LEXINGTON, Ky. — Transylvania University is honoring its Class of 2026 through a series of senior spotlights that showcase the personal growth, faculty mentorship and community impact that defined students' college experiences, according to a feature published by the university.

The spotlights highlight students like Alex O'Connor, a Health and Exercise Science major with a psychology minor who worked as a Work Study student in the university's alumni office all four years. O'Connor was active in multiple campus organizations including Phi Mu sorority, the Student Alumni Association and the Pre-Health and Pre-PT clubs. After graduation, she is taking a gap year to work in Louisville.

Other featured graduates include Simon Bullmer, a double major in Classics and History who served as president of the Student Alumni Association and worked on campus for four years, and Ben Breitenstein, a triple major in Writing Rhetoric and Communication, Music Technology and Music Performance who plans to tour with his band this summer.

The commencement ceremony took place May 23 on the Old Morrison lawn, where the university, founded in 1780, celebrated its graduates in traditional academic regalia and style.

The Class of 2026 demonstrated significant institutional pride through the Senior Challenge fundraising initiative, with graduates supporting academic programs, athletic teams, scholarships and campus improvements of their choosing. As part of the challenge, the class is raising money to replace outdoor furniture on campus, with a goal of $2,026.

Before commencement, the university honored student achievements at an awards ceremony, recognizing academic excellence and outstanding contributions across disciplines including theater, music, history, political science and chemistry.

The celebrations included multiple senior week events, from a Senior Send-Off with barbecue and gelato to a Senior Challenge Happy Hour at local establishment Old North Bar, owned by Transylvania graduate Wes Hogan.