Held on the College’s historic Salisbury campus, the ceremonies brought together graduates, families, friends, faculty, staff, trustees, and members of the Catawba community for a day of celebration, reflection, and tradition. The College hosted two ceremonies: a 10 a.m. ceremony for traditional undergraduate students and a 2 p.m. ceremony for Catawba Online and graduate students.
Catawba College President David P. Nelson presided over both ceremonies, joined by Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Monica Cowart. Barbara Marshall, a 1972 alumna and Chair of Catawba’s Board of Trustees, offered congratulatory remarks on behalf of the Board. The ceremonies also included music by Dr. Phillip E. Burgess and the Catawba Brass Ensemble, invocations and benedictions by the Rev. Kendra Joyner-Miller, Catawba Class of 2011, and performances of the National Anthem led by graduating senior Noah Haberacker and the Alma Mater led by another graduating senior, Aurora del Vecchio.
Graduates received degrees from Catawba’s academic schools, including the James F. and Gerry T. Hurley School of Arts and Sciences, Ralph W. Ketner School of Business, Enoch A. and Dorothy H. Goodman School of Education, the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance, and the Adrian L. Jr. and Dorothy L. Shuford School of Performing Arts. Degrees were awarded to traditional undergraduate, online undergraduate, and graduate students, including recipients of bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees in business administration, clinical mental health counseling, exercise and nutrition sciences, and sport management.
As part of the morning ceremony, Catawba presented the Whitener Medals, the College’s most prestigious awards given to graduating seniors. The Whitener Medals have been presented annually at Commencement since 1927 and recognize the man and woman in the graduating class who best embody the qualities of good character, leadership, and scholarship.
The 2026 female recipient of the Whitener Medal was Jacy Noble, a student-athlete, scholar, campus leader, and servant leader. Noble has been a member and captain of the Catawba Women’s Tennis team, president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, a leader in the Honors Program and Honors Council, and an active member of several academic and service organizations. A 4.0 student who has conducted independent research, presented at regional and national conferences, and completed an Honors thesis, Noble plans to attend veterinary school at NC State after graduation.
The 2026 male recipient of the Whitener Medal was Mason McLain, who distinguished himself through student advocacy, academic excellence, and leadership. McLain served in the Student Government Association for all four years, including as senior class president, and held leadership roles in the Honors Council of Students. He also served as a Teaching Fellow, Teaching Assistant, writing tutor, and student leader. A 4.0 student completing an Honors thesis, McLain will continue his education at Clemson University in counseling education with an emphasis in student affairs.
During the afternoon ceremony, Catawba recognized Jeremy Post with the Barbara Andrews Award. The award is presented annually to the graduating senior in the Catawba Online program who most successfully embodies character, leadership, and scholarship. Post returned to college at age 40 after building a successful career in logistics, data analytics, and business intelligence. His path to graduation reflects perseverance, transformation, and a commitment to excellence. He has also become a public speaker, coach, endurance athlete, and entrepreneur.
In a special moment during the morning ceremony, the College recognized Fletcher Harris, a cherished member of the Catawba family and the Class of 2026 who died earlier this year. Fletcher’s parents accepted his diploma on his behalf as the College honored his life, accomplishments, and lasting impact on the Catawba community.
The ceremonies also included several meaningful family and campus moments. President Nelson’s son, Joshua Nelson, was recognized among the graduates, and members of the College community were invited to participate in presenting diplomas to graduates with family connections to Catawba. The College also celebrated two graduating students, Sibella Mable Jessinia Woodruff and Autumn Elisabeth Perkins, who helped bring Blue, Catawba’s sideline mascot, to life during the mascot program’s launch year.
Throughout the day, speakers reminded graduates that Commencement is both an ending and a beginning — a celebration of what they have accomplished and a call to carry Catawba’s ideal of Scholarship with Character and Culture for Service into the world.
Catawba College extends its deepest congratulations to the Class of 2026 and expresses heartfelt gratitude to the families, faculty, staff, mentors, and friends who supported them throughout their journey.
