Meet Trinity’s Spring 2026 Commencement Speakers and the Nursing Class of 2026
Trinity celebrated it’s 123rd Commencement with a ceremony Friday, May 15th for the Schools of Professional & Graduate Studies and Education. A second ceremony on Saturday the 16th celebrated graduates from the College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Nursing and Health Professions, and Early College Academy.
On Monday the 18th, Nursing graduates received their traditional pins during the Nursing Pinning Ceremony.
Each ceremony included remarks from graduates in the class of 2026 who shared their experiences, battles, and victories — as well as advice — for their classmates.
Friday: School of Professional & Graduate Studies and School of Education
Wendy Colindres, School of Professional & Graduate Studies, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Wendy is a Honduran American and first-generation college graduate. Her academic journey began as a Posse Scholar, an experience that helped shape her commitment to leadership, resilience, and educational opportunity. She is also a DC Futures Scholar and Mayor’s Scholar, programs that support Washington, DC students in achieving their higher education goals. During her time at Trinity, Wendy was awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, a nationally competitive scholarship funded by the U.S. Department of State that supports American students studying abroad. Through this opportunity, she studied international marketing in Barcelona and later interned in Tokyo with the Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies (YCAPS), where she focused on business communication and gained global professional experience.
Professionally, Wendy has over 10 years of experience in human resources and operations management. She currently serves as Human Resources Director at Latin Concepts LLC, supporting several hospitality businesses in Washington, DC. Wendy also serves on the Board of Directors for the nonprofit 1000 Schools and volunteers with the organization, where she plans to teach English to children in Honduras as a way of giving back to the community her parents came from. In the future, she plans to pursue a graduate degree in the Communication, Culture & Technology program at Georgetown University, continuing her passion for leadership, education, and global engagement.
Returning to school years later was honestly intimidating. Financially and emotionally, it felt overwhelming at times, but Trinity became the place that gave me another chance to believe in myself. Through the support of the Trinity community, I was able to participate in the DC Futures Program and the Mayor’s Scholars Program, which helped make continuing my education possible.
Jaidyn Rhys Barber, School of Education, Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
Jaidyn is a native Washingtonian and a 2020 graduate of Jackson-Reed High School (formerly Woodrow Wilson High School). She has developed a strong foundation in child development through practicum experiences at Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School, Hearst Elementary School, and Stoddert Elementary School.
With a deep passion for helping young learners communicate and thrive, Jaidyn will continue her academic journey at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, where she will pursue graduate studies in Speech & Language Pathology.
Don’t spend so much time longing for the past or worrying about the future that you miss the beauty of right now. One day, you’ll look back on this moment with nostalgia. So while we’re here, let’s truly be here.
Saturday: College of Arts & Sciences and School of Nursing & Health Professions
Bailey Squire, College of Arts & Sciences, English Major, Philosophy Major, Women’s Studies Minor, Communication Minor
I have spent the last four years working at the university library, and have spent two years as Co-President of the Women’s Student Action Coalition. I have always had a special place in my heart for doing something that is different than the status quo. I want to use my words to make a change, and my time at Trinity has encouraged me to do that. In my time here, I have found passion in philosophy, dystopian literature, and the strengths of found families, and I know my journey in researching this topic is not over.
Over the last year I have been at a museum internship where I have been encouraged to curate artifacts, research, write articles, do social media, and really practice putting myself in leading projects, finding my own power. This internship reinforced my passion for preserving history, and using that to help move our society forwards instead of forgetting it. I know that no matter where I end up, I have power, a willingness to learn, and innovative ideas. My time at Trinity has changed me for the better, and I cannot wait to see where I go from here.
Diana Amaya-Rodas, School of Nursing & Health Professions, Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Throughout my journey, I have grown both personally and professionally while overcoming challenges and creating unforgettable memories. I had a strong passion for nursing starting in high school and I wanted to see my passion through. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with family and hanging out with friends. I am grateful for the support of my family, friends, and mentors who helped me reach this milestone, and I look forward to the next chapter of my life.
Monday: Nursing Pinning Ceremony
Meet the Class of 2026 Nursing Graduates!
