Randolph, VT – Vermont State University is thrilled to be graduating its third class of students on May 16 and 17, 2026, and is pleased to announce an incredible group of commencement speakers for the four ceremonies held at the Castleton, Randolph, Lyndon, and Johnson campuses throughout the weekend.
“We are honored to welcome such an esteemed slate of commencement speakers, whose lives and work reflect the values at the heart of Vermont State University,” said university President Dave Bergh. “From public service and community leadership to innovation, care, and lived experience, each speaker brings a direct tie to the campus at which they are speaking and a perspective that demonstrates the purpose-driven education we provide.”
Former Lyndon State College President Joe Bertolino, Ed.D., will serve as the commencement speaker at the Lyndon campus, where he served as President from 2012 to 2016. Dr. Bertolino was named president of Stockton University in New Jersey in July 2023 and has more than 30 years of experience as a social justice educator and higher education leader. Trained as a social worker, he is known for leading with an “Ethic of Care,” emphasizing dignity, respect, and equitable access to higher education.
Dr. Bertolino previously held senior leadership roles at Southern Connecticut State University and Queens College, City University of New York. He remains a strong advocate for experiential learning, civic engagement, and community-centered education.
“I am so looking forward to returning to the Northeast Kingdom to celebrate the success of Vermont State Lyndon’s Class of 2026. Lyndon is truly special, a place where students are celebrated for who they are and encouraged to turn their passion into a profession,” Bertolino said. “It is an honor to serve as this year’s commencement speaker.”
At Vermont State’s Johnson campus ceremony, newly retired Major General Gregory C. Knight will be the guest speaker. MG Knight served for more than 43 years in uniform, culminating his career as Vermont’s Adjutant General from 2019 until his retirement on April 1, 2026.
His distinguished service includes deployments to Ramadi, Iraq, as well as leadership roles at every level of command within the Vermont Army National Guard. In addition to his military career, MG Knight has served in Vermont law enforcement and remains deeply engaged in veteran and civic organizations across the state. He holds degrees from Johnson State College ‘01, Post University, and the U.S. Naval War College.
“It is a tremendous honor to return to the Johnson campus and serve as this year’s commencement speaker. My education at Johnson set the conditions for a successful military career. It was a remarkably positive, challenging and worthwhile experience,” said Major General Knight. “I offer my sincere congratulations to the graduates of Vermont State University Johnson and look forward to celebrating with them. Whatever their concentration, degree or certification, this is a tremendous accomplishment for all of them.”
The Castleton campus will welcome alumna Kelly Pearsons ’17 as its commencement speaker. Pearsons is the founder and CEO of Everwell Consulting, a Vermont-based firm focused on strengthening leadership and organizational culture through emotional intelligence and well-being.
A graduate of Castleton’s Psychological Science program, with a certificate in Civic Engagement, Pearsons was recognized with the Vermont State Castleton Emerging Leader Award in 2023. She also serves on the Castleton Alumni Board of Directors and is a co-founder of Generation Wise, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching essential life skills to young people.
Pearsons shared, “Castleton played an important role in shaping who I am today, and it’s especially meaningful for me to return at a time like this. My hope for graduates is that they define success in a way that feels true to them, one that includes not only what they achieve, but also how they live, lead, and care for themselves and others along the way.”
Graduating student Jerika LaValley will serve as the commencement speaker for the joint Randolph and Williston commencement ceremony, continuing the Randolph campus tradition of a student speaker. She will be graduating from Vermont State’s Respiratory Care program based on the Williston campus. Originally from Plattsburgh, New York, LaValley is working in the Pulmonary Department at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital while completing her degree.
Inspired to pursue respiratory therapy by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference during critical moments in patients’ lives, LaValley balances her studies and career while raising her young son. She credits Vermont State’s flexible, hands-on approach with helping her advance her education while balancing parenthood and service to her community.
“I am beyond honored to speak to all of the class of 2026 and congratulate everyone for finally making it to the end. Although my path has been very unique I think everyone can relate to my story in one form or another. We all have overcome hurdles and boundaries that were thrown in the way for us to get here and each one will always be part of our story,” reflected LaValley.
This will be President Dave Bergh’s third and final commencement ceremony before he retires in June. Incoming president Dr. Sherry Kollmann will lead Vermont State University into its next chapter, building on the momentum established by President Bergh to continue evolving a modern educational model that serves Vermont’s learners, communities, and economy.
Commencement will take place on the Castleton and Randolph campuses on Saturday, May 16, and on the Lyndon and Johnson campuses on Sunday, May 17.