On Sunday, May 17, 2026, the University of Vermont Grossman School of Business gathered students, families, faculty, and honored guests for its annual commencement ceremony. It was a vibrant celebration, marking the achievements and aspirations of the graduating Class of 2026. Held at Champlain Valley Expo in Essex Junction, the ceremony was part of a weekend-long series of events across UVM’s colleges and schools, culminating in the conferral of degrees and recognition of student excellence. 

A Tradition of Impact and Community 

The Grossman School of Business has long been recognized for its commitment to preparing students for leadership in a complex, global, and sustainable world. Dean Sanjay Sharma opened the ceremony with heartfelt welcoming remarks, emphasizing the school’s mission: 

“At the Grossman School of Business, we prepare students to become successful, responsible leaders in an ever-changing, complex, global, multi-stakeholder and sustainable world. The education you received at the Grossman School of Business will empower you to create, to lead and to achieve meaningful impact.” 

Dean Sharma also encouraged graduates to be ambitious, innovative, and compassionate, reminding them to “share your knowledge generously and empower those in need. And always express gratitude to those who helped you along the way.” 

This would be the last commencement welcoming from Dean Sharma, who is retiring this year after serving the Grossman School for 15 years.  

Student Voices: Growth, Community, and Purpose 

The ceremony featured a moving address by undergraduate student speaker Allison Kingsley, recipient of the Christopher A. Guido Outstanding Senior award. Kingsley’s speech captured the spirit of growth and community that defines the Grossman experience: 

View, Download and Share Undergraduate Commencement Photos (UVM PhotoShelter)

“While college is a time of personal growth, it is the people around us that make it possible. Community was the reason I chose to come to UVM and to Grossman and community is the reason that leaving is so hard… Our communities have been shaped by professors, advisors, and staff members who have challenged us, supported us, and believed in us. Through clubs, teams, group projects, and events we have all found people here that make UVM feel like home.” 

Kingsley urged her classmates to continue building supportive, inclusive communities as they move forward, highlighting the importance of relationships over individual achievements. 

Honoring Legacy and Leadership 

This year’s commencement speaker, Mark DeMichaelis, President and CEO of State Garden and a Grossman School of Business Board of Advisors member, delivered an inspiring keynote speech. DeMichaelis reflected on his own journey as a UVM graduate and the values that underpin true success. 

“What looks like success from the outside—the titles, the recognition, the achievements—is almost always rooted in something much less visible: Consistency. Discipline. Sacrifice. Showing Up,” reflects DiMichaelis. 

He honored retiring Dean Sanjay Sharma and Professor Dita Sharma for their years of dedication, noting how their commitment has shaped the school’s legacy and impacted countless students. DeMichaelis also spoke about the importance of storytelling and legacy: 

“As you build your life, you will also shape the stories that come after you…tell your stories,” encouraged DiMichaelis. “Tell the story of what the hills and halls of UVM made possible. Tell the story of the friendships that shaped you. Tell the story of the mentors who believed in you. Because the stories you tell don't just preserve the past—they reach forward into a future you can't yet see. That is how a legacy truly lives.” 

Master of Accountancy

Earlier in the weekend, on the evening of Saturday, May 16, Grossman School students also participated in the UVM Graduate College Commencement. The Maser of Accountancy Program (MAcc) had 27 graduating students in attendance at the ceremony, which included a reflection from UVM President Marlene Tromp and remarks from Saba Rafiei, President of the Graduate Student Senate, and a Ph.D. candidate in electrical engineering. 

President Tromp spoke to the sacrifice that so many students made to achieve the advanced degrees that were being conferred, and she also challenged to new graduates to leave their mark on the world, as so many previous alumni have. “You are in an elite class of people,” praised Tromp.  “But let me be clear - you are not elite because you are above others, but because your preparation, your talents, and your knowledge equip you to make a profound difference in the world.” 

Saba Rafiei remarks also focused on the rewards that had been earned by the hard work of those graduating. “This day belongs to you. You have earned every second of it. Every ordinary responsibility carried with extraordinary persistence has brought you to this great celebration,” Rafiei reminder their classmates. “We are deeply proud of you, and we cannot wait to see the futures you build and the lives you enrich.” 

Many MAcc students have already secured their future employment. Graduates shared with the Grossman School community that they will be working for national and local companies including Ernst & Young, RSM, PwC, Johnson Lambert, Gallagher Flynn, and many others.View, Download and Share MAcc Graduation Photos (UVM Photoshelter)

Ceremony Highlights and Looking Ahead 

Both ceremonies included the presentation of diplomas, recognition of academic honors, and a call for graduates to stay connected with the Grossman School of Business alumni network. Dean Sharma’s concluding remarks reminded graduates to carry forward the values of humility, intellectual curiosity, integrity, and responsibility as ambassadors of UVM. 

Many graduates have already secured positions at leading organizations such as TJX, Fidelity, Vermont Green FC, Morgan Stanley, Beta Technologies, and David Yurman, while others are pursuing advanced degrees. The ceremony reflected pride in these accomplishments and the resilience shown by students throughout their academic journey. 

As the Class of 2026 moves into new chapters—whether in the workforce, graduate school, or community service—they do so with the support of a vibrant alumni network and the lessons learned at Grossman. The commencement ceremony was not just a celebration of academic achievement, but a testament to the enduring values of leadership, community, and impact that define the Grossman School of Business. 

Congratulations to the Grossman School of Business Class of 2026—may your stories continue to inspire and shape the future!