In his address to the Class of 2026, Northwestern University Provost-Elect Erik Luijten reflected on the resilience and determination that brought graduates to this moment.
He acknowledged the recent regional challenges students have faced in recent years, noting that their journey was shaped by uncertainty, disruption, and rapid change. Rather than diminish the experience, he framed it as a defining aspect of their education, one that has strengthened their ability to adapt and persevere.
“Northwestern students are strong, creative, and resilient,” Luijten said.
Provost-Elect Luijten also highlighted the global composition of the class, noting that with students representing 22 countries, the cohort is well prepared to navigate a world that increasingly requires understanding across perspectives — a value that reflects Northwestern’s broader commitment to diversity, collaboration, and cross-cultural engagement.
Throughout his remarks, he emphasized that academic achievement is not an individual accomplishment, but a collective one. He acknowledged the role of faculty, staff, families, and peers in supporting each student’s journey, reinforcing the idea that education is built through community.
“Whatever path you take, remember: You have the capacity to make positive change in our increasingly complicated world.”
“Scholarship is a collective endeavor,” he said, encouraging graduates to carry forward the spirit of collaboration into their future work.
As graduates prepare to take their next steps, he encouraged them to remain open to new perspectives and mindful of the impact of their actions. He spoke about the importance of taking thoughtful risks, recognizing that meaningful change often requires both courage and reflection.
“Whatever path you take, remember: You have the capacity to make positive change in our increasingly complicated world,” he said.
His remarks reinforced a central message: that education is not only about knowledge, but also about responsibility, awareness, and the ability to engage thoughtfully with the world.
Luijten, the Liu-Wang Liming Professor of Materials Science and Engineering in Northwestern’s McCormick School of Engineering, was appointed Provost in January and will assume the role later this spring.
