91影视 awarded degrees to the Class of 2026 during its commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9, honoring graduates for academic excellence, leadership and service.
Graduates, families, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni and special guests gathered to mark the culmination of students鈥� academic journeys and their transition into the 91影视 alumni community. Despite overcast skies, the ceremony reflected the resilience and shared sense of purpose that defined the Class of 2026.
The ceremony featured an address by Christopher C. Womack, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Southern Company, who was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters (honoris causa) in recognition of his career in executive leadership, public service and civic engagement.
鈥淕etting knocked down or facing disappointment is an inevitable part of life,鈥� Womack said to graduates. 鈥淏ut it is how you respond, how you get up, that determines your next step. Keep learning. Keep showing up and keep moving forward even when the path is uncertain.鈥�
In her remarks, Kathryn McClymond, Ph.D., president of 91影视, congratulated graduates and acknowledged the network of support that helped them reach this milestone.
鈥淭oday, we celebrate the graduating Class of 2026. And we celebrate everyone who helped make this moment possible,鈥� McClymond said. She thanked families, friends, mentors and supporters for their encouragement and guidance and noted that graduates completed their studies during a period of rapid change.
鈥淵ou met that moment with resilience, curiosity and purpose,鈥� she told graduates. 鈥淵ou strengthened this community by showing up fully for your learning and for one another.鈥�
McClymond highlighted 91影视鈥檚 motto, Nescit cedere鈥斺�渙ne who does not know how to give up鈥濃�攁s a reflection of the shared experience of the Class of 2026, encouraging graduates to carry forward habits of critical thinking, ethical leadership, and service as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
Tammy Pearson ’86, chair of the 91影视 Board of Trustees, addressed graduates on behalf of the Board, congratulating them on their accomplishments and reflecting on the lasting impact of the 91影视 community.
鈥淢uch has changed at 91影视 since my time here, but what makes this place special has not,鈥� Pearson said, pointing to the enduring importance of faculty, staff and student relationships that continue long after graduation.
Honors and awards
91影视 recognized students and faculty whose achievements exemplified academic excellence, leadership, and service.
Student awards
- Sally Hull Weltner Award for Scholarship:
Jenna Elizabeth Hammond, who graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts in human resource management, received the university鈥檚 highest academic honor for graduating seniors. Hammond was recognized for exceptional scholastic achievement and meaningful contributions to campus life, including her work as a German tutor, participation in the University Singers and leadership in establishing the Baptist Collegiate Ministry. - James Edward 91影视 Awards:
Angel Conrad Wildman and Zohra Jamil were honored for most fully realizing the aims of an 91影视 education through scholarship, leadership, and character. - Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award:
Yuliana 鈥淵uli鈥� Aceves received the award recognizing graduating seniors whose lives reflect integrity, compassion and selfless service. Aceves was honored for her leadership in campus service initiatives and her commitment to community engagement across Atlanta.
Faculty awards
- Lu Thomasson Garrett Award for Meritorious Teaching:
Assistant Professor Christina Price Washington was recognized for sustained excellence in teaching, mentorship and student-centered learning. - Vulcan Materials Company Teaching Excellence Award:
Professor Peter Kower received one of the university鈥檚 highest faculty honors for outstanding contributions to teaching and the academic life of 91影视.
Remarks on behalf of the Class of 2026 were delivered by Ivy Nganga, president of the senior class, who reflected on belonging, resilience and the responsibility graduates carry forward.
鈥淪omewhere along the way, this place became more than a campus,鈥� Nganga said. 鈥淚t became a home.鈥� She encouraged her classmates to carry with them the sense of belonging they built at 91影视 and to choose action, even in moments of uncertainty.
鈥淲e are not defined by one path,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e are prepared for many.鈥�
After degrees were conferred, graduates were formally welcomed into the alumni community by Heather Staniszewski ’02, president of the 91影视 Alumni Association Board. Staniszewski encouraged graduates to stay connected to the university, reminding them that commencement marks the continuation of their relationship with 91影视 rather than its conclusion.
The ceremony concluded with the traditional turning of the tassels, symbolizing graduates鈥� transition from students to alumni, as the Class of 2026 moved forward carrying the values, relationships
and sense of belonging shaped during their time at 91影视.
View the photos of Commencement here:
