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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.