Spelman Faculty has introduced that Symone Sanders Townsend will ship the keynote handle at its 139th graduation ceremony, marking a serious spotlight for the Class of 2026.
The ceremony is scheduled for Might 17 on the Georgia Worldwide Conference Middle in Atlanta. Sanders Townsend, a outstanding political strategist and tv host, may even obtain an honorary doctorate throughout the occasion in recognition of her impression in politics and media.
Sanders Townsend at the moment co-anchors “The Weeknight” on MSNBC and has constructed a nationwide profile by her work in political communications. She made historical past because the youngest presidential press secretary throughout Bernie Sanders’ 2016 marketing campaign and later served within the Biden administration as a senior advisor and chief spokesperson for Vice President Kamala Harris, in addition to deputy assistant to Joe Biden.
Spelman leaders say her profession displays the sort of management and affect they hope graduates will carry ahead. Interim President Rosalind “Roz” Brewer described Sanders Townsend as a dynamic communicator and strategist whose work continues to form nationwide conversations.
“We’re actually thrilled to welcome Symone Sanders Townsend to carry phrases of inspiration to our graduating Class of 2026. The breadth of Symone’s pursuits and depths of her affect make her the perfect individual to encourage and transfer our graduates. As a strategist, communicator and entrepreneur, she embodies the twenty first century Renaissance girl that the Spelman girl seeks to emulate. We’re equally proud to host a distinguished lineup of dynamic Black ladies all through our weekend ceremonies, together with visionary humanitarian Claire Babineaux-Fontenot and nationally revered religion chief the Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart. This extraordinary group of girls represents the very normal of management and impression we hope our graduates will carry into the world,” shared Brewer through a press launch from the school.
The 2026 graduating class can also be making historical past. Spelman confirmed that seven college students will share the title of valedictorian, an unusual milestone that displays the educational power of the cohort. In whole, 569 college students are anticipated to graduate, incomes levels throughout a variety of disciplines.
Along with Sanders Townsend’s handle, the school will honor Claire Babineaux-Fontenot with a Nationwide Group Service Award. Babineaux-Fontenot beforehand served as CEO of Feeding America and has been acknowledged for her management in addressing meals insecurity.
The graduation weekend may even embrace a baccalaureate ceremony led by Gina M. Stewart, a revered religion chief identified for her work in ministry and group advocacy.
Spelman Faculty, one of many nation’s main traditionally Black faculties for girls, continues to keep up a robust tutorial file, with a reported commencement price of 78%. Officers say the 2026 ceremony will have a good time not solely tutorial achievement but additionally management, service, and the broader impression of its graduates.
