As new graduates, Torch Scholars look to set the world on fire

This year’s cohort of Torch Scholar graduates were celebrated at a ceremony and brunch on Northeastern’s Boston campus.

This year’s graduating cohort of Torch Scholars is the largest in the program’s history. Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

Jessenia Castillo readily admits that when she first arrived at Northeastern University as a freshman, she was shy and reserved.

After moving from the Dominican Republic to Miami, Florida, when she was 7, Castillo remembers feeling confined and being described as “low-income.” Matters were made worse when her father passed away when she was 12 years old, forcing her to take on more responsibilities in the household and driving her further into isolation.

But before too long, she blossomed at Northeastern. She found her community and became involved with the Dominican Student Association, becoming one of its first e-board members, which is an official leader of a student organization.

“Being at Northeastern taught me something greater than what was taught in a classroom,” Castillo said Tuesday morning at the Curry Center Ballroom during Northeastern’s Torch Scholars ceremony and brunch. “It taught me the power of perspective, valuing my identity and culture, and not being scared of being myself in and outside of the classroom.”

Jessenia Castillo speaks at a podium at the Torch Scholars brunch in the Curry Ballroom. — 04/28/26 – BOSTON, MA. – Northeastern graduate Jessenia Castillo speaks at the Torch Scholars brunch in the Curry Ballroom on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

Light blue stoles with red torches on them in a stack at Curry Ballroom. — 04/28/26 – BOSTON, MA. – Northeastern graduate Jessenia Castillo speaks at the Torch Scholars brunch in the Curry Ballroom on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

The Northeastern University Torch Scholars Program offers a full-ride scholarship and provides support to first-generation students who have overcome adversity. Every year, the university selects 10 to 15 candidates from a pool of more than 500 applications.

In addition to covering the cost of tuition, books, and room and board, the program also provides a summer immersion program before the start of students’ first year, and once they begin school, peer mentoring, academic advisor meetings, and events.

Ken Henderson speaking at a podium in the Curry Ballroom. — 04/28/26 – BOSTON, MA. – Northeastern Chancellor Ken Henderson congratulates graduates at the Torch Scholars brunch in the Curry Ballroom on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

Ken Henderson taking a selfie on an iPhone at the front of a crowded Curry Ballroom. — 04/28/26 – BOSTON, MA. – Northeastern Chancellor Ken Henderson congratulates graduates at the Torch Scholars brunch in the Curry Ballroom on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

Castillo, who obtained her bachelor’s degree in business administration this fall, is one of 24 Northeastern Torch Scholars – 23 undergraduates and 1 graduate – in this year’s cohort, the largest since the program’s inception in 2005, according to Ken Henderson, Northeastern University’s chancellor and senior vice president of learning.

“The Torch program, by design, is a game changer,” Henderson said. “It is simply unparalleled in its support for first-generation students from diverse backgrounds.”

He lauded the graduates for all they accomplished and for meeting the program’s high expectations, from the affinity groups they formed and their philanthropic pursuits to their research endeavors and roles as student leaders.

“It’s with confidence and tremendous pride that we send out this graduating torch class into the world,” Henderson said.

Keyla Eusebio smiling and tearing up while standing at a microphone in the Curry Ballroom. — 04/28/26 – BOSTON, MA. -Keyla Eusebio tears up as she speaks about graduates at the Torch Scholars brunch in the Curry Ballroom on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

A student wiping tears away from their face at the Torch Scholars brunch. — 04/28/26 – BOSTON, MA. -Keyla Eusebio tears up as she speaks about graduates at the Torch Scholars brunch in the Curry Ballroom on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

For Donte’ Lewis, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in cellular and molecular biology, the Torch Scholars Program provided him the opportunity to get out of South Central Los Angeles, which he said is known for its high crime rates, and pursue his passion in the sciences.

In addressing attendees on Tuesday, Lewis reflected on his time at Northeastern and the significance of being a graduate.

“For many of us, this degree means more than just a piece of paper,” he said. “It means rewriting what was expected. It means understanding that being the first is a responsibility. This degree has your name on it, but it carries your family, your community and every sacrifice that made this moment possible.”