Convocation & Commencement Speakers 2023

Dear Members of the Campus Community,

I am pleased to announce the student and faculty speakers who will celebrate the Puget Sound Classes of 2023.

The selection committees have named:

• Alison Tracy Hale, Professor of English, as the Academic Convocation faculty speaker
• Eliana Goldberg ’23 as the Academic Convocation student speaker
• Ebony James ’23 and Ayliana Stabinsky ’23 jointly as the Commencement undergraduate student speakers
• Leah Parsons ’23 as the Commencement graduate student speaker

Faculty Speaker for Academic Convocation – Alison Tracy Hale
Our faculty speaker, Alison Tracy Hale, is a Professor of English and a longtime member of our Puget Sound community, where she is also active in the Coolidge Otis Chapman Honors Program. She is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, holds Master’s degrees from both Boston University and San Francisco State University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Washington. Professor Hale’s primary teaching and scholarly interests focus on the literatures of early America, with emphases on the American gothic and the early novel, but extend to more contemporary topics like True Crime, detective fiction, and Young Adult Literature. Her recent publications include essays on the pedagogical possibilities of the musical “Hamilton” and on representations of sexual assault and recovery in young adult novels. Here on campus, she has served as president of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, as well as the inaugural faculty advisor to Wetlands magazine. She is the recipient of a Thomas A. Davis Teaching Award and has twice been recognized with an Honorary “Lavender Graduate” designation for her allyship and support of LGBTQ+ students.

Professor Hale’s Academic Convocation address is titled "The Liberal Arts and the Practice of Living," and she will deliver her remarks during the Academic Convocation ceremony on May 13. 
 

Student Speaker for Academic Convocation – Eliana Goldberg '23
Eliana Goldberg is graduating with a major in Religious Studies and a minor in Politics and Government. Eliana has been involved with many campus organizations and has served as Vice President of the Jewish Student Union and representative to the Budget Task Force, and is currently the general manager of KUPS, our campus radio station. In her role at KUPS, Eliana has spearheaded many music and community-building events including bringing NARCAN training to campus. Last summer, Eliana traveled to Morocco to conduct a university-supported research project titled “Prescribed Moroccan Authenticity and the Quest for ‘Real’ Food,” which she later presented to the Board of Trustees. Eliana is known on campus for her generosity, intellect, and leadership.

Eliana’s address is titled "Learning to Let Go: Stepping Back from Academic Spaces," and she will deliver her remarks during the Academic Convocation ceremony on May 13.

Undergraduate Student Speakers for Commencement – Ebony James '23 and Ayliana Stabinsky '23
Ebony James is graduating with a major in International Political Economy and a minor in Spanish. Ebony has been involved in many areas on campus from a lead in the Diner, Residence Life, Center for Writing and Learning, Black Student Union, and Associated Students of the University of Puget Sound. She has been praised for her leadership, communication skills, and kindness. Ebony has presented her research at the National Conference on Peer Tutoring in Writing and was awarded a Vasilius Grant to participate in AFAM 311, a study abroad course that will bring students to Ghana for one month in summer 2023 to participate in internships with Ghanaian partners. Ebony plans to attend law school in the future. 

Ayliana Stabinsky is graduating with majors in Theatre Arts and Studio Art as well as a minor in Business. Ayliana has been involved in Residence Life, the Office of Admission, Ubiquitous They Improv sketch comedy, the Jewish Student Union, and Associated Students of the University of Puget Sound. Ayliana was awarded an Offield Travel Fellowship in summer 2022 to conduct research in the Uffizi gallery in Florence, Italy. Ayliana is known for her creativity and humor. You may recognize Ayliana from her many productions with the Theatre department such as the “Game of Love and Chance” and “Eurydice.”

Their address is titled "It All Started in Geology 101," and they will deliver their remarks during the Commencement ceremony on May 14.

Graduate Student Speaker for Commencement – Leah Parsons '23
Leah Parsons is graduating with a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Leah received her Bachelor’s in Political Science from Georgetown College and her Master's in Human Resources and Organization Development from the University of Louisville. She has exemplified dedication for the craft of occupational therapy while demonstrating humility, generosity, and inclusive leadership to her peers. Leah has assisted in Student Occupational Therapy Association events, attended gatherings with other Puget Sound military veterans, volunteered at the Tacoma Rescue Mission, coached youth volleyball, and served as a battalion operations officer in an Army Reserve chemical unit. Leah also organized the first on-campus community health fair since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. She is the proud wife of Dr. Michael Parsons and mom of two daughters, Annaleise and Ross.

Leah’s address is titled "Make Impact Your Occupation," and she will deliver her remarks during the Commencement ceremony on May 14.

Please join with me in congratulating and expressing appreciation to Eliana, Ebony, Ayliana, Leah, and Professor Hale!

Sincerely,