Dr. Ali Houshmand, president of Rowan University, the keynote speaker at Williamson’s 133rd Commencement on May 21, said to the 93 members of the Class of 2W6, “This is my third visit to this amazing campus. Every time I come here, it reaffirms my belief that Williamson is a perfect example of what higher education can do. That’s because Williamson produces graduates who are ready to meet the needs of society. Wherever you go, I have every confidence you will thrive in your chosen fields.”
Speaking on a stage on the Betty and Russell 5W0 Harvey Athletic Field, Houshmand said, “That’s why I am delighted to celebrate this day with you. You are highly trained, skilled professionals who are ready to work. That’s what we need. We need to give students a broad, practical education so they are ready to put on different hats at different times in their lives.
“Class of 2026, you are graduating at exactly the right moment. You know how to think, how to work, and how to build. We need people who are not afraid to work, to solve real problems, and take responsibility for the future they create with their own hands. You leave here not just with skills, but with confidence, discipline, and a sense of purpose. Wherever you go next, carry with you the pride of this place and the belief that you belong anywhere your ambition leads you.”
He said this is an exciting time as our country is reinvesting in manufacturing and increasing our ability to produce, build, invent, and work. “I believe now is the right time to invest in the kind of education that produces graduates like you because you are what our country needs right now for a thriving and stable future.”
He then spoke of the shared connection of Williamson and Rowan University with Henry Rowan. He said that Rowan valued hands-on learning, hard work, and Williamson students. “He made a personal investment in this institution, just as he did Rowan University. As a result, for generations to come, this college will produce more great people like you, and this country is going to be better off as a result.”
He also spoke of the Rowan-Williamson partnership that was created recently to give Williamson graduates the opportunity to earn advanced certificates and degrees in construction management and related fields. “Today, those of you graduating from Willliamson’s construction technology programs will also receive two certificates from Rowan University in construction management and project management, making you well on your way to earning a bachelor’s degree. Recently, 31 of you visited Rowan to learn about taking that next step. I hope many of you continue that journey.”
Houshmand then spoke of his personal humble background, growing up in poverty with parents who did not know how to read or write, but who saw the value of education. He went on to study at a university in England and came to the United States as an engineering professor. “Now I lead one of the fastest-growing research universities in the nation. I went through struggles, but the reason I’m standing in front of you is because, like you, I was lucky enough to get access to a great education.”
At the conclusion of his remarks, Chase Thompson, the senior class president, presented him with the Cube Award, manufactured by Williamson’s Machine Tool Technology students.
In his introduction of Houshmand, President Michael Rounds said, “Dr. Houshmand has been president of Rowan University since 2012 and in that time has made a transformational impact, leading it to become a highly respected national university. His entrepreneurial approach to higher education focuses on four goals: increasing access, improving quality, ensuring affordability, and promoting economic development.
“His accomplishments include more than doubling enrollment, making it the fastest growing university in the Northeast; adding 51 new academic programs; turning Rowan University into one of the top ten fastest-growing research universities in the nation; completing $1.8 billion in university-related construction projects; and raising over $360 million in new gifts and pledges.”
Rounds explained that Houshmand developed an articulation agreement with Williamson that allows our graduates with an associate degree to quickly earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management at Rowan University. “There are 31 seniors graduating today who are able to complete this degree if they wish.”
In his opening remarks, Rounds mentioned that prior to Commencement, the board of trustees held a memorial in the Clara Schrenk Memorial Chapel in remembrance of Arlene Snyder, vice president for institutional advancement, who passed away on May 5 after serving Williamson for ten years. Earlier, many from Williamson attended a visitation for Snyder at the nearby Shropshire Funeral Home and students, faculty, and staff attended a memorial to Snyder in the chapel that afternoon.
In his Senior Address, Thompson said, “The senior class motto on our class flag says, ‘Discipline will take you places that motivation cannot.’ Everyone here today in a cap and gown was disciplined to make it through the Williamson journey. Motivation is how you got going, discipline is how you kept going. You all learned that you do not need talent, you learned you need discipline, hard work, and sacrifice. This is the difference between a college student and a Williamson Man. Discipline is the highest form of self respect.”
Thompson then passed the senior gavel to Jack Brong, president of the Class of 2W7, who said “I would like to congratulate the senior class of 2W6 on completing your Williamson journey. You have taken a path of hard work, knowledge, discipline, and you have done so with faith, integrity, diligence, excellence, and service. I know you will all continue to do great things and I wish each of you the absolute best.”
Dr. Michelle Williams, vice president of academic affairs and chief academic officer, read the names of the newly inducted members of the I.V. Williamson Club, which was founded to recognize leadership and initiative among members of the senior class, and the seniors who are members of Phi Theta Kappa, a national academic honors society. She then announced the recipients of the Commencement awards.
Before presenting two awards, William Bonenberger 7W9, chairman of the Board of Trustees, spoke of the untimely death of Arlene Snyder, vice president for institutional advancement, on May 5. “If you look around the campus and see all of these beautiful buildings that have been added in the last several years, Arlene’s role was in raising the money to do the construction.
“One of her biggest initiatives in the last several years was to develop the Legacy Scholarship. These scholarships cost $500,000 and fund a full scholarship and room and board for one student in perpetuity. With Arlene’s passing, the board’s Advancement Committee chairman, reached out to all of the trustees and in three days the trustees, and some special friends of Williamson, raised the $500,000. I can officially announce today that the Arlene Snyder Legacy Scholarship is fully funded in perpetuity.”
He then presented the Larry Turner Leadership Award, newly created by the Board of Trustees to honor trustee Larry Turner, who passed away in April 2025 after serving on the board for 22 years. The award’s criteria, determined by the Turner family are impeccable leadership qualities, unwavering strength of character, and a commitment to Williamson’s core values. The award’s recipient is determined by a vote of the senior class. The first recipient of this award is Robert Wagner, a Power Plant Technology senior.
Bonenberger then presented the most prestigious award, the Jeanette and James R. Clemens 3W4 Award for citizenship, leadership, and scholarship to Landen Nott, a Construction Technology-Carpentry senior.
Before the conferring of diplomas, Williams said, “This year marked a milestone for Williamson in partnership with Rowan University to offer seniors in carpentry, electrical, and masonry the unique opportunity to explore a construction management track curriculum. Thirty-one seniors selected this academic track and while completing their construction management courses here they also simultaneously earned certificates in construction management and project management from Rowan University through our partnership and articulation agreement.
Rounds, Houshmand, Bonenberger, Chris Moran 9W9, president of the Williamson Association of Alumni, Garey Stathes, a Class of 7W6 50th class celebrant, and Rev. Dr. Mark Specht 7W7, chaplain, then presented the associate in specialized technology degree to each of the 93 seniors.
In his closing remarks, Rounds said “Congratulations to the Class of 2W6. We are so proud of you. Williamson is not an easy place, it is challenging and requires hard work. Not many young men are capable of completing the program here at Williamson, but you came together as a class and accomplished the mission you started nearly 1,000 days ago – to complete the requirements for your degree from Williamson and leave here as Williamson graduates, but even more importantly – Williamson men! Your journey as a Williamson student is complete, but you are just beginning an exciting new journey. We are confident you are prepared and will be successful and that you will carry forward the values of FIDES in everything you do.”
As they left the athletic field, each graduate, with diploma in hand, rang the Commencement Bell signifying he is now a Williamson alumnus.
Commencement began with the Artisans, under the leadership of Sherre Gaertner, singing the National Anthem and closed with the alma mater. Stathes opened the program with the invocation. Specht closed the event with the benediction. Several members of the Class of 7W6, celebrating their 50th anniversary, marched in the processional in gold caps and gowns.
