“Today we celebrate an achievement that deserves real recognition, not only because of the credential that is being awarded, but because of the journey required to reach it.”
With these words, Interim President David M. Mills opened the 56th Commencement Ceremony of Franklin Switzerland, held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura, which saw the conferring of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees to 81 students from around the world.
Families traveled from different countries, professors celebrated students they had accompanied for years, and friends and alumni came together to honor a shared milestone. For the Franklin community, Commencement is never only about degrees; it is about transformation, growth, and the experiences that shape who students become along the way.
“Education is about the formation of practical wisdom, intellectual humility, a focused sense of responsibility, and the adaptability and resilience necessary to survive and act thoughtfully in an age of uncertainty and change,” said Interim President Mills in his opening remarks. He was followed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Paul C. Lowerre ’77, himself a Franklin graduate of the Class of 1977, who reflected on Franklin’s enduring mission since 1969 to provide an international and cross-cultural education grounded in curiosity, adaptability, and global perspective.
The guest of honor, His Excellency Ahmed Ebrahim Al Qarainees ‘07, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Federal Republic of Germany and Franklin alumnus of the Class of 2007, returned to campus as commencement speaker. In recognition of his achievements and lasting connection to the University, he was also awarded an Honorary Degree.
Presented by Nickolas Neibauer ’05, Director of Advancement and Alumni and former roommate of the Ambassador during their time at Franklin, His Excellency Ahmed Ebrahim Al Qarainees '07 spoke about responsibility, stating that “responsibility is not abstract. It is reflected in your daily choices, in how you treat people, in the standards you set for yourselves, and in whether you choose integrity over convenience, and purpose over short-term gain.”
He also reflected on uncertainty, noting that setbacks and unexpected turns are not interruptions, but part of the path itself. Experiences that shape resilience, judgment, and character. His message encouraged graduates to remain patient, curious, and humble, and to hold firmly to their principles as they step into new opportunities.
A particularly meaningful moment of the ceremony was the posthumous presentation of the Ursula Gentile Lowerre Outstanding Service Award to Tim Darrin ’74, alumnus and former member of the Board of Trustees, who passed away in 2024. Remembered for his adventurous spirit and belief in the transformative power of education, his legacy was further honored through the creation of the Tim Darrin ’74 Scholarship Fund, established with an initial contribution of $50,000 to support future Franklin students. The award was accepted by his brother, Drake Darrin, in a moment of remembrance.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TIM DARRIN ’74 SCHOLARSHIP FUND
The ceremony also honored Clarice Zdanski, longtime instructor of Studio Art and Art History, who was awarded the title of Professor Emerita upon her retirement, in recognition of her lasting contribution to the Franklin community.
Then came the moment no one forgets: names called, degrees conferred, tassel moved from right to left.
But even as the ceremony reached its most symbolic point, the voices that defined the 56th Commencement Ceremony were not only those on stage, but also those of the students themselves.
Every year, one of the most anticipated moments of Commencement is the address delivered by an undergraduate student from the graduating class. This year, senior students selected Denzel Isaiah Louis, who graduated with a major in Finance, as the student speaker representing the Class of 2026. Speaking on behalf of his peers, he reflected on the shared experience of the senior class and on how Franklin has shaped not only their academic journey, but also their sense of community and belonging. He emphasized the importance of staying together and facing challenges as one, reminding his classmates that they will never be alone in what comes next. As he said, “We didn’t just study together. We traveled together, lived together across languages and cultures, and built something that only works because of how different we all are.”
He concluded with a message that captured the spirit of the class: “Because we may not know what’s next. But we know how we’ll face it.”
The celebration continued in the LAC foyer, where graduates, families, alumni, and faculty came together once more, sharing laughter, embraces, and memories that will stay long after the day itself.
Because at Franklin, Commencement is not an ending.
It is a beginning carried forward.
To the Class of 2026: CONGRATULATIONS!
Relive the emotions: watch the highlight video below
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