May 19, 2026

by Lauren Ferguson

After years of learning, growing and preparing for their futures at Ramapo College of New Jersey, the Class of 2026 finally got their turn to walk under the historic Havemeyer Arch and down Mansion Road – signifying the end of their college experience.

More than 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students – on their way to law school, graduate school and careers in diverse fields – participated in the time-honored tradition of Arching on Wednesday, May 13. Wearing their graduation gowns, stoles and hand-decorated caps, they processed under the historic arch, then down the rock wall-lined path as thousands of their family, friends, professors and supporters lined Mansion Road cheering them on.

The Ramapo Class of 2026 was all smiles on Arching Day.

The lively ceremony brought crowds of supporters to Ramapo’s picturesque Mahwah, NJ campus, named one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America by Condé Nast Traveler. It was an opportunity to celebrate the Class of 2026 on their home turf on the eve of the College’s commencement at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Proud well-wishers – some holding flowers, balloons and even large pictures of their loved ones – clapped, waved, reached out for high-fives, and screamed out names as graduates passed by.

Justin Barredo ‘15 ‘19 ‘26, who earned his Doctor of Nursing Practice, carries a gonfolan down Mansion Road during Arching.

Each school, as well as groups of master’s students and doctoral students, was led by its dean and a member of the 2026 Honor Guard carrying their school or graduate program gonfalon. The Honor Guard was selected by their respective deans based on their outstanding contributions to the College. The dynamic group included undergraduates Jesiah Owens ‘26, Desiree S. Bounds ‘26, Danielle Braune ‘26, Elizabeth Mendicino ‘26 and Shane Shaji ‘26, graduate students Brianna Perez ‘26 and Justin Barredo ‘15 ‘19 ‘26, as well as Student Government Association (SGA) Senate President Mihir Jariwala ‘26, who was selected to carry the College gonfalon.

Members of Ramapo’s Class of 1976 also walked together under the historic Arch to celebrate their 50th college reunion.

At Ramapo, Arching ceremonies mark the beginning and the end of a student’s college experience. When they first become Roadrunners, students walk up the hill of Mansion Road and under the Havemeyer Arch, signifying the beginning of their time at Ramapo College. Then when it’s time to graduate, they walk under the Arch, and down the same rock wall-lined pathway, closing their tenure as Roadrunners.

Supporters congratulate graduating Roadrunners on Arching Day.

The storied tradition of Arching has grown over the years, but remains a celebration of the success of Roadrunners and the vibrancy of the tight-knit Ramapo community. The College has been recognized as a College of Distinction in the U.S. by Colleges of Distinction, which honors schools nationwide for their excellence in: student engagement; quality of teaching; vibrancy of the college community; and success of graduates. Ramapo also ranks sixth nationally in the 2026 Best Value Colleges & Universities report by SmartAsset, with the lowest cost of attendance and highest graduation rate of the two New Jersey institutions to make the list, and ranking third nationally for public institutions.

Classmates celebrate Arching Day together.

For a gallery of Arching photos, visit Ramapo’s commencement photo portal.