New York, NY — Barnard College announced today that Jennifer Finney Boylan, acclaimed author, activist, and the current Anna Quindlen Writer in Residence at Barnard, will deliver the keynote address at the College’s 134th Commencement ceremony on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Radio City Music Hall.
Boylan will also receive the Barnard Medal of Distinction, the College’s highest commencement honor, alongside four other decorated women whose work spans philanthropy, public service, athletics, academia, and the arts. The other honorees include:
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Diana Vagelos ’55, a transformative philanthropist whose immense generosity to Barnard has helped shape the College, including through the Roy and Diana Vagelos Science Center, the Milstein Center for Teaching and Learning, and numerous other initiatives that support students, faculty, and academic life.
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Ottessa Moshfegh ’02, a decorated novelist who is considered one of the most original voices of her generation.
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Shuly Rubin Schwartz ‘74, a renowned historian and academic leader whose scholarship and leadership of The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) has helped deepen our understanding of American Jewish life.
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Erinn Smart ’01, a former Olympic fencer and trailblazing leader who has helped advance equity and opportunity in the world of sports.
“We are honored to celebrate Jennifer Finney Boylan and this remarkable group of medalists,” said Barnard President Laura Ann Rosenbury. “Jenny is both an immense literary talent and a cherished member of the Barnard community. Her work on campus has helped shape the intellectual and creative life of the College. Diana, Erinn, Ottessa, and Shuly each reflect, in their own ways, the power of a Barnard education to spark meaningful change.”
“At a time when the issue of diversity has been under attack from many quarters, Barnard College has remained a place that has made room for me, and LGBTQ families like mine,” said Jennifer Finney Boylan. “It is an honor to be asked to address the class of 2026. I hope I can remind our graduates that by telling our stories, and by living with generosity and love, we can inspire others to open their hearts, and find their courage.”
Boylan’s selection holds special significance for the Barnard community. As the Anna Quindlen Writer in Residence, she has spent the past year working closely with students to foster a culture of fearless storytelling and dialogue. Many in the Barnard community know her not just as a writer, but as a teacher, mentor, and daily fixture around campus. She will be introduced at Commencement by Anna Quindlen, ‘74, a Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and author and a proud alumna who has served the College in a range of capacities since graduating, including as chair of the Barnard Board of Trustees.
Barnard’s 134th Commencement ceremony will take place on Tuesday, May 19, at 4 p.m. at Radio City Music Hall in Midtown Manhattan. The ceremony will be livestreamed at barnard.edu/commencement.