��������

Dear Campus Community,

I am pleased to announce the student and faculty speakers chosen to celebrate the undergraduate and graduate Classes of 2025 during Commencement Weekend.

Student Speaker for Academic Convocation – Andrew Benoit ’25
Andrew Benoit ’25 is graduating with a major in Sociology & Anthropology and a minor in History. Passionate about student journalism, Andrew has been deeply involved with The Trail for four years, serving as editor-in-chief for the past two. Their writing and photography have also been featured in Crosscurrents journal and Wetlands magazine. Beyond journalism, Andrew worked as a writing tutor at the Center for Writing and Learning for three years, helping students refine their academic writing. They have also undertaken multiple summer research projects, including an international study in Ireland on Neolithic passage tombs. In their sophomore year, Andrew was honored with the W. Houston Dougharty Hearthstone Award for their positive contributions to student life on campus.

Andrew’s address is titled “The Liberal Arts and the Crisis of the Moment.” They will deliver their remarks during the Academic Convocation ceremony on May 10.

Faculty Speaker for Academic Convocation – Sam Kigar, Ph.D.
Samuel Kigar is an associate professor of Islam in the Department of Religion, Spirituality, & Society. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Reed College and master’s and doctoral degrees from Duke University, all in religious studies. A specialist in Islamic studies, his research focuses on the intersections of religion and politics. His book, Islamic Terroir: Religion, Community, and Land in Modern Morocco, forthcoming from the University of Chicago Press, concerns how Moroccan notions of territory emerged from within Muslim sources in the twentieth century. His work also examines intersections of religion and literature, environment, and gender. He teaches courses on Islam, antisemitism and Islamophobia, Judaism, and the interplay of religion, politics, and climate change.

Dr. Kigar’s address is titled “Art Is What People Do When They Are Free.” He will deliver his remarks during the Academic Convocation ceremony on May 10.

Graduate Student Speaker for Commencement – Avi Matan Whinkin DPT'25
Avi Matan Whinkin DPT’25, who brings leadership, service, and a passion for community engagement to every endeavor, is graduating with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. As co-vice president of the Student Physical Therapy Association, Avi helped organize on- and off-campus social events and collaborated on two PT program-focused fundraisers. As auction co-host at the annual fundraiser, Avi helped to raise thousands of dollars to support student research and study abroad opportunities. Beyond his formal roles, Avi has been a dedicated volunteer, introducing Tacoma Public Schools students to healthcare careers and providing guidance to prospective Puget Sound students. His commitment to mentorship and community building extends to his founding of a Capoeira club, where he shared his love for teaching and the martial arts with others. Avi’s time at Puget Sound reflects his dedication to leadership, service, and lifelong learning—values that define his academic journey and his future in physical therapy.

Avi’s address is titled “The Second Best Time to Plant a Tree.” He will deliver his remarks during the Commencement ceremony on May 11.

Undergraduate Student Speaker for Commencement – Kevoni Neely ’25
Kevoni Neely ’25 is graduating with a major in African American Studies and a minor in Crime, Law, & Justice. A dedicated student leader from her first year, Kevoni has been a driving force for diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus. She served as vice president of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Alpha Phi and as director of Equity, Inclusion, and Justice for the Associated Students of the �������� (ASUPS), where she organized and led DEI training sessions for media organizations, club leaders, and student groups. Kevoni’s commitment to mentorship is evident in her work as a student leader for the First Year Inside program and as an office assistant at the Center for Writing and Learning. Beyond her leadership roles, she is also a dancer, performing with the Repertory Dance Group and the university’s cheer team. In her senior year, Kevoni was elected President of ASUPS, where she demonstrated her passion for leadership, advocacy, and community building.

Kevoni’s address is titled “Delusional Enough to Dream.” She will deliver her remarks during the Commencement ceremony on May 11.

Please join me in congratulating Andrew, Avi, Kevoni, and Dr. Kigar on their selection for these featured roles during Commencement weekend and for their many contributions to our community.

Sincerely,

Isiaah Crawford, Ph.D. | President