The Commencement of the Class of 2026

#Eckerd26

Sunday, May 17, 2026, 8 a.m. EDT
South Beach Field
Speaker: Lara Dallman Weiss ’11

Commencement took place right on campus alongside our beautiful South Beach. With the stunning Boca Ciega Bay as the backdrop, families gathered beneath an open-air tent to celebrate this wonderful occasion. Read our news story for a recap.

Speeches

Video recordings and transcripts

Baccalaureate Address

James J. Annarelli
President
Transcript

Land Acknowledgment

Clare Wurlitzer
Class of 2026
Transcript

Invocation

Reverend Robert L. Galloway
Director of Religious Life and College Chaplain
Transcript

Welcome

James J. Annarelli
President
Transcript

Congratulations from the Board

Ian P. Johnson ’89
Chair
Transcript

Greetings from the Graduating Class

Noya Hudkins Jouve
Class of 2026
Transcript

Commencement Address

Lara Dallman Weiss
Class of 2011
Transcript

Farewell

James J. Annarelli
President
Transcript

View of waterfront campus with people mingling on the beach with a very large white tent in the background

Awards

The Philip Lee Honor Award

The Philip Lee Honor Award is presented to the senior student whose scholarly achievements at Eckerd College have demonstrated both exceptional present accomplishment and superior future promise. Through the Philip Lee Honor Award, the College honors the first Chairman of its Board of Trustees.

This year’s recipient is Akari Miura.

The James H. Robinson Award

The James H. Robinson Award is presented to the senior student who has by leadership and example contributed significantly to the experience of underrepresented students at Eckerd College and to a fuller appreciation of cross-cultural values throughout the whole Eckerd community. Through the Robinson Award the College recognizes the pioneering contributions of the Reverend James Robinson to the field of African-American relations.

This year’s recipient is Helena Bertha Lewis.

The Ronald Wilson Memorial Award

The Ronald Wilson Award is presented to a senior student who has made a significant contribution to the total College community. Through the Ronald Wilson Award, the College honors the late Ronald Wilson, a valuable member of the Board of Trustees.

This year’s recipient is Emma Louise Kelliher.

The Miller Award

The Miller Award is presented to the senior student whose life activities best exemplify the ideal of unselfish and public-spirited service to the community, off campus as well as on campus. Through the Miller Award, the College honors two of its distinguished friends, Francis Pickens Miller, who was the first president of the Board of Visitors, and his wife, Helen Hill Miller.

This year’s recipient is Ann Marie Liles Knight.

The John Satterfield Outstanding Mentor Award

Named in honor of a beloved member of the founding faculty, this award honors the special and vital role of the mentor in a student’s life at Eckerd. The selection of the recipient is based on the impact the mentor has had in the areas of academic programming, career planning, and personal growth.

This year’s recipient is Professor of Marine Science Laura Wetzel.

Honorary Degree

It is customary at Commencement services in American colleges and universities to recognize distinguished individuals with honorary degrees. Eckerd College takes pleasure in so recognizing one such individual this year: Lara Dallman Weiss, Doctor of Humane Laws Honoris Causa.

Previous ceremonies

Looking for previous Commencement materials?

Visit our Library Archives and our YouTube playlist for digital copies of programs, transcripts of speeches and remarks and a list of special awards for students from previous ceremonies; a list of faculty awards from previous years is stored by the Dean of Faculty.