Nelson Peña de Jesús withdraws as commencement speaker

By Dylan Pichnarcik Associate Editor Nelson Peña de Jesús, president of Nestlé USA’s Global Culinary Kitchen, has withdrawn as the 2026 Undergraduate Commencement keynote speaker, according to President Nancy Niemi. In an email sent to the University community, Niemi said Peña de Jesús withdrew after expressing “concern that the attention surrounding his participation could distract from what should be a joyful and celebratory moment for the Class of 2026.” She added, “Our focus remains where it belongs - on honoring the achievements of our students and celebrating all they have accomplished.” University officials are now working to identify a new speaker for the ceremony. Peña de Jesús was announced as the 2026 Undergraduate Commencement speaker in an email from Niemi on March 26. Following the announcement, students and community members expressed concern about the decision, including six individuals who wrote a letter to the editor of The MetroWest Daily News. Additionally, The Gatepost Editorial Board expressed their concern about the University endorsing Nestlé’s brand in this manner in their editorial, “A bittersweet commentary,” published April 3.