The Mace – January 2025 Edition

• Message from the President
• Register Today for NAACO 2025 Conference
• Celebrate 25 years of NAACO Excellence in Long Beach!
• Annual Membership Meeting
• Honoring Legacies at Graduation: A Tradition of Family and Leadership
• Hot Topic Recap: NAACO Leadership Summary
• NAACO Member Spotlight with Sondra Schwartz
• Fuel Up with a Blueberry Green Smoothie
• Greetings, Everyone!
• Welcome New Institutions and Affiliate Members!
• Join Our LinkedIn Page
• Connect with Fellow NAACO Colleagues
• Thank You to Our Sponsors
• NAACO Resources

Message from the President – JANUARY 2025 MACE

As we look ahead to the upcoming NAACO Annual Conference in Long Beach, there is much to celebrate and reflect upon. This year marks a significant milestone: 25 years of excellence in fostering a community of dedicated professionals committed to the advancement of commencement and convocation ceremonies across North America and beyond. Together, we’ve grown, learned, and innovated, and this year’s conference will be a testament to that shared journey.

This silver anniversary is more than just a number—it’s a tribute to the countless hours of dedication, creativity, and passion poured into creating meaningful experiences for graduates and their families. NAACO’s mission has always been to elevate the art and science of academic ceremonies, and over the past quarter-century, we’ve built a thriving network of professionals who exchange ideas, share best practices, and inspire one another.

The Long Beach conference will offer a unique opportunity to honor this legacy while looking toward the future and embracing new ideas and technologies that enhance the way we celebrate academic achievements. We are also proud to be in Southern California to support the community and recognize the resilience of our members who have been impacted by the recent wildfires.

The past year has been a time of resilience and growth for our members. As the world continues to adapt to change, so have we as ceremony professionals. Many of you have forged creative solutions to complex challenges—from hybrid ceremonies to sustainability initiatives and beyond. Your efforts ensure that each event delivers a cherished memory for graduates and their families, regardless of the circumstances.

This conference will be a space to showcase, learn and build on those efforts. Through engaging sessions, keynote addresses, and peer-led discussions, we will explore the innovations that have shaped the last year and envision the possibilities for the years to come.

Attendees can expect a rich program filled with opportunities for professional development and collaboration. Highlights include:

• Keynote Presentations: Hear from industry leaders and visionaries who will inspire and challenge us to think beyond traditional boundaries.
• Workshops and Breakout Sessions: Participate in hands-on sessions designed to deepen your skills and spark new ideas.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with colleagues old and new, sharing insights and building lasting relationships.
• Anniversary Celebrations: Join us in commemorating 25 years of NAACO with special events that reflect our shared history and achievements.

As we prepare to gather in Long Beach, we invite you to reflect on your own journey as an important part of this community. What have you learned? How have you grown? And what do you hope to achieve in the next 25 years?

The NAACO Annual Conference is more than an event—it’s a celebration of our collective passion and purpose. Let’s come together to honor our past, celebrate our present, and shape our future. We can’t wait to see you there.

Register Today for the NAACO 2025 Annual Conference

Register for the NAACO 2025 Annual Conference: Celebrate 25 Years of NAACO Excellence. Reserve your spot to join fellow commencement officers in Long Beach, California, today!

Dates: February 9-12, 2025 Location: Long Beach, California Hotel: Hyatt Regency Long Beach

Register Today

Celebrate 25 years of NAACO Excellence in Long Beach!

NAACO 2025 Events Experience Committee

In just two weeks, we will be celebrating 25 years of NAACO excellence at our annual conference in Long Beach, California. Your NAACO Board of Directors and committee volunteers look forward to welcoming you February 9–12.

For those of you who have been waiting to register, now is the time! For up-to-date information about the schedule, hotel, registration, and more, visit the NAACO website.

On the fence about registering or looking for more of the inside scoop on what to expect? Read on…

Celebrate!
Make NAACO history as we commemorate our 25th anniversary. Mingle in style at the opening night reception by dressing up in your collegiate wear with a touch of silver, sparkle, or shine! Eat, drink, be merry, and meet our sponsors and NAACO board members–founding, current, and incoming. Toast to our beginnings and usher in NAACO’s next 25 years. Join us for the fun and surprises.

Connect!
Expand your professional and personal networks. We’ve got Connections networking sessions, roundtables, social events, and sightseeing, providing opportunities for us to come together. Explore Downtown Long Beach and meet new colleagues at one of our Meet & Eat dinners; check out local fare and stretch your legs near the hotel. Sign up soon to save your spot! Download WHOVA and make the most of our conference app – before, during, and after our time in Long Beach.

Contribute!
NAACO, through your generous support, is proud to partner with the LA84 Foundation and Play Equity Fund. Please donate – let’s make a difference together!

• Over 63% of parents struggle to afford sports for their kids. The Play Equity Fund’s mission is to break down barriers to ensure all children have access to the benefits of sports. Now more than ever, our support fuels work to create equal, safe access to play opportunities for every child.
• Donations supporting the fund invest in a brighter future for all children regardless of race, gender, zip code, or socioeconomic status. Our support is leveling the playing field for kids everywhere.
• To learn more, read the new, first-of-its-kind 2024 Play Equity Report.

Learn!
Of course we’re all ultimately attending to learn from the best and brightest in our industry! Read further on in the newsletter to find out what you’ll get out of our education sessions this year and view the recording of our recent Hot Topic to learn more.

Go green(er)!
Bring some swag (like keychains, t-shirts, stickers, etc.) and sample collateral (like programs, brochures, postcards, etc.) to share, but please don’t bring more than 5 of any item to reduce waste at the hotel. Drop your items off at registration for more info. NAACO continues to be sustainable by providing conference name tags that are plastic-less! Come prepared with pockets or bags to tuck away those key cards, business cards, and more somewhere safe. Update your digital presence on social channels like LinkedIn to reduce the exchange of paper throughout the conference, and BYO tablet or laptop, instead of a notebook, to take notes. Water will be available throughout the conference; water bottles and travel mugs are welcomed.

Explore!
Downtown Long Beach, California, offers a vibrant mix of entertainment, dining, and waterfront attractions that make it the perfect destination for both business and leisure. After the conference, take a stroll along Shoreline Village, where you can enjoy stunning harbor views, boutique shopping, and delicious seafood. Explore the iconic Aquarium of the Pacific, home to fascinating marine life, or take a sunset cruise for a breathtaking view of the coastline. Food lovers will appreciate the diverse culinary scene, from trendy rooftop bars to classic SoCal taco spots. For art and culture, check out the East Village Arts District, where local galleries and street murals bring the city to life. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, enjoy live music, or experience the buzzing nightlife, Downtown Long Beach has something for everyone—making it an exciting place to mix business with pleasure! Come prepared for cooler temperatures, where the high will be in the 60s °F/16s °C. We recommend a light jacket as well for inside the hotel.

See you soon!

NAACO 2025 Event Experience Committee
Claudia Gil, Chair
Carmela Arstill
Heather Calkins
James Cuaresma
Joshua Green
Kristine McDonough
Robin Roup

Annual Membership Meeting

This year’s annual membership meeting information is now available in the members’ only section of the NAACO website.

This meeting will occur on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 11:30 am PST at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach in Long Beach, California. The meeting materials include the agenda, proposed bylaw changes, the slate of nominees for the Board, and reports from the Board of Directors. We ask that you please take some time before the meeting to review these materials as presented.

We kindly request that each institution designate a single delegate for voting purposes. While all members are welcome to attend, only one representative per institution is permitted to cast a vote.

We look forward to seeing you in Long Beach, CA very soon!

Honoring Legacies at Graduation: A Tradition of Family and Leadership

Caption: Dr. Jason C. Goodman hooding legacy graduate and daughter, Dr. Alexis L. Goodman.

Graduation is more than just a ceremony—it’s a celebration of achievements, traditions, and legacies that define an institution’s spirit. At Logan University, this sentiment resonates deeply with my family. My father-in-law, a Logan alumnus and the university’s sixth and longest-serving president, was instrumental in shaping its future. His legacy continues to influence the institution’s growth, and for our family, Logan represents not only a place of education but also a cornerstone of our personal and professional lives.

Last December, my family’s legacy at Logan University reached another milestone. Our daughter graduated with her Doctor of Chiropractic degree, continuing the tradition her grandfather began. She joins my husband, also a Logan chiropractic graduate, and three of her sisters, who earned their bachelor’s degrees there. Each of these graduations is more than an academic accomplishment; they symbolize a shared commitment to Logan’s values and a dedication to carrying forward our family tradition.

Recognizing legacy graduates at commencement adds a profound dimension to the ceremony. It highlights the deep connection between families and the institution, bridging generations and celebrating shared journeys. For families like ours, walking the same halls and wearing the same cap and gown creates a sense of continuity and belonging. These acknowledgments not only honor individual achievements but also strengthen the communal atmosphere, enriching the bonds between alumni and the university.

Incorporating legacy recognition into commencement ceremonies reflects broader trends in higher education. Many universities, like Logan, honor these graduates with special programs, pins, cords, or mentions. Such gestures make the event more meaningful, celebrating continuity and the enduring impact of education on families. For Logan, these moments reinforce the values of community, tradition, and excellence, inspiring both current students and alumni to maintain their ties long after graduation.

Honoring legacies is vital—it’s about celebrating commitment and the transformative power of education. By acknowledging these connections, universities like Logan not only pay tribute to their past but also pave the way for a future enriched by the enduring traditions of its families.

Hot Topic Recap: NAACO Leadership Summary

I was honored to participate as a panelist on the October Hot Topic Call: Effective Leadership: Twist & Turns on the Journey. Here is a summary of the insights I had the privilege of sharing during the discussion.

As the director of ceremonies and special events in the Chancellor’s office at the University of California, Davis, I lead a team of six event planners, and serve as a resource for event planners across our campus.

Leadership is not a straight path but rather a winding journey filled with challenges, growth opportunities, and moments of both triumph and self-doubt. The most effective leaders understand that their development is an ongoing process that requires adaptability, resilience, and continuous learning.

Before one can effectively lead others, they need self-awareness, strong time management skills, and personal accountability. Staying abreast of changes and clear communication, create a solid foundation for your direct reports.

True leadership isn’t about control, but influence and that is intrinsically linked to a team’s growth and wellbeing. Allowing your team to take ownership of certain tasks builds professional confidence and trust. Building trust within a team takes time, but losing it happens in a moment.

While leaders must stay true to their core values, they must also evolve and grow.

Success can teach valuable lessons, it’s often the missteps that forge the strongest leaders. These moments force leaders to confront their limitations, acknowledge mistakes, and demonstrate vulnerability. What works in times of stability might be inadequate during crisis or rapid change. This often requires unlearning old habits, embracing new perspectives, and continuously refining your approach. The ability to bounce back from setbacks while maintaining team morale becomes a defining characteristic of seasoned leaders.

The path of leadership is indeed full of twists and turns, each presenting both challenges and opportunities for growth. Success lies not in avoiding these turns, but in approaching them with curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to continuous learning. The leadership journey is ultimately a path of continuous evolution, where success is measured not by reaching a destination but by the growth, connections, and positive change created along the way.

I encourage you to attend future Hot Topic Calls to gain valuable insights from a diverse group of thought leaders and to continue learning alongside others on their leadership journeys.

“While leaders must stay true to their core values, they must also evolve and grow.”

NAACO Member Spotlight Interview Questions

Meet Sondra Schwartz, NAACO Treasurer! As the Associate Director of University Relations at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, she oversees the intricate details of graduation ceremonies. Known for her ability to stay calm under pressure, she thrives on collaborating with diverse teams to create memorable experiences for graduates, faculty, and guests. Outside of work, you’ll find her sewing dance costumes for her daughter’s competitive routines or enjoying time with her active Aussie, Coco.

What is your favorite element or part of commencement day? What is your least favorite?

My favourite element is watching the graduates cross the stage. I love when the first group is ushered out of their seats to the backstage area, they’re nervous, but excited and we all feel a sense of pride for their achievements.

My least favourite is… watching the graduates cross the stage! Over the last year, disruption planning has become a significant part of the planning process and it’s my job to watch for disruptions and initiate a course of action with the AV team and the special constables off stage.

What’s your best piece of advice (or tip) for our NAACO community planning ceremonies and events?

Graduation ceremonies are complex in many ways and the level of planning and execution is nothing like your average event. You have to find a healthy balance between providing an optimal experience for graduates, guests, staff and faculty while trying your best to not “sweat the small stuff” so to speak. To remain calm in stressful moments and to remember that most people won’t know when a minor issue has occurred.

What do you love most about your work?

Working with the many different people I do internally and externally while planning a graduation ceremony.

Have you had a previous job in the past that our readers would find interesting?

In highschool I got a job at the local horse racing track, taking the bets from patrons. It was a bit intense at 17 years old, but it was a fun experience.

What do you like to do for fun when you are not planning events?

I spend a lot of time sewing and crafting. These days I make a lot of dance costumes and dancewear for my 12 year old daughter in competitive dance. I also enjoy reading, staying active and playing with our aussie shepard, Coco.

Tell us a personality trait of yours that helps you succeed in your role?

I think my patience helps in many situations both during the planning process and the event execution.

What is your favorite guilty pleasure or healthy snack that gets you through the planning process?

I try to mostly eat as healthy as possible, but I do love a bit of candy from time to time.

Share one question/topic that you’d love other members to provide suggestions or solutions for?

Regalia protocols. Up until last spring, we had been fairly strict with following protocols, but that’s starting to change. I would like to know if other members are working through similar circumstances or have already been through this.

Share your favorite NAACO benefit.

Regional meetings/calls. Over the years, these meetings gave me the opportunity to make long lasting connections with more locally.

How did you get involved in NAACO originally? How did you get involved in your current NAACO volunteer role?

The first time I volunteered was on the conference planning committee, I really enjoyed that experience, so when the opportunity opened up to be the regional director for Canada-East, I was excited to take it on. Currently, I’m the treasurer on the Board of Directors. I was initially asked to step in to fill a one year gap and then nominated to take on a full three year term. Each of these opportunities has provided me with personal growth but also the ability to build deeper connections with other NAACO members.

How do you find balance in your life as a commencement officer?

During the really busy times of the year, I inevitably have to work into the evenings to stay on top of the workload, but when we have slower periods, I make sure to turn off the computer at the end of the work day.

How do you stay motivated when the going gets tough?

The team I work with is the best! When we have a challenge to overcome, we work so well together to find a solution and keep each other motivated.

Fuel up with a Blueberry Green Smoothie

Designed by Freepik

This quick and easy blueberry green smoothie recipe is perfect as a healthy snack to keep you energized while you’re on the go. It has all the flavour of a fruit smoothie with added nutrition from the greens and natural protein and fiber from the hemp hearts, flax seeds, or chia seeds.

• 1 ½ cups frozen blueberries
• 1 cup coconut water
• 1 cup baby spinach
• ½ cup yogurt
• 1 tablespoon hemp hearts, flax seed, or chia seeds

Looking for other smoothie ideas? Learn how to build your best smoothie here.

Greetings, Everyone!

My name is S’Neta Benefield, and I am the new Executive Director of NAACO. I am excited to bring my expertise to such a dedicated group of commencement officers and special event planners, especially as we celebrate our 25th anniversary and the chance to recognize excellence together.

As many of you know, wildfires in California have been raging for weeks. I want to extend my thoughts and prayers to every NAACO member and Southern California resident affected by their aftermath. As we approach the annual conference, we will keep attendees updated on any potential impacts the fires may have on the event.

On a lighter note, we at headquarters are working tirelessly to ensure you have the best experience at the NAACO Annual Conference in Long Beach, California. This year’s conference is shaping up to be one of the most impactful yet, with an impressive lineup of speakers and activities for everyone to enjoy.

As the year progresses, I am thrilled to celebrate 25 years of excellence with all of you!

Welcome New Institutions!

NAACO is the only professional association for college and university commencement and convocation officers throughout North America. Only post-secondary institutions that handle commencement, convocation, and graduation ceremonies are welcome to join.

Affiliate members are the individuals of a member institution and can be added by the primary NAACO member. We look to engage with affiliate members on NAACO Connect, on social media sites, and at upcoming events, including hot topic calls, the annual conference, and regional meetings.

Let’s welcome these institutions that are new to NAACO:

Connect with Fellow NAACO Colleagues

Thank You to Our Sponsors

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