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Dear WestConn Colleagues,

I am pleased to share that ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ will confer the 2026 Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters upon Robert J. Yamin, Esq., and will present the 2026 President’s Medal to Dr. Richard Asselta. I am also glad to share that Anna Rathmann of the Jane Goodall Institute will serve as our commencement speaker. You can learn more about this year’s honorees and our awards history here: ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ Awards.

Bob Yamin will be recognized at the Graduate Commencement on May 19. A proud WestConn alumnus, distinguished attorney, civic leader, and longstanding champion for the University and the greater Danbury community, Bob represents the very best of service, leadership, and commitment to the common good. This year’s honorary degree is especially meaningful, as it is WestConn’s first honorary degree in eight years.

Rick Asselta will receive the President’s Medal at the Undergraduate Commencement on May 18. Through decades of engagement with WestConn, partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute, and service to the Danbury community and beyond, Rick has demonstrated a deeply student-centered and mission-driven commitment that has had lasting impact.

More information about commencement is available here: Commencement.

This year’s recognitions also reflect an important step in our continued work to lead through shared leadership. These recommendations were informed through a more inclusive and deliberative process that invited nominations from the community and guidance from a representative committee. I am grateful to all who helped shape this process, and we will continue refining it in the years ahead.

Please join me in congratulating Bob, Rick, and Anna as we prepare to celebrate Commencement and honor these remarkable individuals.

Sincerely,

Jesse M. Bernal, Ph.D.
President