Convocation is on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 2 p.m.
On-stage participants must arrive by 1:30 p.m.
Event Location: Schneebeck Concert Hall
Academic Convocation is a celebration of student achievement. The event will feature remarks by a student and faculty speaker and the presentation of university awards. Awards range from accolades for research, creative work, academics, and service to a department/program. Invitations to the students who will be recognized on stage or in the program will go out via email by April 20th, 2026. Even if a student is not receiving an award, everyone is welcome to attend the ceremony and support the achievements of their peers.
Student Convocation Speaker
Mercer Stauch
Mercer is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in International Political Economy and a Bachelor of Science in Economics. As a first-year student, he was named a Matelich Scholar, recognized for exceptional motivation, academic promise, integrity, and leadership potential.
Since his sophomore year, Mercer has served as a tutor at the Center for Writing and Learning, supporting students as a Writing and Speaking Advisor. He has also worked as a Spanish tutor and as a course assistant for upper-division economics courses. His academic work extends into research, where he earned an Emerging Scholar Award at a conference for presenting his exploration of the CWL’s impact on student success and wellbeing. Mercer has completed multiple internships focused on green energy initiatives and advancing opportunities for low-income communities. He further broadened his global perspective through a study abroad program in Oaxaca, Mexico. Beyond academics, Mercer achieved multiple top-ten all-time performances as a mid-distance runner on the track team. He also performs with the a cappella group Garden Level and serves as editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Trail.
His Academic Convocation address is titled, “The World's Problems are Interdisciplinary.”
Faculty Convocation Speaker
Professor Daniel Sherman
Dan Sherman is a professor in the Environmental Studies and Sciences Department and Director of the Sound Policy Institute. He works at the nexus of science and policy with research on radioactive and hazardous waste disposal. His textbook, Environmental Science and Sustainability, has been adopted by more than 250 colleges and universities. Dr. Sherman holds Bachelor’s degrees from Canisius University in Buffalo, NY and Victoria University, New Zealand/Aotearoa, Master’s degrees from Colorado State University and Cornell University, and a Ph.D. from Cornell University. He teaches experiential learning courses on salmon restoration, energy resources, and environmental law and policy. More than anything else, he loves to take students outside to learn about environmental issues in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
He will deliver his Academic Convocation address on the question, “What’s Next?”
