F&M Stories
‘Own That Achievement,’ NFL Pro Tells Class of 2026 Graduates
As members of Franklin & Marshall College’s Class of 2026 completed their undergraduate journeys May 9, NFL great Troy Vincent urged them to turn adversity into opportunity.
“Setbacks are not signals to stop. They are opportunities to grow stronger,” said Vincent, speaker at the College’s 239th Commencement. Watch the recorded ceremony.
Rain clouds couldn’t dampen the jovial atmosphere as families filled the College’s Alumni Sports and Fitness Center to cheer on 411 graduates.
"You didn’t just complete a degree," said Vincent, executive vice president of football operations at the NFL. "You navigated uncertainty, global disruption, and a world that refused to slow down while you were figuring out who you are becoming. That matters. Take a moment and own that achievement.”
Presiding over his first Commencement, F&M President Andrew Rich told graduates they were ready to tackle a world that has undergone vast transformation since their first year on campus.
“The world is moving faster than ever before. Artificial intelligence is reshaping entire industries, and it is reshaping jobs and careers. Climate change is reordering economies. Democratic institutions face historic pressures," Rich said. “In this changing world, it seems clear that the demand is not for people who can follow established maps — but for people who can draw new ones. And that means you.”
Henry S. Williamson Medalist Menelaos Raptis ’26 echoed the impact that singular choices can make on campus and beyond.
“We grew together — in knowledge and in character,” said Raptis, who graduated with a 4.0 GPA in astrophysics and applied mathematics. “We made choices every single day of our college lives. And let me do a small calculation. Today, we are more than 400 graduates. If each of us made at least 1,000 meaningful choices, that is nearly half a million parallel universes created within this campus.”
Vincent received a Doctor of Humane Letters. Three other distinguished honorees were recognized: former F&M President John Fry and Lancaster community leaders Susan Eckert and MaryAnn Robins.
Fry, the 14th president of F&M, is president of Temple University and former president of Drexel University. Eckert is well known for her 25 years as the head of the United Way of Lancaster County. Robins is president of the Circle Legacy Center, a nonprofit organization at the forefront of supporting and empowering the Indigenous community in Lancaster.
For downloadable images of the ceremony and events leading up to Commencement, see our full photo gallery.
Graduates gleefully proceed toward the College’s 239th Commencement ceremony. (Photo by Deb Grove)
Graduates proceed toward the College’s 239th Commencement ceremony. (Photo by Deb Grove)
The next generation of Diplomats received their diplomas on May 9, 2026. (Photo by Eric Forberger)
Commencement speaker Troy Vincent, executive vice president of football operations at the NFL and former cornerback. (Photo by Eric Forberger)
Menelaos Raptis ’26 received the Henry S. Williamson medal, F&M’s highest award for student achievement. (Photo by Deb Grove)
Presiding over his first Commencement, F&M President Andrew Rich addresses the Class of 2026. (Photo by Deb Grove)
F&M Chair of the Board of Trustees Eric Noll ’83, P ’09, will conclude his term as board chair in June. (Photo by Deb Grove)
The next generation of Diplomats received their diplomas on May 9, 2026. (Photo by Deb Grove)
Brian Norcross directs the wind ensemble. Norcross, senior director of instrumental music & conducting studies, will retire in June after 40 years of service at F&M. (Photo by Deb Grove)
The Class of 2026 turns mortarboard tassels from right to left to signify the official conferral of degrees. (Photo by Deb Grove)
Graduates gather with family and friends outside the Alumni Sports & Fitness Center. (Photo by Deb Grove)
Graduates gather with family and friends outside the Alumni Sports & Fitness Center. (Photo by Deb Grove)
“One truth never changes: The will to prepare to win separates good from great. Talent opens doors. Preparation keeps them open. Commitment sustains them.”
“In this changing world, it seems clear that the demand is not for people who can follow established maps — but for people who can draw new ones. And that means you.”
“Move forward with resilience, with passion, with integrity. Whether we walk through familiar doors or entirely new ones, we will carry with us every version of ourselves that was shaped here.”
“With unwavering determination, let us chase after our aspirations and continue to live, learn, and grow as leaders and Diplomats.”
Full Commencement Remarks
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