CAHNR Celebrates Graduate at 2026 Undergraduate Commencement

On May 9, 2026, more than 600 graduates from UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) crossed the stage at Gampel Pavilion, marking the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and growth. Surrounded by family, friends, faculty, and staff, members of the Class of 2026 officially became UConn alumni during the University’s 147th Commencement ceremony.

The day’s celebration reflected many of the traditions that make CAHNR commencement unique. Before the ceremony, graduates gathered with loved ones at a reception in the Student Union before making their way to the Field House to prepare for the processional.

Female graduate poses before 2026 CAHNR Commencement

Two female students pose before CAHNR commencement

Capping Off an Academic Milestone

Inside Gampel Pavilion, graduates were welcomed by Kristen Govoni, associate dean for academic programs and director of the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture, who served as master of ceremonies. The ceremony also featured remarks from university and college leaders, including Dean Kumar Venkitanarayanan, Senior Vice Provost Amy Gorin, Associate Dean Amy Harder, Interim Associate Dean Ock Chun, and Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment Nathan Fuerst.

This year’s student speaker, Kayla-Audrey Obolo Njoh-Sam ’26 (CAHNR), reflected on her journey from Cameroon to UConn and encouraged fellow graduates to embrace change and uncertainty with confidence.

“Today, we are being asked to be brave enough to begin again,” she told the audience. “We already know how to begin, we have done hard things, entered unfamiliar rooms, adapted, failed, learned, and kept going.”

The ceremony also recognized Kevin Burns ’86 (ENGR), president and chief operating officer of Chobani, who received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University. A UConn alumnus and longtime supporter of the University, Burns was honored for his leadership across the food, health, and technology industries as well as his commitment to expanding educational opportunity for students.

n his commencement remarks, Burns encouraged graduates to lead with purpose and remain open to growth and opportunity throughout their careers.

CAHNR leadership also recognized students earning some of the University’s highest academic distinctions. Andrei Abarientos, a Pathobiology and Sociology double major, was honored as a University Scholar, the University’s top undergraduate academic recognition. In total, 51 CAHNR students graduated with Honors, including 11 University Honors Laureates.

Jonathan XV sits with students at 2026 CAHNR commencement — Chloe Trudel sang the national anthem

Female student sings national anthem — Chloe Trudel sang the national anthem

Turning a Page

As graduates received their diploma covers and celebrated with classmates, cheers filled Gampel Pavilion from proud family members and friends. Following the ceremony, students gathered outside with loved ones to take photos and celebrate the milestone together.

“We know that wherever your journey takes you, you will always be a Husky and a member of our college family,” says Dean Venkitanarayanan.

The Class of 2026 leaves CAHNR prepared to make an impact across agriculture, health, environmental sciences, sustainability, business, research, and beyond. They now join a community of over 23,000 alumni and will remain connected through their shared experience as members of the UConn and CAHNR community.