BHCC Celebrates Class of 2026 at 52nd Commencement Ceremony, Boston City Councilor at Large Ruthzee Louijeune Addresses Graduates
Friday, June 5, 2026
Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2026 during its 52nd Commencement Exercises, held on May 21, 2026, at MGM Music Hall at Fenway, with Boston City Councilor at Large Ruthzee Louijeune serving as the keynote speaker.
The ceremony brought together students, faculty, staff, families, friends, and community leaders to honor a diverse graduating class representing resilience, perseverance, and academic excellence.
About the Class of 2026
- 1,494 total students
- 625 received Associate of Arts degrees
- 736 received Associate of Science degrees
- 133 received certificates
- 58 graduates were Veterans, Military Personnel, and family members
- 225 received honors with a GPA of 3.3 or higher
- 460 received high honors with a GPA of 3.5 or higher
- 222 of you received highest honors with a GPA of 3.9 or higher
- 14 received more than one degree.
- 8 graduates in 20026 received an associate degree earned through our Early College programs—finishing high school already with one higher education credential
A first-generation American and advocate for equity and opportunity, Louijeune praised graduates for overcoming significant challenges, saying, “This is not just a graduation. It is proof that resilience can outlast exhaustion, fear, and every voice that ever whispered, ‘I don’t know if you can make it.’ But still, you kept going.”
BHCC President Pam Eddinger presided over the ceremony, emphasizing the transformative power of education and ambition. “Dream no small dreams… today you have achieved something extraordinary,” said Eddinger. “You have claimed the power of higher education not just for yourself, but for the generations to come.”
Student Government Association President Jennifer Oxenkrug, graduating with degrees in computer science and mathematics, delivered a deeply personal address reflecting the resilience of her classmates. “We did not just earn this degree—we earned it despite everything else life threw at us,” she said, sharing her experience recovering from open-heart surgery during the academic year.
Professor Alison L. Ruch, faculty speaker and professor of English, encouraged graduates to view their lives as evolving stories shaped by courage and creativity. “Your choices and your words shape your life… each twist and turn you add to your story takes bravery,” she said.
President Eddinger recognized outstanding leadership with the President’s Student Leadership Award, presented to Diana Paulino Castillo and Lajerran “L J” Long for their exceptional academic and community contributions.
Congratulations to all BHCC graduates!
To view more photos from the ceremony, view our Facebook album.