04/27/2026

Dear Campus Community,

I am pleased to announce the student and faculty speakers chosen to celebrate the undergraduate and graduate Classes of 2026 during Commencement Weekend.

Student Speaker for Academic Convocation – Mercer Stauch ’26
Mercer Stauch ’26 is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in International Political Economy and a Bachelor of Science in Economics. Named a Matelich Scholar as a first-year student for his leadership potential and academic promise, Mercer has spent much of his time at Puget Sound supporting his peers as a writing and speaking advisor at the Center for Writing and Learning and as a Spanish tutor. His academic research on student well-being earned him an Emerging Scholar Award, and he has completed multiple internships focused on green energy and supporting low-income communities. Mercer further expanded his global perspective through a study abroad program in Oaxaca, Mexico. Outside of the classroom, he is a mid-distance runner on the track team, a member of the a cappella group Garden Level, and serves as the editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Trail.

Mercer’s address is titled “The World's Problems are Interdisciplinary.” He will deliver his remarks during the Academic Convocation ceremony.

Faculty Speaker for Academic Convocation – Daniel Sherman, Ph.D.
Dan Sherman is professor and chair of the Environmental Studies and Sciences department and Director of the Sound Policy Institute. He holds degrees from Canisius University, Victoria University of Wellington, Colorado State University, and Cornell University, where he earned his Ph.D. A dedicated scholar at the intersection of science and policy, Dr. Sherman is the author of the textbook Environmental Science and Sustainability, which is used by more than 250 institutions. His research focuses on hazardous waste disposal, and he teaches experiential courses on environmental law, energy resources, and salmon restoration. He is particularly known for his passion for taking students into the field to study the environmental issues of the Pacific Northwest.

Dr. Sherman’s address is titled “What’s Next?” He will deliver his remarks during the Academic Convocation ceremony.

Graduate Student Speaker for Commencement – Rovin Ian Antonio ’23 DPT’26
Rovin Ian Antonio ’23 DPT’26 is graduating with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. An army veteran and Puget Sound alumnus, Ian has been a steadfast leader within his cohort, serving as co-president of the Student Physical Therapy Association. In this role, he organized program-wide events and secured partnerships to fund student research and global travel. Ian also coordinated the Fall 2025 PT/OT Job Fair, connecting more than a hundred students with potential employers. His commitment to the field extends to faculty-mentored research, which he presented at the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, and international service providing care in under-resourced regions of Guatemala.

Ian’s address is titled “Grounded: Choosing How We Show Up, Ready for What's Next.” He will deliver his remarks during the Commencement ceremony.

Undergraduate Student Speaker for Commencement – Isa Fitzgibbons ’26
Isa Fitzgibbons ’26 is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts. Since joining the university as a transfer student, Isa has distinguished herself as an exemplary scholar and artist, stepping into leadership roles both on and off the stage. In 2025, she studied abroad in London and was one of 15 students to receive the Agricola Scholar Award, which she used to develop Every Sound I’ve Ever Made, an original one-woman show weaving together writing from various women authors. Isa is also deeply involved in the university Chaplaincy, where she serves on the Hourly Team and as a Spiritual Life Leader to support the diverse spiritual communities on campus. Her creativity and commitment have left a lasting contribution to the university's artistic and spiritual life.

Isa’s address is titled “Into Confusion: On Nobility, Curiosity, and Uncertainty in the Life of the Graduating College Student.” She will deliver her remarks during the Commencement ceremony.

Please join me in congratulating Mercer, Ian, Isa, and Dr. Sherman on their selection for these featured roles and for their many contributions to our community.

Sincerely,

Isiaah Crawford, Ph.D. | President