Keuka College celebrated the graduation of approximately 400 members of the Class of 2026 on Saturday during a Commencement ceremony marked by emotional moments, inspirational speeches, and a surprise military reunion that drew a standing ovation from the crowd.
More than 2,000 family members, friends, and guests attended the ceremony at the Yates County campus.
One of the day’s most memorable moments came during remarks by College President Amy Storey, when student speaker Madisyn Theresa Robinson-Mayer was surprised on stage by her brother, Army Combat Medic Specialist Tyler Robinson.
Storey had called Robinson-Mayer and fellow student speaker Akinlana Popoola to the front of the stage for what appeared to be thank-you photos before asking Tyler Robinson to join them.
Robinson-Mayer reacted with disbelief as her brother emerged from the audience carrying flowers before the siblings embraced to applause from the crowd.
Following the ceremony, Robinson-Mayer said she was shocked by the surprise and had no idea her brother had traveled from Fort Stewart, where he is stationed.
“It’s something I always wished for,” said Robinson-Mayer, a Management major from Morrisonville. “I didn’t think he’d be able to make it, especially all the way from Georgia.”
Tyler Robinson said attending his sister’s graduation was never in doubt.
“My siblings are very important, and she’s the first one to graduate college,” he said. “I’m proud of her.”
The surprise marked the second consecutive year a military family reunion highlighted Keuka College’s Commencement ceremony.
Another notable moment came when Popoola, known on campus as “AP,” posed with Storey and Men’s Basketball Head Coach Tom Wilk alongside the Empire 8 Conference championship trophy won by the men’s basketball team.
During her presidential address, Storey reflected on the messages shared by both student speakers.
She praised Robinson-Mayer for speaking about the courage required to change direction in life and highlighted Popoola’s message about perseverance through setbacks.
“Education is not simply about personal advancement,” Storey told graduates. “It is about what you contribute to the lives of others. That is the true measure of success.”
Several faculty and staff honors were also announced during the ceremony.
Gylla MacGregor was named Professor of the Year, while Susan Groover-Van Pelt received the Adjunct Instructor of the Year award.
The college also announced that recently retired Professor of Social Work Ed Silverman was named professor emeritus in recognition of his service to the college.
Commencement weekend also included Keuka College’s annual Baccalaureate Service on Friday, featuring reflections from graduating seniors, including students from Branchport, Canandaigua, Penn Yan, Buffalo, Cicero, Schenectady, and other New York communities.
