Mark Gearan Will Deliver Address at Nichols' 134th Commencement

Nichols School is honored to announce that Mark D. Gearan, President of Hobart and William Smith Colleges (HWS) and former Director of the Peace Corps, will address the Class of 2026 at this year's 134th Commencement ceremony.

An esteemed leader in higher education and public service, President Gearan brings a wealth of experience in civic engagement, national politics, and institutional growth to the Nichols stage.

About Gearan

Currently serving his second tenure as President of Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Gearan has led the institution through a transformative era defined by academic expansion and record-breaking philanthropy. Most recently, he launched Further Together: The Campaign for Our Third Century, a bold $400 million initiative that has already secured historic investments for student scholarships, the Melly Institute for Business, Innovation and Leadership, and the new Fish Center for the Sciences.

Before his return to HWS in 2022, Gearan served as Director of the Institute of Politics at the Harvard Kennedy School. His distinguished career in public service includes serving as Director of the Peace Corps, a role he was appointed to by President Bill Clinton. Gearan oversaw the agency’s expansion into South Africa, Jordan, and Haiti. He also served as White House Communications Director and as Deputy Chief of Staff during the Clinton administration. Gearan currently serves on the boards of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights and Public Agenda.

A graduate of Harvard College and Georgetown University Law Center, Gearan is a passionate advocate for civil discourse and global citizenship—values that sit at the very heart of a Nichols education.

2026 Distinguished and Honorary Alumni Awards
Following the Commencement address, Nichols will proudly recognize three individuals who have left an indelible mark on the school and the wider world through their professional achievements and devoted service.

Distinguished Alumni Award
A world-renowned figure in astrophysics, Jeffrey L. Linsky ’59, is being honored for a career dedicated to the stars. A Research Professor Emeritus at the University of Colorado Boulder and a graduate of MIT and Harvard, Dr. Linsky has published over 400 scientific papers on stellar and exoplanet research. His pioneering work has earned him numerous accolades, including prestigious NASA medals for exceptional scientific achievement.

Coach Jim Kramer’s legacy is etched into the history of Nichols athletics. After joining the school in 1978, he built a basketball powerhouse, leading teams to four NYS Class “C” Federation Championships and an astounding 301–17 overall record. Beyond the scoreboard, Coach Kramer’s true impact lies in his mentorship, having guided dozens of student-athletes to successful collegiate careers while instilling a culture of discipline and excellence.

A beloved pillar of the Nichols Middle School for decades, Mary Sykes is recognized for her profound influence as a history teacher and mentor. Mary was instrumental in developing the Central Studies curriculum, sparking curiosity and a love for the humanities in generations of fifth graders. Even in retirement, her commitment to service remained steadfast through her leadership of the CHISPA program, embodying the spirit of the William Nichols Award she received in 1999.

The 134th Commencement exercises will celebrate the achievements of the graduating Class of 2026 while honoring the leadership, service, and lifelong contributions of this year’s distinguished guests and award recipients.  Please join us on Nichols' campus on Friday, May 29, with the ceremonies beginning at 11 a.m.