July 16, 2026
President Robert W. Iuliano
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Greetings and Opening Address
Let me begin by offering all of you—families, friends, and graduates—a warm welcome to Gettysburg College.
By a show of hands: how many of you have been to Gettysburg before? How many of you are visiting for the first time?
We’re excited that you can join us for this special celebration. In a few moments, you’ll become just the fourth class in our master’s program to walk across this stage—in this town and College so heavily steeped in history. I hope you take great pride in what you’ve accomplished and its special significance.
Let me expand a little bit on the specialness of this place.
I’m entering my eighth year as president of Gettysburg College, and I can tell you it is unlike anywhere I’ve ever been. I’m sure you’ll experience some of that today—and for those who attended the teachers’ symposium, you’ve likely already seen this on vivid display over the past few days.
I encourage you to take the spirit of Gettysburg with you. Talk about Gettysburg College with your students, as they consider where they want to spend their formative years.
We have a long tradition of our graduates becoming teachers. When their students enroll at Gettysburg, they share a special bond borne of this special community. I want that for you and your students too.
This morning, I’d like to reflect on something I’ve been thinking a lot about lately: America’s 250th anniversary.
On the Fourth of July, just two weeks ago, as I celebrated with family, my mind turned to the 56 men in 1776 who placed their names—really, who placed their lives—behind an audacious claim.
That we are all created equal.
That we are endowed by our Creator with unalienable rights.
That among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
And that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed.
The principles articulated in the Declaration of Independence were radical for their time, and they led to the ultimate assertion that the political bonds that connected us to Britain were to be dissolved.
But merely declaring our independence didn’t make it so.
So, the American Revolution endured. In fact, our independence wasn’t truly recognized by Britain until 1783.
That’s seven years later. Just think about that.
Seven years of struggle and setbacks. Seven years of sacrifice. Seven years between declaration and realization.
And yet, 250 years later, we celebrate Independence Day—the day we declared our independence, not the day it was won by arms or recognized by Britain.
Why is that?
Perhaps it is because, in our hearts, we are a nation of dreamers.
Maybe, as Americans, we’re moved not only by achieving our dreams but by having summoned the courage to pursue them.
We see it here at Gettysburg too.
We commemorate a battle that swept through our campus in July 1863, even as the Civil War would continue for nearly two years after.
As we know, Gettysburg did not end the war, but it did profoundly change its course. It did reveal what was truly at stake and demonstrated what we were willing to sacrifice in defense of our highest ideals.
That matters.
And a few months after the Battle of Gettysburg, thanks to an invitation from our very own Gettysburg College alumnus and an influential member of our Board of Trustees—David Wills—President Abraham Lincoln would arrive by train in Gettysburg to speak at the dedication of the National Cemetery.
He stood not far from where we are today—and offered 272 words that have echoed for generations.
The Gettysburg Address did not resolve the questions facing our nation. Lincoln himself acknowledged the “unfinished work” remaining before us. Still, almost 163 years later, as Gettysburgians, we believe in the dream he articulated on that November day—and we press forward with courage to try to bring it to fruition.
And so, graduates, this is my message for you today: as educators, you are entrusted with so much more than teaching names and dates and battles. You’re entrusted with helping tomorrow’s leaders understand that our history is the story of us—filled with dreamers whose courage reverberates to this very day.
We needed dreamers like Benjamin Franklin, and Roger Sherman, and John Adams.
Just as today we need all of you: Elizabeth Reese M’26, and Jai’Lyn Lowe M’26, and Michael Warren M’26.
On these hallowed grounds, our nation was changed forever by the courage of leaders like Joshua Chamberlain, and John Buford, and John Burns.
And I believe this class of Gettysburgians, if even in a small way, can carry on their legacy. It’s within Todd Freese M’26, and Christine Kruse M’26, and Miguel Mercado M’26, and each and every one of you.
Our world needs dreamers of profound courage in our classrooms. So, I urge you: ask the tough questions. Embrace complicated subjects. Be a shining example for your students and your colleagues of what’s possible—and why teaching is so life-changing.
Let me conclude.
You made a conscious choice to pursue this master’s degree because deep down you believe in yourself.
Know this: we believe in you too.
You are a Gettysburgian for life—and we look forward to partnering with you to achieve all that comes next.
From all of us here at Gettysburg College, congratulations!
The Charge
It is now my honor to deliver the charge to the Class of 2026.
As Dr. [Barbara] Perry conveyed in her moving remarks, you are now entrusted with a special responsibility—not only as Gettysburg College graduates, but as teachers, scholars, and historians.
So, my charge to you today is simply this: Embolden tomorrow’s leaders.
May you encourage your students to step forward with courage and conscience.
May you challenge them to question, to explore, and to seek truth in all that they do.
And may you inspire them to be the dreamers our world needs.
We know that you will.
At this time, if you are able, I would ask all graduates to please rise.
On behalf of Gettysburg College and the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, I want to thank you for joining us for our Commencement ceremony today.
It is now my privilege to present our master’s degree graduates of the Gettysburg College Class of 2026!
Congratulations!