May 11, 2026
On Saturday, May 9, the class of 2026 graduated 208 Tigers into the storied alumni network of Hampden-Sydney College. During a historic year marking the conclusion of the College’s semiquincentennial celebration, the class of 2026 etched its legacy into Hampden-Sydney history.
President Larry Stimpert reflected on the College’s monumental year and the importance of the celebration’s theme of civic virtue, saying, “By far, the most rewarding aspect of my job is to watch how you have grown in competence, character, and effectiveness. Over the years, I’ve spoken with many seniors who have told me they could never have imagined during their freshman year being the man they are now four years later. My colleagues and I take satisfaction in that growth, the responsibilities you have assumed, and the contributions you have made here. You are well prepared to live lives of civic virtue. We know you have much more to contribute in the years ahead—as friends, colleagues, husbands, fathers, neighbors, citizens, and leaders.”
Adding to President Stimpert’s comments, Owen Williams ’26, former student body president, remarked that Hampden-Sydney College challenges her sons while equipping them with valuable skills they may not have even realized they needed. He emphasized that commencement is not an ending, but a starting point—one that calls graduates to carry the mission of the College forward into the world.
In his commencement address, Dr. Allen Guelzo, professor of humanities in the Hamilton School of Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida, encouraged the graduates to pursue lives grounded in civic virtue and intellectual curiosity, seeking wisdom from some of history’s greatest political thinkers and leaders. “Take as your lifelong tutors Aristotle and Cicero, Hamilton and Havel, Montesquieu and Locke, and yes, John Hampden and Algernon Sidney,” Guelzo said. “Reach out with one hand to every American who wonders what they must know and do to be that good citizen, and with the other in shared mission with each other as graduates of this remarkable College; and stand as beacons of the American future, a future all Americans can share, where there will be but one title, and one aspiration, that of citizen.”
The class of 2026 leaves Hampden-Sydney prepared to make their communities, society, and the world a better place—just as they did during their time on the Hill. Congratulations and well done, Tigers!
Student, Faculty, and Staff Awards:
Cabell Award: Elliott Professor of History Caroline S. Emmons
Created by the Robert G. Cabell III and Maude Morgan Cabell Foundation to assist the College in attracting and keeping professors of high ability and integrity and given annually to “a Hampden-Sydney faculty member in recognition of outstanding classroom contribution to the education of Christian young men.”
The Thomas Edward Crawley Award: Associate Professor of English Cristine M. Varholy
An award given annually in honor of Professor Thomas Edward Crawley to “that professor most distinguished for devoted service to the ideals of Hampden-Sydney and the education of her sons.”
The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medallion: Alexander Fitz-Hugh ’26, Isaac Phillip Drummond ’26, and Owen Baudino Williams ’26.
Given annually by the New York Southern Society in honor of its first president, Algernon Sydney Sullivan. The recipient of this award is a member of the graduating class who has distinguished himself for excellence of character and generous service to his fellows. Other recipients may be chosen from friends of the College who have been conspicuously helpful to the institution in its efforts to encourage and preserve a high standard of morals.
Samuel S. Jones Phi Beta Kappa Award: Dillon Patrick McReynolds ’26
The Phi Beta Kappa Award for Intellectual Excellence was established by Samuel S. Jones, Class of 1943, to recognize intellectual excellence as manifested in outstanding student research.
The Anna Carrington Harrison Award: Brandon Reynolds Finch ’26
An award given as a memorial to his mother by the late Mr. Fred N. Harrison of Richmond, is awarded to the student who shows the most constructive leadership in a school year.
The Gammon Cup: Walker Kristian Stebbings ’26
Given in memory of Dr. Edgar G. Gammon, a member of Hampden-Sydney College’s class of 1905 who was captain of the College’s football, baseball, and track teams is awarded to the student-athlete in the graduating class who has best served the College, who shows not only athletic ability and scholarship, but embodies Dr. Gammon’s outstanding character.
The Senior Class Award: Wheat Visiting Professor in Leadership Hugo F. Rodriguez Jr. '88
Given by the senior class to a community member for their contributions to the College, its students, and the community.
