025–2026 academic year and hosted New Hampshire Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander.

New England College (NEC) held its 79th Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 2, on the Simon Lawn in Henniker and celebrated the achievements of the class of 2026. Throughout the 2025–2026 academic year, approximately 1,212 students graduated from NEC’s on-campus and online undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.

“Commencement is both a celebration of achievement and a reminder of the responsibility that comes with opportunity,” said Dr. Wayne F. Lesperance, Jr., President of New England College. “At NEC, we are committed to preparing students not only for successful careers, but also for lives of purpose, leadership, and service. As our graduates take this next step, they carry with them the resilience, compassion, and determination needed to strengthen their communities and shape a better future for all.”

Graduates, their families and friends, and NEC guests heard from Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander from New Hampshire’s Second Congressional District, who served as Commencement speaker. Rep. Goodlander received an honorary doctorate from NEC during the ceremony.

“To the class of 2026, this is your day. You have worked hard. You have learned the habits of heart and mind that are going to serve you in the days ahead,” Rep. Goodlander shared. “You are the next generation of leaders, called to take the wheel and chart a bold course. We need your ideas, your talents, your integrity, your fire, your courage, and your kindness. You have made a positive difference in the life of this community. Don’t lose faith in your ability, your power, to make a positive difference in the life of our nation.”

Watch the Commencement 2026 recording.

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