Eastern awards 120 master's degrees

'Doors open' for the graduate Class of 2026

by Michael Rouleau

Willimantic, CT (05/18/2026) — More than 120 graduate-level students from Eastern Connecticut State University received master's degrees on May 16 at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford. The graduates were spurred by remarks from World Bank Executive Director Harold Tavares and a musical number by philanthropist David Foster, co-recipient of an Eastern honorary degree.

Conferred by the University's Graduate Division, students received advanced degrees in applied data science, management, accounting, education (early childhood, elementary, secondary), special education, and educational studies/technology. The graduates range in age from 21 to 64.

Ismaili: "A tremendous achievement"

Eastern President Karim Ismaili praised the graduates for their "tremendous achievement - one that required passion, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to your goals. ... This accomplishment reflects your readiness to lead, to innovate, and to confront the challenges of a world that needs your knowledge and your insights now more than ever."

Ismaili also acknowledged that many of the graduates balanced their advanced studies with full-time employment and family responsibilities

Recognizing the support system that helped the graduates along the way, from faculty mentors to family members, he said, "Today's celebration belongs to you as well."

Speaker Tavares urges graduates to "make opportunity"

This year's keynote address was delivered by World Bank Executive Director Harold Tavares, recipient of the second annual Distinguished Public Service Award. Tavares has built an international career dedicated to economic development, diplomacy, and global cooperation. Tavares launched his academic career at Eastern and now oversees a segment of the world's largest development bank that represents the economic interests of 23 African countries, many of which experience extreme poverty and socioeconomic challenges.

In his remarks, he urged graduates to not wait for opportunity, but to create it.

Tavares recalled a story from earlier in his career, when he was the chief of staff to the prime minister of Cabo Verde, his home country. During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2021, lifesaving vaccines were being distributed across the world, but not to his small island nation off the western coast of Africa.

"We needed to find a way to get them to our tiny islands quickly," he said. "We couldn't wait for an opportunity. We had to make one."

With his leadership, Cabo Verde engineered a solution in less than 48 hours with multiple countries and a cargo plane from Ethiopia. "It was complicated and disjointed. But it made the difference."

Tavares also told the graduates to lead with courage and to pave the way for others. Reminding them that they are in the minority of Americans with an advanced degree, he said, "Doors are opening for you. Be sure to hold them open for those around you. Each of you has the power - and the responsibility - to improve the human condition."

Tavares expressed gratitude for the opportunities afforded him due to his education, which began at Eastern before moving on to advanced studies. "Education brought me here," he said, with hopes that this year's graduates, too, will remember where they come from.

Gardner tells peers to rise above doubt

In her graduate student address, Olivia Gardner '25, M'26 delivered a message of self-belief and perseverance, especially when the outside world is doubtful.

Calling on the resilience of 19th-century poet Emily Dickinson, whose work was disparaged during her lifetime but acclaimed after her death, Gardner said, "There were moments in my own journey when it was easy to doubt myself and wonder if I belonged here at all. ... Social media is full of voices telling us who we should be and what success should look like, and how fast we should achieve it."

To her fellow graduates, she said, "You didn't earn a master's degree by being perfect or by following a straight, easy path. You got here by showing up, by pushing through doubt, and by continuing even when things felt overwhelming. What you've accomplished here wasn't easy, and that's exactly why it matters."

Honorary degree recipients: 'You are so beautiful'

Philanthropists David and Marilyn Foster each received honorary degrees for their longstanding friendship and transformational support of Eastern.

Through the family-led Lester E. Foster and Phyllis M. Foster Foundation, the Foster's generosity continues to support healthcare organizations, schools, food insecurity initiatives, veterans' causes, and numerous community service organizations. Their contributions to Eastern include significant support for scholarships, student initiatives, academic programs, and the David G. Carter Jr. Endowment Fund, helping to ensure opportunities for future generations of students.

David Foster, also a local music icon as co-owner of the legendary Shaboo Inn and frontman of the Shaboo All-Stars, closed the ceremony with a special performance of "You are so beautiful." A passionate blues and jazz musician, Foster's vocals were accompanied by band members from the original Joe Cocker band.

Welcome to the alumni

Eastern alumnus James Woulfe '09 welcomed the graduates to the University's alumni family. Woulfe had taken this very podium 17 years ago during his own commencement ceremony, when he delivered the senior class address. He now works as the chief of staff to the mayor of the City of Harford, Arunan Arulampalam.

Currently serving as chair of the newly formed Alumni Advisory Council, Woulfe encouraged the alumni to stay connected with the University.

"Lean on one another, and lean on us this alumni network. Reach out when you need help. Because there are people in this community who are rooting for you and willing to help however they can."

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