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Dear Campus Community,

I am pleased to announce the student and faculty speakers chosen to celebrate the Puget Sound Classes of 2024 during Commencement weekend.

Faculty Speaker for Academic Convocation – Melvin Rouse, Jr., Ph.D.
Melvin Rouse, Jr. is an associate professor of Psychology and serves on the governing board of the Gender & Queer Studies and Neuroscience majors. He earned his B.S. in Psychology from Virginia Tech University, his M.A. in Psychology from Boston University, and a Ph.D. in Psychological & Brain Sciences from Johns Hopkins University. Before joining the Puget Sound faculty, Dr. Rouse was a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine in the Department of OBGYN & Reproductive Sciences. Dr. Rouse teaches courses in behavioral neuroscience, hormones and behavior, human sexuality, research methods and statistics, and comparative neuropsychology.

Dr. Rouse’s address is titled “Self-Talk: The Power of Stories in Shaping Our Journey.” He will deliver his remarks during the Academic Convocation ceremony on May 4.

Student Speaker for Academic Convocation – Kaya Rose Heimowitz ’24
Kaya Rose Heimowitz ’24 is graduating with a double major in Chinese Language & Culture and English, with an emphasis in Creative Writing. Kaya is passionate about language and travel, having studied abroad in Taiwan and Ireland. On campus, she is a columnist and section editor for the student newspaper The Trail and previously worked as the director of communications for Crosscurrents, Puget Sound’s literary and arts journal. Kaya serves as co-president of the Jewish Student Union and is a member of the Spiritual Life Leadership Team. She recently received a Fulbright grant to pursue a Master’s in International Communication Studies at National Chengchi University in Taipei.

Kaya’s address is titled "The Story of Your Life: How Language Influences the Experience of Time.” She will deliver her remarks during the Academic Convocation ceremony on May 4.

Undergraduate Student Speaker for Commencement – Riley Ofrecio ’24
Riley Ofrecio ’24 is a first-generation college student graduating with a double major in African American Studies and Politics & Government with a minor in History. Riley worked as a course assistant for African American Studies and in the summer of 2023, he studied abroad with the department in Ghana. Riley is editor-in-chief of The Commons, the campus’s undergraduate political science journal. Riley also serves as the head of staff for the Associated Students of the �������� (ASUPS). This last fall, Riley helped found the Filipino American Student Association. His peers and professors have praised Riley for his leadership, kindness, and commitment to learning.

Riley’s address is titled “Floating, Progress, and Plexiglass Walls: Defining the Future Through Remembrance.” He will deliver his remarks during the Commencement ceremony on May 5.

Graduate Student Speaker for Commencement – Nathan Durham MEd ’24
Nathan Durham MEd ’24 is graduating with a Master of Education in School Counseling. Nathan received his B.A. in History for Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University. Nathan brings valuable perspectives to the classroom as a military veteran and former private industry employee. He’s actively involved in the Graduate Student Council and regularly volunteers at events on and off campus for the School of Education. Nathan has demonstrated insightful applications of his education through data projects that inform district administrators on integrating academic and behavioral instruction and intervention to support student success.

Nathan’s address is titled “From Iraq to Puget Sound: Finding My Call to Action.” He will deliver his remarks during the Commencement ceremony on May 5.

Please join me in congratulating and thanking Kaya, Riley, Nathan, and Dr. Rouse for their selection for these featured roles during our forthcoming Commencement weekend and for their many contributions to our community.

Sincerely,

Isiaah Crawford, Ph.D. | President