{"id":20128,"date":"2026-05-21T09:42:49","date_gmt":"2026-05-21T13:42:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/?p=20128"},"modified":"2026-05-21T09:42:49","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T13:42:49","slug":"eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\/","title":{"rendered":"Eckerd College hosts its 63rd Commencement Ceremony on May 17"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extraa-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”20174″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” img_link_large=”yes” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Eckerd College celebrated its 63rd Commencement on Sunday, May 17, on the waterfront campus’s South Field. Photo by Penn Alicandro \u201922.<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”32″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” el_class=”news_subhead” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Lara Dallman Weiss \u201911 encouraged the Eckerd College Class of 2026 to never be afraid of doing things the opposite way\u2014going against the grain and conventional wisdom.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”32″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]The two-time Olympic sailor<\/a> shared missives from her life and career in her keynote address at the College\u2019s 63rd Commencement Ceremony<\/a> on South Field Sunday. She related everything from learning to drive a stick shift truck to haul a boat across Europe to sailing treacherous waves in the Canary Islands to the life lessons she absorbed through her experiences and Eckerd education.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s something I\u2019ve learned over and over again in sailing and in life. No one hands you a manual. No one tells you the exact right move,\u201d Dallman Weiss said. \u201cAt some point, you either trust your own judgment \u2026 or you stay stuck.\u201d<\/p>\n

The 476 graduates and their families listened intently as Dallman Weiss offered her life as an example of commitment and pursuit of a dream. She is currently preparing a campaign to make the 2028 U.S. Olympic Sailing team in the mixed 470 event.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin_tablet=”32″ top_margin_phone=”32″ flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”20176″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” img_link_large=”yes” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”16″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Two-time Olympian Lara Dallman Weiss \u201911 encouraged the 2026 graduates to trust their own judgement as they navigate life. Photo by Lisa Presnail.<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”32″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\u201cThere will be moments where the path isn\u2019t obvious. Where people around you are all doing one thing, and something in you is telling you to go the other way. That\u2019s the moment. That\u2019s when you trust your instincts. That\u2019s when you make the call,\u201d she explained. <\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”2%” bottom_padding=”2%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”20171″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” img_link_large=”yes” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”16″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Eckerd celebrated 476 graduates in the Class of 2026. Photo by Lisa Presnail.<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”32″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” el_class=”lg_text” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\u201cThat\u2019s when you trim your own sail. Because you can\u2019t control the wind. You can\u2019t control the waves. And you definitely can\u2019t control what everyone else is doing. But you can control how you respond. And leadership, at its core, is having the courage to make that decision\u2026 even when it feels backwards. And trusting that you\u2019ll figure it out along the way.\u201d<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”32″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Following her speech, <\/span>President Jim Annarelli<\/span><\/a> and Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty Christine Wooley, Ph.D., presented Dallman Weiss with an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters conferred by the <\/span>Board of Trustees<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It was one of several honors and awards included in the ceremony. The most poignant presentation came when Tara Signet joined the line of graduates to accept a Bachelor of Arts in <\/span>animal studies<\/span><\/a> on behalf of her daughter, Cassandra Ann Signet, who passed away in July 2025.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

President Annarelli tightly embraced the grieving mother as the entire graduating class, trustees, faculty, staff and families stood in salute to the Signet family.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Outstanding students were presented with awards for their achievements. Akari Miura, a biochemistry<\/a> graduate from Tokyo, Japan, received the Philip Lee Honor Award for exceptional present accomplishment and superior future promise. Former Eckerd College Organization of Students<\/a> President Emma Kelliher received the Ronald Wilson Award for significant contributions to the total College community. Cydney Harkness was awarded the James H. Robinson Award for leadership and significant contributions to the experience of underrepresented students at Eckerd. Ann Marie Liles Knight was presented with the Miller Award for unselfish and public-spirited service to the community, on and off campus.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin_tablet=”32″ top_margin_phone=”32″ flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”20177″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” img_link_large=”yes” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”16″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Eckerd College President Jim Annarelli presents Tara Signet with a Bachelor of Arts degree for her daughter Cassandra Ann Signet, who passed away in 2025. Photo by Lisa Presnail.<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”2%” bottom_padding=”2%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”20178″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” img_link_large=”yes” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”16″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Akari Miura, Cydney Aleyah Harkness, Emma Louise Kelliher, and Ann Marie Liles Knight were recognized as award recipients during Eckerd’s 63rd Commencement. Photo by Lisa Presnail.<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”32″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Professor of Marine Science Laura Wetzel<\/a> received the John Satterfield Outstanding Mentor Award for impact in the areas of academic programming, career planning and personal growth. Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre Tonia Krueger<\/a> was presented the Robert A. Staub Distinguished Teacher Award, which celebrates teaching excellence in an individual faculty member and encourages the pursuit of teaching excellence by the faculty as a whole.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Senior speaker Noya Hudkins Jouve, who graduated with high honors in <\/span>international business<\/span><\/a>, shared reflections of what she\u2019s witnessed in her journey from Torredolones, Spain, to jumping off Eckerd\u2019s pier for one last time Sunday.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThroughout these years, I\u2019ve met professionals whose lives made absolutely no sense, in the best way,\u201d she said. \u201cPeople who started in <\/span>biology<\/span><\/a> and ended up in <\/span>marketing<\/span><\/a>. People who studied art and now run companies. Their beginnings and endings looked completely different, because they never stopped learning who they are and where they belong.\u201d<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin_tablet=”32″ top_margin_phone=”32″ flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”20180″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” img_link_large=”yes” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”16″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Noya Hudkins Jouve was the student speaker at Eckerd’s 63rd Commencement. Photo by Lisa Presnail.<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”32″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]She charged her fellow graduates to be adaptable in ever-changing times.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI used to think changing your mind meant failing. But it does not,\u201d Noya exclaimed. \u201cChange is not failure. Change is information. It is learning more about who you are and having the courage to act on it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

During his farewell, President Annarelli reminded the Class of 2026 of how far they have come and how winding the road ahead may be.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGraduates, you have arrived at this day of celebration by various paths. We hope that your time at Eckerd College and the education and experiences that you have had here have prepared you for a life of ceaseless change, generous service and moral courage,\u201d he added.\u00a0 \u201cWe will know by the lives you lead if we have succeeded.\u201c<\/span><\/p>\n

Watch the complete ceremony or read the remarks at eckerd.edu\/commencement<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\nPhoto Album<\/span><\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”2%” bottom_padding=”2%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”20169″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” img_link_large=”yes” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”16″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Eckerd graduates take the celebratory leap off the pier into Boca Ciega Bay following Commencement.\u00a0 Photo by Lisa Presnail.<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extraa-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px”…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":20174,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[205,37,242,45,63,68,373,159,78],"tags":[842,1588,227,163,1587,1586,967,1543,1585,1589],"class_list":{"0":"post-20128","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-about-eckerd","8":"category-academics","9":"category-animal-studies","10":"category-biology","11":"category-international-business","12":"category-marine-science","13":"category-marketing","14":"category-students","15":"category-theatre","16":"tag-alumni","17":"tag-awards","18":"tag-board-of-trustees","19":"tag-commencement","20":"tag-degrees","21":"tag-graduates","22":"tag-graduation","23":"tag-lara-dallman-weiss","24":"tag-olympian","25":"tag-olympic-sailing"},"yoast_head":"\nEckerd College hosts its 63rd Commencement Ceremony on May 17 - News | Eckerd College<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Eckerd College hosts its 63rd Commencement Ceremony on May 17\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"News | Eckerd College\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"News | Eckerd College\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-05-21T13:42:49+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"http:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2026\/05\/tent-bay.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1333\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Robbyn Hopewell\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Robbyn Hopewell\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/blog\\\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/blog\\\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Robbyn Hopewell\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/220a66129888ab11b01c0152952eb00d\"},\"headline\":\"Eckerd College hosts its 63rd Commencement Ceremony on May 17\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-05-21T13:42:49+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/blog\\\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":3868,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/blog\\\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/51\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/tent-bay.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"alumni\",\"Awards\",\"Board of Trustees\",\"Commencement\",\"Degrees\",\"Graduates\",\"graduation\",\"Lara Dallman Weiss\",\"Olympian\",\"Olympic Sailing\"],\"articleSection\":[\"About Eckerd\",\"Academics\",\"Animal Studies\",\"Biology\",\"International Business\",\"Marine Science\",\"Marketing\",\"Students\",\"Theatre\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/blog\\\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/blog\\\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\\\/\",\"name\":\"Eckerd College hosts its 63rd Commencement Ceremony on May 17 - News | Eckerd College\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/blog\\\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/blog\\\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/51\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/tent-bay.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-05-21T13:42:49+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/220a66129888ab11b01c0152952eb00d\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/blog\\\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/blog\\\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/blog\\\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/51\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/tent-bay.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/51\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/tent-bay.jpg\",\"width\":2000,\"height\":1333,\"caption\":\"Large white tent set atop a grassy field and a seawall and a beach with dozens of people walking along\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/blog\\\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Eckerd College hosts its 63rd Commencement Ceremony on May 17\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/\",\"name\":\"News | Eckerd College\",\"description\":\"Newsroom at Eckerd College\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/220a66129888ab11b01c0152952eb00d\",\"name\":\"Robbyn Hopewell\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/8d850bab1150ac53b62b43baf545ff48a99b8e49dbbd07917d8af8b4dff60da3?s=96&d=blank&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/8d850bab1150ac53b62b43baf545ff48a99b8e49dbbd07917d8af8b4dff60da3?s=96&d=blank&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/8d850bab1150ac53b62b43baf545ff48a99b8e49dbbd07917d8af8b4dff60da3?s=96&d=blank&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Robbyn Hopewell\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Eckerd College hosts its 63rd Commencement Ceremony on May 17 - News | Eckerd College","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Eckerd College hosts its 63rd Commencement Ceremony on May 17","og_description":"News | Eckerd College","og_url":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\/","og_site_name":"News | Eckerd College","article_published_time":"2026-05-21T13:42:49+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2000,"height":1333,"url":"http:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2026\/05\/tent-bay.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Robbyn Hopewell","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Robbyn Hopewell","Est. reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\/"},"author":{"name":"Robbyn Hopewell","@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/#\/schema\/person\/220a66129888ab11b01c0152952eb00d"},"headline":"Eckerd College hosts its 63rd Commencement Ceremony on May 17","datePublished":"2026-05-21T13:42:49+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\/"},"wordCount":3868,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2026\/05\/tent-bay.jpg","keywords":["alumni","Awards","Board of Trustees","Commencement","Degrees","Graduates","graduation","Lara Dallman Weiss","Olympian","Olympic Sailing"],"articleSection":["About Eckerd","Academics","Animal Studies","Biology","International Business","Marine Science","Marketing","Students","Theatre"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\/","url":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\/","name":"Eckerd College hosts its 63rd Commencement Ceremony on May 17 - News | Eckerd College","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2026\/05\/tent-bay.jpg","datePublished":"2026-05-21T13:42:49+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/#\/schema\/person\/220a66129888ab11b01c0152952eb00d"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2026\/05\/tent-bay.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2026\/05\/tent-bay.jpg","width":2000,"height":1333,"caption":"Large white tent set atop a grassy field and a seawall and a beach with dozens of people walking along"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-college-hosts-its-63rd-commencement-ceremony-on-may-17\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Eckerd College hosts its 63rd Commencement Ceremony on May 17"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/","name":"News | Eckerd College","description":"Newsroom at Eckerd College","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/#\/schema\/person\/220a66129888ab11b01c0152952eb00d","name":"Robbyn Hopewell","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d850bab1150ac53b62b43baf545ff48a99b8e49dbbd07917d8af8b4dff60da3?s=96&d=blank&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d850bab1150ac53b62b43baf545ff48a99b8e49dbbd07917d8af8b4dff60da3?s=96&d=blank&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d850bab1150ac53b62b43baf545ff48a99b8e49dbbd07917d8af8b4dff60da3?s=96&d=blank&r=g","caption":"Robbyn Hopewell"}}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20128","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/45"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20128"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20128\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20232,"href":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20128\/revisions\/20232"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20174"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20128"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20128"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20128"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}