Kathleen Manning served as a professor in the University of Vermont’s Higher Education and Student Affairs program from 1989 until retiring in 2014. She has a Ph.D. in higher education from Indiana University; an M.S. in counseling and personnel services from the University at Albany; and a B.A. in biology from Marist College. Manning’s interests include social justice, international higher education, leadership, and organizational theory. She authored, co-authored, or edited eight books including Rituals, Ceremonies, and Cultural Meaning in Higher Education, One Size Does Not Fit All: Traditional and Innovative Models of Student Affairs Practice, and Organizational Theory in Higher Education. Manning received the NASPA Outstanding Contribution to Literature/Research Award, University of Vermont’s Kroepsch-Maurice Award for Teaching Excellence, NASPA Pillar of the Profession, and on-campus awards for social justice advocacy. She taught and consulted in international contexts including three voyages on Semester at Sea and three Fulbright Awards.

Deb has been with UConn for ten years and has served in various roles including External Relations, Career Development and Events. Deb chairs the commencement committee at UConn Law and has worked on eight commencements while at the law school. Deb is attending her second NAACO conference this year.

Zarrah Holvick has been a member of NAACO for 6 years, and holds a membership with PDI-POA, as UNBC’s Ceremonies and Protocol Officer. She leads successful Convocation related projects and has received the President’s Award for Creative Initiative in 2015 for the Online Application for Graduation project and nominated in 2018 for the Online RSVP project. Zarrah has training in Project Management, Business Process Analysis, and Information System Analysis and Design along with her ceremonies management and production expertise.

Francine Jordan is the Program Coordinator for Marketing and Events at the University of Washington Bothell. In this role, she assists with the planning of various campus-wide events and contributes to the marketing team by managing campus photoshoots and Facebook advertising. She is a 2019 graduate of UW Bothell with a degree in Global Studies and Society, Ethics, and Human Behavior. During her studies at UW Bothell, Francine landed a student assistant position where she contributed to the planning of the 2018 and 2019 ceremonies. She is specifically interested in social media communications and checkin/line-up. This is Francine’s first year as a NAACO member of the conference planning committee!

Jessica Newkirk is the Assistant Director for Engagement Events at the University of Washington Bothell. In this capacity she develops strategy and produces donor and stewardship events. Jessica is always looking for ways to improve ceremony planning process, communication and engagement with stakeholders, and timing of the ceremony itself. Jessica has a Bachelors in Sociology and a Masters in Museum Studies, both from UW Seattle. She is a past regional director of NAACO, planned a regional conference in 2016, and participates annually as a conference committee member.

April L. Harris is the Director of Special Events, Office of the President, The University of Alabama I Huntsville. She is responsible for the president’s and advancement events, academic ceremonies, and protocol. An expert on academic traditions, Harris is the author of three books: Special Events Planning For Success, 3rd edition; Etiquette and Protocol A Guide for Campus Events, 2nd edition; and Academic Ceremonies A Handbook of Traditions and Protocol. She is the winner of the Council For Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Ashmore Award for Distinguished Service to the Advancement Profession, a CASE Warwick Award for Outstanding Published Scholarship, and a CASE Apple for teaching. She is a former member of the CASE Commission on Alumni Relations and the CASE District III Board of Directors. She is a past president of the North American Association of Commencement Officers (NAACO) and the NEATAlumni Trust. A journalism/public relations graduate of Bowling Green State University, Harris also earned a certificate at The Protocol School of Washington. She is a member of Protocol and Diplomacy International-Protocol Officers Association.

Gladys Glaude is the Commencement and Special Events Coordinator at Sacrament State. She has 25+ years of experience coordinating significant events for the greater Sacramento area including The Sacramento State Commencement Ceremonies at Golden 1 Center (60,000+ graduates and guests). She gives guidance and training to other university campuses and community organizations. She has a passion for planning events that build relationships within the community.

Leah Walukones is a Special Events Coordinator for the Office of the President at Sacramento State, where she aids in the planning of all Presidential events, including commencement. She graduated from Sacramento State with a B.S. in Recreation Administration. When not planning events, she volunteers and teaches at a local dance studio in Sacramento, travels, and hikes.

Marcus Jones is the Assistant Director for Special Projects and Event Services for the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University. He is responsible for leading a team that produces over 100 events a year to highlight the college’s goal to create a healthier community by producing community engagement opportunities, showcasing faculty and student research, and creating a student experience embedded in practice. He is a Certified Special Event Professional and a Digital Event Strategist.

While commencement is often viewed as a ‘special event’, it is far more than just a celebration of achievement for grads and their guests. Commencement is also a unique and final opportunity for campus administration to convey deeply held values that have evolved over years within the campus community. Utilizing rituals and traditions, commencement may be used as a tool to create concise messaging around the university’s identity and reinforce affinities attendees have to the university.

Sara Sullivan is an Associate Registrar at the University of Iowa and has been with the Office of the Registrar for 4.5 years. She has worked with a team of talented colleagues to modernize and improve commencement ceremonies. Sara has been instrumental in promoting sustainability in commencement, encouraging team centered approaches to commencement planning, and building upon excellence at her institution. She holds a Master’s in Higher Education Leadership and is currently pursuing an EdD in the same field.

Alysha has been a member of the University of Iowa Office of the Registrar’s Commencement Team since 2016. Alysha’s focus areas are recruiting and training commencement facilitators (volunteers), implementing new technology utilized during the ceremonies to improve accessibility within the venues and during livestreams, creation, marketing and maintenance of the Iowa Graduation App, bolstering venue signage and modernizing the University of Iowa’s Commencement RSVP process.

Joshua Hutchison has worked at the Office of the Registrar since 2008. He has been working in his current role of Web Manager and Communications Guy for the past 5 years. He was one of the founding members of the new commencement team at IOWA which started in 2014 and was the project manager for developing and building the commencement.uiowa.edu website. His primary role with commencement at IOWA is maintaining the website and communication campaigns.

A seasoned event planner, Brad Coburn works as the Curriculum and Convocation Officer at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. For the past 11 years, Brad has shared responsibility for pre-ceremony administration, venue management, on-site logistics, accessibility, and general oversight of McMaster’s 14 yearly ceremonies (~7,500 graduates). Completing his Master of Education degree in Higher Education at OISE/University of Toronto in 2010, Brad focused his studies on student development, education policy, equity and access, risk management, and human rights litigation in post-secondary institutions. During his leisure time, Brad is a passionate home winemaker.

Gloria Chu is the Director of Ceremonies and Events at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia Canada. She has been producing and advising on ceremonies, events and protocol in academia, government, non-profit and private sectors for 20 years. The Ceremonies Office oversees about 80 ceremonies and events annually, serves as the Chancellor’s Office, oversees the six-time world championship SFU Pipe Band, works closely with SFU’s Office of Aboriginal Peoples on Indigenization of events, manages flag protocol and is the main event planning resource for campus colleagues.

Liz King is the Director of Ceremonies and Events at the University of British Columbia (UBC), and has worked in customer service, project and service coordination, and event management roles for nearly 20 years at the university. She collaborates with different communities of volunteers and staff, First Nations partners, constituents and dignitaries and leads a team to deliver the university’s academic ceremonies, recognition events and dignitary visits. Highlights during her career include start an evolution campaign events, UBC’s centennial celebrations, co-leading a special joint honorary degree ceremony for His Highness the Aga Khan, participating on teams responsible for hosting HRH The Duke of York and TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, leading annual Homecoming events featuring great Canadians like Rick Mercer and William Shatner and more. Liz holds a BA from UBC, an MBA from Royal Roads University and completed programs in Event Marketing and Public Relations at the British Columbia Institute of Technology.

Kavinda Arthenayake is the Director of College Events & Conference Services, Commencement at Rhode Island College since May, 2018. Prior to that, he worked as the Director of Conference Services, Commencement, Transportation Services, Printing & Mailing at Oregon State University for 15 years and directed Commencement for 13 years. In addition, he worked in Conferences and Events at University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Evergreen State College and also as the Director of Alumni Relations at his Alma Mater Southern Oregon University where he received his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees

Andrea McDaniel is the Director of Commencement and Executive Assistant to the Provost for Special Events and Outreach. She has 16 years of experience planning events at Oregon State University including student recruitment events at venues throughout the Pacific Northwest region, Provost’s Lectures featuring high profile speakers, academic Distinguished Professor lectures, faculty recognition events, and most recently OSU’s annual commencement ceremony. Her outreach responsibilities include web management for the Provost and Sr. Vice Provost. Andrea received her B.S. in Animal Science from Oregon State University.

Patti has coordinated many college and community events including; commencement ceremonies, presidential inaugurations, and campus wide events. She has also been responsible for facilitating off campus groups that utilize the college’s facilities. Her aim is to make sure that all who come onto the Rhode Island College Campus feel welcomed and valued. Throughout her 18 years at RIC, she has assisted in the creation of new programs and projects including: The Rhode Island State Home and School Project and Open Books Open Minds: First Year Reading Program.

As the Assistant Director of the Commencement Office at Northeastern University in Boston, Christina Pasquale is responsible for the management of all diploma and certificate fulfillment and distribution at the university. She is also responsible for the planning and execution of commencement and other academic ceremonies alongside the Associate Director of Academic Ceremonies. Christina graduated from Northeastern in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree, and has been in the Commencement Office for 9 years.

Deanna McQuarrie has over 20 years of progressive experience in higher education. In her role as Registrar at Sheridan, Deanna is focused on student service and access, creating efficiencies in operations to better serve students, and fostering an environment of teamwork, trust and collaboration. As the Registrar and working in partnership with the Special Events and Ceremonies team, she is co-chair of Sheridan’s Convocation Coordinating Committee and also serves as their bedel. Sheridan hosts 16 ceremonies annually. Deanna has comprehensive expertise in registrarial operations and systems and strategic enrolment management leadership experience in both Canada and the United States. She holds a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Psychology and a Master of Science degree in Educational Counselling.

Elisabeth Connell, MA, BSc, is the Director, Community Engagement, Special Events and Ceremonies at Sheridan College. Elisabeth is also the Co-Chair of Sheridan’s Convocation Coordinating Committee. Her education in leadership and business management respectively, have provided her with a unique perspective as she has progressed through her 19-year career in post-secondary education. With a proven track record for results, Elisabeth has negotiated and managed contracts and contracted staff, established new services, and directed and executed award winning events. She is often recognized for her attention to detail and “cool as a cucumber” attitude – two of her signature traits.

James Cuaresma is the Director of University Events and Protocol and California State University, Los Angeles. He supports and enhance Cal State LA’s mission of engagement, service, and the public good through events and programs that elevate the University’s profile. The scale and scope of the events that James produces, develops, or manages vary from the multi-day 15 Commencement ceremonies, to high profile fundraising events and galas, to intimate gatherings at the University president’s home.

Christine Binney serves as the Associate Director of University Events at the University at Albany in New York. She is a two-time graduate of the University with a master’s degree in organizational communication. She has over 13 years of experience in advancement at UAlbany, and is responsible for the design and implementation of a variety of events which support the University’s mission. These include campaign launches, stewardship receptions, scholarship dinners, speaker series, endowed lectures, convocations, and of course, commencement.

Kelly Carland is the Director of Commencement and Special Events at UCI. She manages 10 ceremonies with the help of over 150 volunteers per ceremony from across campus departments. Commencement ceremonies are spread out across 4 days with about 8,500 graduates participating with over 50,000 guests.

Daniel Fabrega is the Manager of Graduate Outreach, Recruitment and Retention at the University of California, Irvine and he works very closely with the commencement office on the graduate hooding ceremony. He implements strategic graduate recruitment planning, and oversees all entering student fellowships as well as graduate retention programs. He also provides operations leadership for special recruitment and retention project implementation. He is also the primary contact for the Summer Undergraduate Research Program.

Claire has been leading the convocation team at the University of Guelph for almost 15 years. Over this time period ceremonies have been hosted in four different facilities, each with their own unique opportunities and challenges. Strong relationships with vendors allowed her to tap into their broad experience and knowledge to support her in developing effective strategies to address the logistics of each venue to ensure the graduates convocation experience was never compromised.

Josh started with Commencement Flowers & T-Shirts as a high school student in 2000 and graduated from University of Western Ontario in 2003. Although his primary responsibilities are product supply & distribution and the Midwest & Canadian operations, Josh is involved with all aspects of the business. Josh has proudly supported NAACO since first attending the annual conference in 2006.

Dr. Margaret A. “Meg” Amstutz serves as Associate Provost for Academic Programs and Chief of Staff in the Provost’s Office at the University of Georgia. She oversees the Office of Academic Programs, the Office of Accreditation and Institutional Effectiveness, and the Provost’s Office staff. From July 2017 to July 2018, Amstutz served as interim President of the College of Coastal Georgia.

Lindsey Copus has worked with the Office of Special Events at the University of Georgia for 9 years. Lindsey serves as a key member of the Commencement Steering Committee in this role. In addition to her commencement responsibilities she executes 25-30 institutional events annually. Prior to her position with the Office of Special Events she served as an Event Coordinator at the University’s conference center and hotel for 5 years. Lindsey graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication from the University of Georgia.

Theawiana Bracewell is the Event Manager for the Provost’s Office at Oakland University. She has been at OU for 23 years now and worked in several different offices across campus. She joined the Provost Office full time in 2017; however, has been working with the team since 2012. She manages different lectures, conferences, special events, commencement and convocation for the division of Academic Affairs at OU.

Dr. Stephanie J. Lee joined the Academic Affairs office in September 2002 as the Administrative Associate. In her role as Administrative Associate, Dr. Lee provides counsel and management support to the Provost for the coordination of special events, workshops, dinners, annual state of Academic Affairs address. She supervises coordination of the University Commencement ceremonies held twice a year. Dr. Lee received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Doctorate in Education in Organizational Leadership from Oakland and a Masters of Arts degree in Education from Central Michigan University.

Kathleen (Kate) Genord started working at Oakland University as the Events Coordinator in Academic Affairs in August 2017. Kate’s main role in Academic Affairs is the planning and execution of the logistics needed for academic and university events, including University Commencement, convocation, new student orientation and open houses and various seminars, lectures and conferences across campus. Among other Commencement logistical tasks, Kate has helped her team with the implementation of a cloud-based, multi-person task list (using Asana), assisted with the approval, creation and management of the Oakland University Commencement Guidebook app, updated the University virtual rehearsal video, and worked on enhancing security measures with an increased focus on Emergency Preparedness and instituting a “no bag policy” for the ceremony.

Jay has been the university registrar at Samford since 2012. He has taught History and Geography at Radford University in Virginia and has taught in the core curriculum at Samford. The Registrar’s Office is responsible for all things commencement at Samford and it is Jay’s favorite part of the job.

Amiee Dixon is a native New Mexican and current Commencement Coordinator for Texas Tech University. She has served in the role for four years where she coordinates and executes the University’s Commencement ceremonies each semester. Amiee is an active member of Texas Tech Staff Senate, where she is a part of the Public Relations committee and is currently the Co-Chair for the academic year. She is a Texas Tech alumna holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance.

Having initially served in alumni relations for 11 years, Langford accepted a position in the graduation products industry helping colleges and universities build their ring traditions. After 18 years as the VP of Collegiate Market Development for Balfour, he was recently hired to return to his alma mater to serve as President and CEO of the Texas Tech Alumni Association. Langford received his bachelor’s and master’s degree from Texas Tech University in public relations/marketing and interdisciplinary studies.

Serena Wallace serves as Institute Event Manager in the Office of Special Events & Protocol at Georgia Institute of Technology. She and her team are responsible for the execution of high-level, award-winning Institute-wide events, consultation, and production of training resources. She has served as president of Event Coordinators’ Network, a campus network of over 600 faculty and staff. Before coming to Georgia Tech, Serena had experience in non-profit organizations and social events. Serena holds master’s degrees from Georgia State.

Jeff Miller has been involved in the hospitality industry for more than 40 years, primarily on University campuses. For the past thirteen years, he has been the University Event Planner at California Lutheran University, planning a variety of events including President Kimball’s Inauguration, Graduate and Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies, donor cultivation and appreciation events and groundbreaking and dedication of University facilities. Jeff is a Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE) and a Certified Meeting Planner (CMP). In addition to being active in NACE, he is a member of NAACO and was a presenter at the national conference in Hawaii.

Karissa has worked at Cal Lutheran for 13 years and will be working on her 13th Commencement this year. She works out of the Office of the Provost and at first was just in charge of the Commencement Program which snowballed into becoming a co-chair. Her main commencement responsibilities are the program, tickets, faculty, and day of “go-to” person! She is also responsible for the Opening Convocation and Honors Convocation at the University.

Sondra Schwartz is the Associate Director of University Relations (Ceremonies and Events) at Wilfrid Laurier University. In addition to leading the planning of graduation ceremonies on the Waterloo campus, she is responsible for multiple other university events including community engagement opportunities and externally facing events hosted by the President. She is a proud Laurier graduate and employee of the university for over 14 years.

Elisabeth Connell, MA, BSc, is the Director, Community Engagement, Special Events and Ceremonies at Sheridan College. Elisabeth is also the Co-Chair of Sheridan’s Convocation Coordinating Committee. Her education in leadership and business management respectively, have provided her with a unique perspective as she has progressed through her 19-year career in post-secondary education. With a proven track record for results, Elisabeth has negotiated and managed contracts and contracted staff, established new services, and directed and executed award winning events. She is often recognized for her attention to detail and “cool as a cucumber” attitude – two of her signature traits.

James Cuaresma is the Director of University Events and Protocol and California State University, Los Angeles. He supports and enhance Cal State LA’s mission of engagement, service, and the public good through events and programs that elevate the University’s profile. The scale and scope of the events that James produces, develops, or manages vary from the multi-day 15 Commencement ceremonies, to high profile fundraising events and galas, to intimate gatherings at the University president’s home.

Liz King is the Director of Ceremonies and Events at the University of British Columbia (UBC), and has worked in customer service, project and service coordination, and event management roles for nearly 20 years at the university. She collaborates with different communities of volunteers and staff, First Nations partners, constituents and dignitaries and leads a team to deliver the university’s academic ceremonies, recognition events and dignitary visits. Highlights during her career include start an evolution campaign events, UBC’s centennial celebrations, co-leading a special joint honorary degree ceremony for His Highness the Aga Khan, participating on teams responsible for hosting HRH The Duke of York and TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, leading annual Homecoming events featuring great Canadians like Rick Mercer and William Shatner and more. Liz holds a BA from UBC, an MBA from Royal Roads University and completed programs in Event Marketing and Public Relations at the British Columbia Institute of Technology.

Dr. Stephanie J. Lee joined the Academic Affairs office in September 2002 as the Administrative Associate. In her role as Administrative Associate, Dr. Lee provides counsel and management support to the Provost for the coordination of special events, workshops, dinners, annual state of Academic Affairs address. She supervises coordination of the University Commencement ceremonies held twice a year. Dr. Lee received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Doctorate in Education in Organizational Leadership from Oakland and a Masters of Arts degree in Education from Central Michigan University.

Kaitlin is the Senior Program Coordinator for University Ceremonies at Duke University. She has received her Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership. Her primary responsibilities include the oversight of all university ceremonies plus advising the student ambassador group for the President’s office, the Dukes and Duchesses.

Terry began her 25-year career at Duke University as Director of Special Events and is now Sr. Director of Special Events and University Ceremonies. Her office plans and implements events hosted by the President, as well as university-wide ceremonies such as Commencement and Founders’ Day celebrations. Prior to Duke, Terry was Social Director/House Manager for 8 years at the North Carolina Executive Mansion. She earned a BS degree in Business, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a graduate of the Protocol School of Washington.

As Executive Director of Campus Support Services at Princeton University, Nick leads an integrated team providing a broad range of guest services and production support for events and performing arts across campus. His team manages several venues, including Richardson Auditorium, the Lewis Arts complex, and the Frist Campus Center, providing logistics, front of house, ticketing, audio, video, and staging support. Nick serves as the operational lead for major convocation events, including Commencement, managing a cross-departmental team providing guest services, event management, and technical support.

Lisa has been in event planning for over ten years beginning her career at the U.S. Olympic Committee. She has been in higher-ed and at the Colorado School of Mines since 2015. In her role, she is responsible for all ceremonies and events surrounding commencement, convocation, homecoming and other special events hosted by the President.

In her role in the Office of the President, Angel coordinates spring, summer, and fall commencement ceremonies for Ball State University, and she also assists in coordinating other events for the Office of the President, such as receptions, dinners, and programs.

Ms. Brenda F. Farmer is the Executive Director of University Events and Ceremonies at Delaware State University with 26 years of service. She directs two Commencements per year, Homecoming, Convocation, the President’s Banquet for Retirees, Parents & Family Day, Founders Day, groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings and a host of other special events. She is a Mistress of Ceremony, Event Consultant, Protocol Officer and Script Writer for most University events and ceremonies. Additionally, she is a Multimedia Presentation Specialist—preparing all PowerPoint presentations for the last four presidents of the University. Farmer has received numerous accolades including the highest honor—the Presidential Gold Medal, two Employee of the Year Awards, a Black Achiever Award, a Vice President’s Choice Award and a Department of Public Safety Partner Award.

Called “Accessible Oprah,” Saya Hillman is an Evanston, Illinois native, Boston College graduate, and  Chicago resident. Since being fired in 2004, she’s been blissfully self-employed via her lifestyle business Mac & Cheese Productions℠. Mac & Cheese connects people to people, to opportunities, and to themselves through employing Life of Yes℠ concepts — lean into fear, transform negative into positive, and use what you possess to create the life you want.

Saya was one of Brazen Careerist’s Top Twenty Young Professionals to Watch, has been featured in Forbes and the New York Times, and is a TEDx speaker. She’s married to someone she met at her own event and they pulled off an almost 100% bartered wedding, as featured in the Chicago Tribune and Huffington Post.

Saya loves cleaning, travel hacking (flew 1st class to Japan for $250!), the Container Store, and (to the chagrin of her wallet) the Whole Foods hot bar.”