Collage of images from Bentley's Class of 2026 commencement celebration, including a cap decorated with a scene from teh book Oh the Places You'll Go, a student making a heart with her hands, and groups of friends celebrating

Photos above by Maddie Schroeder. Additional images courtesy of Bentley students.

In Their Own Words: Bentley’s Class of 2026 Reflects

by Kristen Walsh

June 9, 2026

On May 16, Bentley’s undergraduate Class of 2026 came together to celebrate their graduation. In the weeks after, they did what Bentley students do best — connect with their LinkedIn community.

Their heartfelt and reflective messages speak to persistence on campus and beyond. They blazed trails. Balanced academics, athletics and leadership. Discovered what “good business” means to them.

Read on for more from the Class of 2026 on the moments that influenced, inspired and challenged them.

Alexandra Gunning ’26

Major: Economics-Finance

“My time at Bentley has been unforgettable, challenging and incredibly rewarding. I am so grateful for the professors, mentors and friends who supported me along the way.

I am excited to announce that I will be joining the team at Skyward Specialty Insurance as a financial planning and analysis analyst. I can’t wait to dive into this next chapter, learn from a fantastic team and really spread my wings.”

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Alexandra Gunning ’26 holds her Bentley diploma in the air wearing cap and gown

Rene Hernandez ’26

Major: Finance and Technology

“As a first-generation college student, this milestone means a great deal to me. Four years ago, I did not even think attending college would be possible. Bentley gave me an opportunity, and I committed myself fully to making the most of it. Looking back now, I am incredibly proud of how much I have grown throughout this journey, both personally and professionally.

I’m excited to announce that I will be starting my career full-time at First Citizens Bank in New York City. I’m looking forward to continuing to learn, grow and take on new challenges as I begin this next chapter.”

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Nyla James ’26

Major: Corporate Finance and Accounting

“This journey has challenged me, shaped me and allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. My time at Bentley has strengthened my passion for finance, accounting, leadership and creating meaningful impact within organizations and communities.

I’m excited to take the lessons, experiences and connections I’ve gained into this next chapter. Following graduation I will begin working at John Hancock as a staff accountant within the Certification in Public Accounting Rotational Program for the next three years.”

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Nyla James ’26, wearing cap and gown, holds Bentley diploma as she walks across the stage at commencement

Sophia Marchant ’26

Major: Computer Information Systems

“As a first-generation college student, I’m proud of achieving President’s List across several semesters, being inducted into the Tri-Alpha society, working as a career colleague in one of the top undergrad career services in the country, and graduating with GPA honors, magna cum laude.

Each of these experiences has helped shape me personally, academically and professionally. I am leaving Bentley with memories of a lifetime, meaningful relationships and lessons that I will carry with me into the next chapter of my career.”

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Emmanuel Nda ’26

Major: Professional Sales

“Over the past four years, I’ve been fortunate enough to make the Dean’s List every semester while competing as a dual-sport student-athlete. Balancing academics, athletics and leadership opportunities pushed me to grow in ways I’ll always be grateful for.

None of this would have been possible without the support of my family, friends, coaches, professors, mentors and the incredible staff at Bentley who believed in me every step of the way. Thank you for the guidance, encouragement and lessons that helped shape who I am today.”

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Emmanuel Nda ’26 in a celebratory hug after Bentley commencement ceremony

Skyla Nolan ’26

Major: Management

“I am ecstatic to announce that this past weekend, I graduated summa cum laude with my honors bachelor’s degree in management. I have also completed a portion of my MBA credits through the Advanced Standing in Business Program.

I would like to thank my family, friends, professors and mentors who have supported me endlessly along the way, and who I am so grateful for. I am beyond excited to begin my career with Enterprise Mobility this summer, as well as continue my MBA journey at Bentley’s McCallum Graduate School of Business this fall!”

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Josephine Raphino ’26

Major: Management

“Looking back at my time here, it feels like a whirlwind of challenging courses and late-night study sessions. I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the people who truly shaped my academic journey.

To the incredible tutors, thank you all for your endless patience and for breaking down complex concepts when I felt stuck. Your peer-to-peer support was a lifeline more times than I can count. The future is wide open, and I can't wait to see what comes next!”

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Josephine Raphino ’26 holds her Bentley diploma in front of the library steps

Bentley's Jaychele Schenck poses in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority jacket

Jaychele Schenck ’26

Double Major: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Information Design and Corporate Communication

“This spring, I had the honor of becoming a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. On a campus where only a small handful of students have ever had the opportunity to become members of historically Black Greek-letter organizations through our city-wide chapters, this milestone carries an even deeper meaning for me.

Bentley has shaped me not only as a student and leader, but as a woman committed to service, excellence and creating impact in every space I enter.”

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Aaron Share ’26

Major: Marketing

“My last two years at Bentley have been an incredible journey. After spending my initial two years at Pace University, Pleasantville, I decided to transfer to Bentley University. Following a campus tour, I managed to complete the entire rigorous transfer application in less than a week to meet the deadline, and the rest is history.

Navigating that intensive process in such a short timeframe taught me invaluable lessons about self-trust when making difficult decisions. A huge thank you to my friends, family and everyone who helped me along the way!”

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Aaron Share ’26, dressed in cap and gown, proudly holds his Bentley diploma

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