The Road to Commencement: Celebrating the Class of 2026’s Collective Philanthropic Impact Through the Class Giving Campaign

Every freshman dreams of graduation, from the moment they submit college applications to their first steps onto campus. For some, the road to commencement can seem long and daunting, but to many graduating Whitman students the journey is exciting, memorable and arguably over too soon. The Class of 2026—the largest undergraduate class in Whitman School history—celebrated their commencement last month. As they prepared to close out their time at Syracuse University and reflected on their experience at Whitman, it was the classmates, esteemed faculty, engaging programming and unique experiences that they touted as having most defined their college experience. 

With much appreciation to the Whitman School for creating an exceptional experience, many students in the Class of 2026 stepped up to make their class gift and pay it forward to the next generation. Over 369 graduating students participated in this year’s Class Giving Campaign, raising $15,207 total in support of Syracuse University and $5,090 to support the Whitman School of Management Dean’s Fund—a new record for both participation and dollars raised. 

The Class Giving Campaign is a university-wide initiative aimed at educating students on the power of philanthropy and its impact on the University. It is a time for graduating students to reflect on what it means to be a part of the Orange community, before walking across the stage at Convocation and becoming a part of Syracuse University’s expansive alumni network. This year’s Whitman Class Giving Campaign kicked off on February 12 and continued through May 8. 

To lead Whitman’s Class Giving Campaign efforts, 12 Whitman student leaders were selected to join the Class Giving Committee. These members of the Class of 2026 helped strategize campaign events, educate their peers and promote participation. Using their Whitman School-cultivated talents, the committee brainstormed new ways to educate, market and bring excitement to the class giving campaign, taking the initiative to new heights and infusing healthy competition into the campaign by advocating for Whitman to have the highest participation of any school/college/unit on campus. Thanks to their leadership and advocacy, they achieved this goal and helped power a record-breaking year for the campaign. 

In celebration of the contributions of the Class of 2026, Whitman hosted the inaugural Whitman Class Giving Champagne Toast. This evening took place during Commencement Week and was an opportunity to thank student participants and celebrate their collective impact on the Whitman School. The 2026 Whitman Class Giving Committee presented Interim Dean Alex McKelvie with a ceremonial check and toasted to their Class’ success. 

Learn More About the Class Giving Campaign
Hear from the 2026 Whitman Class Giving Committee


2026 Whitman Class Giving Committee: 


Nicole De Leon ’26 Business Analytics / Supply Chain Management 
Aaron Easton ’26 Finance
Anderson Igben ’26 MBA
Gustavo Lopez ’26 Entrepreneurship & Emerging Enterprises / Finance
Heath Megnin ’26 Business Analytics / Finance / TV Radio & Film 
Marc Pantano ’26 Marketing / Supply Chain Management
Silke Pion ’26 Business Analytics / Finance / Political Science 
Sophia Ramunno ’26 Finance / Retail Management  
Katherine Rogers ’26 Business Analytics / Biology 
Lauren Salomon ’26 Finance / Marketing Management 
Abigail Sharpe ’26 Finance 
Jacquelyn Trotman ’26 Retail Management / Advertising