Mary Baldwin’s 182nd Commencement Ceremonies celebrated the accomplishments of more than 400 graduates across both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Mary Baldwin’s 182nd Commencement ceremonies were an inspiring series of events, replete with awards, special recognition, and pride for each and every graduate from all of MBU’s undergraduate and graduate programs.

The Saturday ceremony, moved to Cameron Hall at Virginia Military Institute (VMI) for inclement weather, celebrated the accomplishments of MBU’s graduate students, including those from the Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences, the Shakespeare and Performance Program, and the Palmer College of Professional Studies graduate programs in Applied Behavior Analysis, higher education, education, arts in teaching, and business administration.

On Sunday, graduates of MBU’s undergraduate programs convened for the traditional Commencement ceremony on Page Terrace. The weather stayed pleasant and clear while supporters covered Hunt Hill with blankets and chairs in preparation for the celebration.

Graduate Ceremony

Mary Baldwin’s graduate Commencement ceremony, held at VMI on May 18, featured a plethora of awards and some impressive addresses from faculty and students.

Ronan Melomo, a graduate of Shakespeare and Performance’s master of fine arts (MFA) program, delivered the student address. An excerpt: “Look around at all of your friends, all of the teachers, and all of the strangers here with you. They made it too, and like you they’re holding on. And when you’re ready, before you jump! Look ahead. Look at the wide plain of possibility stretching out ahead of you. Don’t try to find your landing! Plans are, after all, our little jokes for the gods. Instead, enjoy the horizon. Hold onto this threshold and savor the possibility ahead of you. Savor the effort behind you. Savor the success and community all around you. And when you’ve had your fill, or when you can’t bear the suspense anymore, let go.”

Graduate Ceremony Awards

Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences

Nancy Morse Evans Leadership Award: Awarded to

For registered nurse to bachelor of science in nursing (RN to BSN): Cherayne Mon Desir
For doctor of nursing practice: Amanda McComas
For physical therapy: Michael Sowers
For occupational therapy: Sarah Hinshaw

Linda Seestedt-Stanford Award: Awarded to

For physical therapy: Dane Smith
For physician assistant: Nicole Southwick
For occupational therapy: Courtney Nelson

Outstanding Master of Healthcare Administration Graduate Award

Mackenzie Ammann Graybeal

Outstanding Master of Science in Physician Assistant Graduate Award

Nathan Kessler Raver

Shakespeare and Performance

The Ariel Award For Outstanding Program Service And Leadership

Johnny Williams III

Andrew J. Gurr Thesis Award

Cece Richardson and Jovita Roselene Jacob

Ralph Alan Cohen Ampersand Award

Jake Raiter

Palmer College of Professional Studies

The School Of Education Outstanding Graduate Student Award

Marsha Rodríguez Munoz

The SR+ Graduate Award In Applied Behavior Analysis

Serena Gall

The Susan Nolan Palmer Outstanding MBA Apex Project Award

Graceann Lawhorne

Undergraduate Ceremony

The undergraduate Commencement ceremony, held at its traditional locale on MBU’s historic campus, brimmed with excitement from faculty, staff, and guests for the accomplishment of every graduate. In addition to speeches from President Jeff Stein, Provost Paul Menzer, Chaplain Katie Low, and other members of the Mary Baldwin executive staff, graduate Gerardo Escalera Cardoso delivered the student address.

An excerpt from Escalera Cardoso’s remarks, delivered in Spanish as part of a moving address to the large number of graduates and attendees who call English their second language:

“E igualmente quiero incluir a todos los familiares y seres queridos que tal vez no entiendan inglés. Creo que es imporante agradecerles y darles las gracias, en especial a mis padres por todos los sacrificios que han hecho por mi y mi familia en general por siempre apoyarme en todos mis esfuerzos.”

[And I also want to include all the family and loved ones who sometimes do not understand English. I believe that they are very appreciative and give their thanks, especially to my father for all the sacrifices that he has made for me and my family in general for always supporting me in all my efforts.]

Undergraduate Ceremony Awards

Senior Honors List

Amber Dawn Wyatt Herald, Megan Michelle Perdue, Alyssa Carpenter, Madison Marie Swope, Aira Yoshida, Maria Sarri, Delaney Garner, Claire Eleanor Josefson, Blake Tazwell French, Micah V. Hutton, Alyssa Fiammetta, Nikolas Alexander Hardenberger, Josseline Bonilla, Sophia Ren, Jordan Leslie Jester, Siri Vinayak Ugru, Takala Shantia Hairston, Abigail Grace Mattox, Quentin Hart, Vernon Fraley, Caitlin Welsh, Teegan E. Lewis, Charlotte Luisa Bradley, Asia Marie Patterson, Madison Renee Wright, Kennedy Ann Keith, Madison Grace Crawford, Iolani G. Mangoba, Juan Sebastian Vascones Gomez, Olivia Jade Gagne, Skylar N. Fox, Katelin Whitcomb, Grace Kathryn Gardner, Kaley Kuhaneck, Nicole Insetta Olsen, Isabella M O’Bannion, Sydney Brooke Crittenden, Matt Nicholas Nocco

Phi Beta Kappa

Annabella Maria Gonzales
Sophia Ren
Kijah Anita Wilburn
Isabella O’Bannion, inducted as a junior in 2023
Dr. Laura van Assendelft, professor of political science, an honorary member

Martha S. Grafton Award: Recognizes a graduating senior who has been a full-time Mary Baldwin University student for at least three years and has the highest grade point average in the graduating class.

Isabella O’Bannion

Outstanding School of Education Undergraduate Award

Minuette Goin

Jerry Venn Undergraduate Award in Applied Behavior Analysis & Autism Studies

Amy Alvarez

MBU Online Legacy Award

Kimberly Whorley

Online Outstanding Graduate Award

Colby Gregory

The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards: Awarded to individuals who demonstrate nobility of character and unselfish service to the broad community. This year, MBU recognized a graduating senior and a community member with the Sullivan Award:

Student Award: Grace Gardner. In the words of her nominating professors, Catherine McPherson and Bruce Dorries: “Volunteerism and education are in Grace’s DNA, and she exemplifies the intent of the Sullivan Award, honoring those who exhibit generous and unselfish service to others and the greater good.”
Non-Student Award: Barbra Lee. From President Stein’s remarks, “At Mary Baldwin, Barbara is a dedicated advocate for inclusive excellence, a much-sought-after mentor, and a faithful attendant at events celebrating our diverse community. She helps students become a part of the Staunton community, encouraging them to participate in local government and civic engagement … In fact — even if Barbara is just taking a trip to the grocery store — she never leaves home without her bag of voter registration cards.”

Closing Remarks

In the closing remarks at his first undergraduate Commencement ceremony, President Jeff Stein sought to inspire graduates:

“You are more ready than you know. Throughout your time at MBU, you’ve become experts at adaptation, change, and traversing the hills and valleys of life. And no matter whether you ALREADY have a plan for next year or are less sure of what’s next, you don’t have to know it all, you have experience climbing hills.”
President Jeff Stein