Graduate Commencement Held at Mohegan Arena

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story will be updated on Tuesday, May 26, with additional photos.

The University of Scranton conferred more than 450 master’s and doctoral degrees at its graduate commencement ceremony for the Class of 2026. Graduates received their diplomas on Sunday, May 24, at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre Township. Graduates must have completed their academic requirements between August 2025 and May 2026.

Graduates spanned 22 states from throughout the U.S., including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee with a large concentration from the East Coast. Pennsylvania was the most populous state among the graduates at 48%, followed by New Jersey and New York at about 15% each. International graduates hailed from Canada, India and Saudi Arabia.

Harshil Nariya ’26, a Master of Business Administration graduate from Enola, addressed his fellow graduates as the class speaker.

“Today is not just a celebration of what we have become, but it is also a reflection of who we are," Nariya said. “We came here with ambitions: to build careers, to learn, to create opportunities. And yes, we have done that. But along the way, we also developed something deeper. We developed empathy, resilience and a sense of responsibility.

“I come from a background where opportunities are not always guaranteed. From working in my family business to studying here, I have seen different sides of the world. And what I think connects them is simple: an understanding that our success is tied to those around us.”

Karen L. Pennington, Ph.D. ’76, G’83, H’15, who spoke earlier in the day at the undergraduate commencement ceremony, addressed the graduate crowd, as well.

Dr. Pennington, a former higher education administrator, was also in town to celebrate her 50-year class reunion.

“You have a chance to use this gift of education, this special status you achieved, as the launching pad to be more than you were before,” Dr. Pennington said. “Take all you have learned about managing time — past, present and future — to carry the lessons of organization, respect and kindness with you, as you commit to taking the actions necessary to achieve all of your goals.

“What does it mean to have a degree from The University of Scranton? You soon will know, because you have reached the end of this part of your Scranton journey. ... I say it's just ‘this part,’ because what it means to have a degree from The University of Scranton is more than a piece of paper to hang on your wall. It is knowing that you are part of a larger community, not just while in class but for long after."

Among the degrees awarded were Masters of Accountancy, Business Administration, Health Administration, Science and Science in Nursing; as well as Doctors of Nursing Practice, Occupational Therapy, Philosophy and Physical Therapy.

An archived recording of the ceremony is available online.