American International College Celebrates Its 141st Commencement Featuring Keynote Speaker Femita Ayanbeku

SPRINGFIELD, MA – American International College (AIC) will celebrate its 141st Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield. President Nicole Cestero will preside over the ceremony.

Femita Ayanbeku, a world-class Paralympian, advocate, and proud AIC alumna, will deliver the Commencement address to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral recipients in the Class of 2026. A 2014 AIC graduate with a Bachelor of Arts, she will also receive an honorary degree from the College.

Ayanbeku is an elite disabled athlete, advocate, and community leader whose career reflects excellence, resilience, and impact. As the fastest female amputee in the United States, she has competed at the highest levels of international sport, representing Team USA at the Paralympic Games in both Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo. Her achievements on the track are the result of years of discipline, focus, and determination, and they have earned her recognition as one of the most accomplished athletes in adaptive sports. 

Beyond competition, Ayanbeku has built a powerful platform centered on advocacy and empowerment. She is the founder of Limb-it-less Creations Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with limb loss and promoting confidence, self-advocacy, and opportunity within the disability community. Through mentorship, public engagement, and outreach, her work challenges limiting narratives and highlights the strength and capability of people with disabilities. 

In recognition of her extraordinary achievements as a Paralympic athlete, and her unwavering commitment to expanding opportunity and representation for individuals with disabilities, American International College will award Ayanbeku an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.

“Femita Ayanbeku’s journey is a powerful example of resilience, determination, and purpose,” said Michael Dodge, provost. “As a Paralympian, she has competed at the highest levels of sport, but her impact extends far beyond the track. Through her advocacy, entrepreneurship, and creative work, she continues to challenge perceptions, elevate voices, and inspire others to pursue their goals without limitation. We are honored to recognize her achievements and to welcome her to AIC’s Commencement as a role model for our graduates as they begin their own paths of purpose and impact.”

Two-time AIC graduate Devonte Dillion ’17, MBA ’19, will present the alumni speech. Dillion is the CEO and Co-founder of Dilligence Training, recognized as the leading health and wellness center in Greater Hartford, Connecticut. He is also the Vice President and Co-founder of DT Cares, a nonprofit dedicated to youth mentorship and community impact, guided by the mantra “To be who you needed growing up.” 

 

He is an author, publishing his first book Who Am I & What Do I Do, written following his experience navigating depression and a loss of identity after his athletic career, and centered on identity, purpose, and personal growth. 

Dillion’s work has been recognized at the national level through his role as a lead health and wellness coordinator for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated National Health Initiative, contributing to efforts connected with the White House, and has also been featured internationally in the Times of India. 

“I am honored to serve as the Alumni Speaker for the 2026 ceremony,” Dillion said. “AIC played a pivotal role in shaping both my academic and personal journey, and I deeply value the opportunity to welcome graduates into the alumni community in a way that reflects that impact.” At Commencement, Devonte will officially welcome graduates into the AIC alumni community.

The ceremony will be available for viewing via live steam on YouTube.

 

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Founded in 1885, American International College (AIC) is a private, co-educational, doctoral-granting institution located in Springfield, Massachusetts, comprising the School of Business, Arts, and Sciences, the School of Health Service, and the School of Education. AIC supports and advances education, diversity, and opportunity for its students and the community.

 

1000 State Street | Springfield, Massachusetts 01109

413.737.7000 | 800.242.3142 | www.aic.edu