The Pavlis Honors College celebrated its Spring 2026 graduates during the annual Medallion Ceremony—an event that recognizes not only academic achievement, but the intentional growth, leadership, and curiosity that define the Pavlis experience.
Surrounded by family, friends, staff, faculty, and peers, graduates gathered to celebrate and reflect on their journeys and the paths that led them to this milestone. As Dean Marika Seigel shared in her opening remarks, the ceremony is not simply about reaching an endpoint—it is about honoring the risks taken, the relationships built, and the experiences that have shaped each student along the way.
A Legacy of Purpose and Global Perspective
The ceremony also served as a reminder of the vision behind the Honors College. Benefactor Frank Pavlis believed deeply in preparing students to thrive in a complex, interconnected world. Today’s graduates carry that vision forward through their work—whether through research, global experiences, service, or leadership across campus and beyond.
Their accomplishments reflect a shared commitment to curiosity, courage, and meaningful impact—hallmarks of a Pavlis education.
Embracing Ambiguity and Lifelong Learning
Departmental speaker Chris Hohnholt encouraged graduates to reflect not only on what they have learned, but also on how they will continue to grow. Drawing on the idea of “unlearning,” he challenged students to move beyond the comfort of clear answers and embrace the ambiguity that defines real-world problem-solving.
Rather than seeking certainty, graduates were invited to develop the discernment to navigate complexity—knowing when to follow established paths, when to adapt, and when to challenge systems entirely. Chris’s message emphasized that leadership in today’s world requires both courage and humility, and a willingness to remain open to new understanding.
The Power of Listening
Student speaker Abigail Leagjeld reflected on a central lesson from her time in the Honors College: the practice of listening.
Through listening—to oneself, to peers and mentors, and to the broader world—students learn to act with purpose, communicate empathetically, and value diverse perspectives. She encouraged her fellow graduates to carry this practice forward, emphasizing that listening is not passive but a powerful tool for leadership, connection, and change.
Abby’s message captured the essence of the Pavlis Honors Abilities and the ways they shape both personal and professional growth.
Our Spring 2026 Graduates
The Pavlis Honors College is proud to recognize 38 graduates for their commitment to developing the Pavlis Honors Abilities. Each graduate received a Pavlis Honors College medallion, symbolizing their dedication to these principles and their readiness to carry them into the next chapter.
Sebastian Adams
Melia Austin
Carsyn Boggio
Ryan Busskohl
Lauren Carroll
Lauren Denzin
Adeline Doyle
Kaydence Drys
Helen Erickson
Greta Fournier
Grace Garnett
Michael Headley
Rebekah Hoehne
Lia Iacoangeli
Ethan Idalski
Helene Jaworowski
Madeline Kehoe
Austin Kluck
Mary Langosch
Abigail Leagjeld
Allison Lewis
Scout Lex
Kat Loff-Peterson
Anne Matusiak
Mallory McDonald
Cameron McKenna
Brendan McRoberts
Lauren Ossenheimer
Carli Pares
Halena Phillips
Logan Pickart
Katherine Rauscher
Ondrea Ream
Dakota Simpson
Josh Stevens
Katie Wing
Joanna Workman
Nicholas Wyatt
Looking Ahead
As the ceremony concluded, graduates were reminded that this milestone is also a beginning. They leave Michigan Tech not only with knowledge and accomplishments, but with the mindset and values needed to navigate an ever-changing world. Their time in the Pavlis Honors College has prepared them to lead with intention, embrace uncertainty, and continue learning long after graduation.
We look forward to seeing the impact they will make—in their communities, their professions, and beyond.
Congratulations, Spring 2026 Pavlis Honors College graduates!