On Sunday, May 10, the College of Arts and Sciences held a Convocation for the Conferring of Degrees to 383 undergraduates. Read the Commencement Bulletin.
University Chaplain Chris Epperson opened the service by welcoming the Class of 2026 and recognizing the family, friends, and mentors who have encouraged, supported, and sustained the new graduates over the past four years. “You have been on a journey of discovery, curiosity, and discipline,” said Epperson to the assembled students. “We look with great anticipation to see what is next for you. You will always have a home here.”
The traditional Latin greeting was offered by Ally McCasland of Arkansas, the immediate past president of the Student Government Association.
Provost Scott Wilson announced the awardees for the James D. Kennedy III, C’73, Endowed Faculty Fellowship. The fellowship, established in 2001 by the Kennedy Foundation of Chattanooga, supports early-career faculty in the College during their formative years. This year’s recipients were Assistant Professor of Physics Bhavesh Ramkorun and Assistant Professor of Biology Kevin Rodriguez.
Wilson then announced the student awards and honors for academic excellence in various disciplines, athletic achievement, and community service. This year's Dean’s Scholars, select seniors who have explored and discovered, pushed boundaries and taken risks, all in the pursuit of learning and growth, are: Beatrix Adams, Eliza Dieck, Joshua Fairhead, Kae Massey, Kylene Monaghan, and Annie Steinfeld. See the complete list of 2026 awards and prizes.
Provost Wilson then asked Daphne Chigozim Nwobike to come forward to receive the 2026 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medallion for excellence of character, leadership, and service to humanity. Nwobike, a politics and Spanish major from Hyattsville, Maryland, received a standing ovation from the faculty and her classmates in All Saints’ Chapel as Vice-Chancellor Rob Pearigen presented the top undergraduate award given during Commencement.
As the winner of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medallion, Nwobike was designated to deliver the Senior Oration. Nwobike took to the podium and addressed her classmates, reflecting first upon the unprecedented times that marked the Class of 2026’s years on the Mountain. Noting the many ways in which she and her peers attempted to stay grounded and make meaning of the world while students, Nwobike highlighted her involvement with service as having had a major impact on her worldview. “Before college, I served to fulfill my high school graduation requirements,” said Nwobike. “At Sewanee, however, I began to see service as one of the most effective and meaningful ways to remember our shared humanity.”
Nwobike then noted three fundamental lessons that Sewanee has taught the graduating class. First, that curiosity is essential to seeking out the knowledge, truth, and experiences that lead to an informed life. Second, that service is the purest way to see others. And third, the importance of loving one’s neighbor. “There will be moments when loving your neighbor asks you to be uncomfortable, to be vulnerable, to challenge your assumptions, and to step out of your comfort zone. Do it anyway,” said Nwobike. “Wherever we go next, there will be neighbors who need love, people who need to be seen, and problems that require our curiosity. The world beyond the Domain waits for us to make a difference.” See Nwobike’s full remarks here.
Following Nwobike's address, Dean of the College Jennifer Cooley read each graduate’s name, and Vice-Chancellor Pearigen presented each diploma.
Vice-Chancellor Pearigen then read the University's charge to the "chosen and now honored youths," which was followed by the singing of the alma mater.
After the singing of the alma mater, the faculty procession led the way out of All Saints’ Chapel and into the traditional applause line along University Avenue to congratulate the Class of 2026.
See photos and watch the Commencement video.
The School of Theology
On Friday, May 8, the University of the South in its 169th year held a Convocation for the Conferring of Degrees from the School of Theology. The seminary graduated 24 students receiving varying diplomas, certificates, and degrees from Vice-Chancellor Rob Pearigen.
Baccalaureate Service
On Saturday, May 9, honorary degrees of Doctor of Humane Letters were presented to Joel L. Cunningham and Trudy Cunningham, and Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Jon Meacham, C’91, delivered the Baccalaureate address.
