Honors College Convocation Ceremony 2026 Program

Friday, August 28, 2026, 10 a.m.

Dekelboum Concert Hall, Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center

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Meet Testudo!

Opening Remarks

Prof. Kristy Maddux, Executive Director of the Honors College

Welcome Class of 2030

Helen Mesfin, IBH, BHC President

Introduction of Student Speaker

Jalah Townsend, Assistant Director for Student Services, ILS

Student Speaker

Ariel Abraham, ILS

Introduction of the JJAM Band

Dr. Jenny Lang, Associate Director of the Honors College

Performance by JJAM

Shiham Siddiqui, Bass and Band Lead, DCC
Band Members:
Muhammed Nyan, Drums
Claire Huang, Piano
Silas Rager, Trumpet 1
Nathaniel Unnikumaran, Trumpet 2
Yifan Zhang, Violin
Eric Zhang, Lead Vocals
Ella Valentine, Backup Vocals 1
Yasmine Tajeddin, Backup Vocals 2

Introduction of Alumni Speaker

Chantelle Smith, Assistant Director of Recruitment & Inclusive Communities

Alumni Speaker

Ms. Aarushi Malhotra, GEMS, 2023

Closing Remarks & Honors Tradition

Prof. Kristy Maddux and Helen Mesfin

Ringing of the Chime: Marking your new beginning

Students, raise your bells!

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Special thanks for the generosity of our campus partners:

Staff, Department of Resident Life (special shoutouts to the RAs!)

Staff, Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center