Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 during its 157th Commencement exercises, honoring graduates whose innovation, perseverance, and purpose-driven achievements will help shape the future. Ceremonies were held on May 14 and 15 at the DCU Center, where WPI awarded nearly 1,200 bachelor’s degrees, over 600 master’s degrees, and more than 60 doctoral degrees to graduates across a broad spectrum of disciplines in science, engineering, technology, business, and the humanities. Together, these graduates join a global network of WPI changemakers prepared to lead with knowledge, creativity, and impact.
WPI President Grace Wang and Board of Trustees Chair William Fitzgerald presided over the university’s undergraduate Commencement exercises.
In her address, Wang reminded graduates that their WPI education has prepared them not only with technical expertise and ethical leadership skills, but with the resilience, critical thinking, teamwork, and global responsibility needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
“We stand at the dawn of a new technological age,” said Wang. “There’s a good chance you will do jobs that are yet to be invented. You will work in companies that are yet to be established. You will address issues that are yet to be defined. This does not mean we should feel uncertain. This means everything can be questioned, and everything can be new. Never before has so much possibility existed to make the world better, the future brighter.”
Delivering an inspiring undergraduate address was multiplatinum, Grammy Award-winning artist, tech founder, philanthropist, and STEAM education advocate will.i.am. Known globally for his groundbreaking work at the intersection of music, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, education, and through his i.am Angel Foundation, will.i.am challenged graduates to embrace creativity, innovation, and service as they forge their own paths.
“How intentional are you going to be with this technology as you unearth tomorrow’s industries?” asked will.i.am “Pick a problem, solve it. That solution is an industry. This is the time for imagination, and AI is not imagining. It’s regurgitation of the human imagination. Turn that off.”
As part of the undergraduate ceremony, honorary doctoral degrees were bestowed on will.i.am and Paul Covec ’64, an entrepreneur and investor who has played a formative role in advancing technologies that have shaped modern industry.
This year’s undergraduate student remarks were delivered by Mena Youssif, who received a bachelor of science in civil engineering. In his speech, “We Didn’t See It Coming,” he reflected on the pace of change in the world and the unexpected growth and personal changes students experienced.
The following students earned their bachelor’s degree:
Holliston, Massachusetts resident Nandini Basavaraj who majored in Data Science
Holliston, Massachusetts resident Jared Vincent Sangil who majored in Architectural Engineering
Holliston, Massachusetts resident Tejas Balcha who majored in Computer Science and Robotics Engineering
Holliston, Massachusetts resident Grace Amlicke who majored in Mechanical Engineering and Robotics Engineering
Holliston, Massachusetts resident Gianna Sangermano who majored in Biomedical Engineering and Professional Writing
About Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a top-tier, STEM-focused university with an R1 research classification and global leadership in project-based learning. Founded in 1865, WPI’s distinctive approach integrates classroom theory with real-world practice, preparing students to tackle critical challenges through inclusive education, impactful projects, and interdisciplinary research. With more than 70 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs across 18 academic departments and over 50 global project centers, WPI advances knowledge and innovation in fields such as life sciences, smart technologies, advanced materials and manufacturing, and global innovation. Learn more at www.wpi.edu.
