Purdue Global speaker tells graduates that commencement is a ‘powerful continuation’ of their story
University celebrates largest graduation ceremony to date
A Purdue Global graduate shakes hands with Jon Harbor, interim chancellor at Purdue Global, after receiving a degree during the May 2026 Commencement ceremonies. (Purdue Global photo/Kelsey Lefever)
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The message from Purdue Global commencement speaker Kwame Hylton was clear, intentional and one of encouragement.
“This moment is not just the closing of a chapter; it is a powerful continuation of your story,” Hylton said. “Life does not begin tomorrow. It is already unfolding.”
Hylton, an associate director of admissions in Purdue Global’s Office for Returning Students, who earned a Master of Business Administration in 2015 and a Doctor of Education in leadership and innovation in 2025 from Purdue Global, encouraged the approximately 12,000 family, friends, faculty and staff in attendance across three in-person and two virtual ceremonies to fight through all of life’s challenges.
“Every trial shapes you. Every obstacle builds you,” Hylton said. “Life will bring you trials, but as you’ve done here, choose to persevere. Choose to rise. Choose to believe that you are made for more.”
Hylton reminded graduates that they’ve already overcome so much, and their degree is proof they have what it takes for what comes next.
“You are equipped. You are ready. You are not alone,” Hylton said. “So walk boldly into this next chapter.”
Purdue Global hosted its largest commencement weekend to date, celebrating the achievements of 3,753 graduates.
Eva Nodine, Purdue Global’s chief executive officer, also addressed the graduates, and Jon Harbor, interim chancellor, conferred the degrees. The graduates represented 49 states — including 590 Indiana residents — as well as 17 countries. There were 572 graduates affiliated with the military and 60 systemwide Purdue University employees who earned a Purdue Global degree or certificate via the Purdue Global education benefit.
Kaylen Wheeler-Gooden and Laura Gonzalez performed the national anthem. Wheeler-Gooden of Muskegon, Michigan, earned her master of professional studies. Gonzalez of Fort Wayne, Indiana, earned her Master of Business Administration.
The next Purdue Global commencement is scheduled for Oct. 3 in West Lafayette.
About Purdue Global
Purdue Global is Purdue’s online university for working adults who have life experience and often some college credits. It offers flexible paths for students to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, based on their work experience, military service and previous college credits, no matter where they are in their life journey. Purdue Global is a nonprofit, public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and backed by Purdue University. For more information, visit https://www.purdueglobal.edu.