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Goodwin University Announces Full 2026 Commencement Speaker Lineup

by Goodwin University

East Hartford, CT (06/02/2026) — Goodwin University has announced the full speaker line-up for its 2026 Commencement ceremony, to be held on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at One Riverside Drive in East Hartford, Connecticut. The ceremony will feature a keynote address by award-winning actor and social justice advocate Dr. Malik Yoba, as well as remarks from University leadership, honorary degree recipients, and student speaker Shatoya Simmons.

Dr. Yoba will serve as the keynote speaker and will receive a Doctor of Humane Letters in recognition of his lifelong commitment to advocacy, education, and the arts. A three-time NAACP Image Award recipient, Dr. Yoba has built a distinguished career spanning film, television, education, and community development. In addition to his work in entertainment, he is the founder and CEO of Yoba Development and a co-founder of Yoba Global Solutions, and he currently serves on the U.S. EXIM Bank Advisory Board for Sub-Saharan Africa.

Goodwin University will also confer honorary degrees upon Jay Williams, Nancy P. Hoffman, and Jeffrey S. Hoffman, recognizing their exceptional leadership in philanthropy, community development, and the arts. Williams has served as President and CEO of the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation since 2017, while the Hoffmans are longtime supporters of arts, education, and healthcare organizations throughout Greater Hartford.

The student address will be delivered by Shatoya Simmons, AS, Human Services, whose academic journey reflects resilience, advocacy, and a commitment to inclusive learning. Born in Hartford and a longtime resident of Manchester, Simmons returned to education after raising her children, completing her high school diploma in 2022 before pursuing higher education. During her studies at Goodwin University, she earned certification as an addiction and substance abuse counselor and was later diagnosed with ADHD - an experience that deepened her advocacy for neurodiversity and affirming educational and workplace environments.

An avid reader and writer, Simmons serves on the editorial board of Beacons, Goodwin University's creative writing magazine. Her short story, "A Part of Me Had to Die So I Could Live," was published in the magazine's flagship edition in December 2025. Currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in Human Services, Simmons aspires to provide mobile mental health workshops and seminars focused on teens and young adults, expanding access to equitable, community-based mental health resources for underserved populations.

Goodwin University's 2026 Commencement will take place on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., with an outdoor ceremony held in the courtyard at One Riverside Drive. University leadership, trustees, faculty, and staff will join graduates and their guests to celebrate this milestone, as more than 500 students are expected to earn associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees.

The 2026 Commencement ceremony is a ticketed event. Members of the media are invited to attend, with early entrance available. Media inquiries should be directed to Peter Decoteau, Director of Marketing and Communications, at PDecoteau@goodwin.edu.

For more information about Goodwin University's 2026 Commencement Ceremony, visit goodwin.edu/commencement.

Media Attachments

Students wearing dark blue commencement regalia smile and hold framed certificates

Image from Goodwin University's 2025 Commencement.

A smiling woman in a striped shirt stands in front of greenery

Student speaker Shatoya Simmons, AS, Human Services

A man in a gray suit and black tie stands against a white brick wall

Keynote speaker and honorary degree recipient Dr. Malik Yoba

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