Faculty, staff, and students gather for a night of welcoming the 2026 Saint Peter’s graduating class into a lifelong alumni community.
Saint Peter’s University celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 during the annual John J. Delaney Graduate Reception, hosted by the Office of Alumni Engagement ahead of Commencement ceremonies.
Held in honor of John “Jack” Delaney ’50, the evening recognized graduating students while officially welcoming them into the University’s global alumni community. Delaney played a leading role in the formal reorganization of the Saint Peter’s alumni community in 1953, helping establish the strong culture of alumni engagement and lifelong connection that continues today.
“Tonight, we celebrate a truly special milestone: the accomplishments of the Class of 2026,” said Cinthia Diaz during her opening remarks on behalf of Saint Peter’s University and the Office of Alumni Engagement. “Your hard work, resilience, and dedication have brought you to this moment, and we are incredibly proud of all that you have achieved.”
The reception highlighted the achievements and diversity of the graduating class, which includes more than 1,000 graduates representing programs across the University, including Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Nursing and Professional Studies. Addressing the graduates, Saint Peter’s University Alumni Board President Eric McCullough reflected on the unique makeup of the Class of 2026 and the impact students have made both inside and outside the classroom.
“You are a diverse and dynamic class,” McCullough said. “More than half of our undergraduate students are first-generation college students, and more than 80 percent of you have participated in internships, research, study abroad, or other hands-on learning experiences preparing you not just for your next step but for long-term success.”
The evening also included a mission moment and prayer led by Father James Miracky, S.J., vice president for Mission Integration and Ministry, offering a blessing for the graduating class as they prepare to begin the next chapter of their journeys.
Saint Peter’s University President Hubert Benitez congratulated graduates on their accomplishments while encouraging them to carry the University’s Jesuit values into their futures. “Saint Peter’s University is grounded in a mission to form leaders committed to service, integrity, and the common good,” Benitez said. “As you move forward, I encourage you to carry those values with you into your careers, your communities, and your lives.” During the evening, President Benitez also recognized members of the Class of 2026 selected to receive commencement awards for outstanding academic achievement, leadership and service to the University community.
A highlight of the reception was the presentation of the Class of 2026 Gift of $3,026 by student representatives Christopher Dominguez and Julio Santos. Continuing a longstanding Saint Peter’s tradition, the graduating class raised funds in support of the General Scholarship Fund, helping make Saint Peter’s education accessible for future students.
The student representatives also recognized Anne Butler ’69 for contributing an additional $1,000 gift in support of the initiative.
The evening concluded with graduates, families, faculty, staff and friends celebrating together with music, food and activities, marking both the culmination of their Saint Peter’s journey and the beginning of their lifelong connection to the University community.
Wherever your path takes you, Saint Peter’s will always be part of your story.