Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Paralyzed in 2021 Hockey Injury, Jake Thibeault Addresses Babson Graduates

His message drew on years of rehab to show how setbacks can fuel progress.

Overview

  • Thibeault, who served as Babson's 2026 commencement speaker Saturday, urged classmates to focus on resilience and steady progress.
  • WCVB reported he stood from his wheelchair and walked across the stage to loud applause.
  • He earned his diploma in business with concentrations in finance and sports management and spent four years on the Babson ice hockey bench as an assistant coach.
  • He continues intensive rehabilitation with the stated goal of walking again and tells peers his guiding motto is “no bad days.”
  • He thanked family, teammates, and classmates in his keynote, saying their support helped make college “the best four years” of his life.