The Class of 2026 crossed the stage and collected their degrees on May 2, 2026, closing the chapter on their time as undergraduate students at Roanoke College.
The college presented degrees to 402 students during its Commencement ceremony held at Salem Stadium. The awarding of diplomas included 64 Bachelor of Business Administration degrees, 159 Bachelor of Science degrees and 171 Bachelor of Arts degrees. Additionally, eight students celebrated the near completion of their Master of Business Administration degrees.
President Frank Shushok Jr. began his remarks by calling on the graduates to offer a standing ovation for all the “cheerleaders” who supported them over the years.
“Families, friends, teachers, coaches and mentors of all kinds: Thank you for the steady encouragement, the late-night calls and the unwavering love that helped carry the Class of 2026 to this stage,” he said. “We celebrate you today as well. When we accomplish something big in life, we rarely get to the finish line alone.”
Shushok reminded graduates that they have spent the last four years working toward more than what is reflected on their transcripts. Throughout their time at Roanoke, they have also been building their character, something that Roanoke has incorporated into its strategic plan — and something that Shushok told them they will continue to do well after graduation.
"Character isn’t a destination; it’s a daily practice — the brave work of being fully yourself while still growing. It is choosing, again and again, what is true and right — no matter if the choice in front of you is big or small," he said.
Shushok then presented the Class of 2026 with three virtues: prudence, fortitude and love. He challenged graduates to carry these virtues with them into the next chapter of life — and beyond.
"And remember, while life’s choices are yours to make, you will never be alone. We are all, in our own ways, striving to be fully ourselves in a world that constantly asks us to be someone else," he said. "My hope is that Roanoke College has been a place where you found people to walk alongside you on this journey — people who challenged you, brought out your best and helped you stay the course when it got hard."
"Character isn’t a destination; it’s a daily practice — the brave work of being fully yourself while still growing. It is choosing, again and again, what is true and right — no matter if the choice in front of you is big or small."
President Frank Shushok Jr.
The Class of 2026 hails from 29 states and 22 countries, and the graduates range in age from 20 to 43. Of them, 63 graduated cum laude, 64 graduated magna cum laude and 46 graduated summa cum laude.
Eight students from this class shared the honor of valedictorian, and one student was named salutatorian.
The 2026 valedictorians are:
- Nicholas Joseph Cuchna, a business administration and finance major from Manchester, Maryland
- Mylah Faith Goudy, a criminal justice major from Cumming, Georgia
- Crockett Christian Adams Hill, a chemistry major from Elliston, Virginia
- Samson Webber Adams Hill, a chemistry major from Elliston, Virginia
- Mary Lynn Langan, a French and theater major from Hickory, North Carolina
- Noelle Ranae Ropp, a psychology major from Broadway, Virginia
- Elizabeth Carter Satterfield, a business administration and marketing major from Cary, North Carolina
- Yelyzaveta “Liz” Satynska, a computer science, physics, mathematics and data science major from Slovyansk, Ukraine
Salutatorian honors went to Victor Zerva Salvo, a literary studies major from York, Pennsylvania.
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All valedictorians were invited to deliver brief remarks. Salvo read his poem, “Keep your Mortarboard Flat.”
Langan said, “This stadium is full of your greatest cheerleaders. Lean on them. Let your community inspire you to achieve your dreams, and don’t forget to give back to those who walk with you on your journey.
Satynska began by greeting the audience and saying “pryvit,” or hello, to her parents watching from Ukraine. “Four years ago, my parents didn’t even know I applied until I told them I accepted Roanoke’s offer,” she said. “My parents, you taught me to work hard and dream big, and this is the reason that I was able to make it here. I had barely 1,000 bucks in my pocket, but I was rich.”
During the ceremony, the college also awarded an honorary degree to Heywood Fralin, a visionary philanthropist, education advocate, and civic and business leader. He has been one of Virginia’s most steadfast advocates for higher education and has served on many boards and councils, including the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and the Virginia Business Higher Education Council. His work advanced collaboration among higher education, industry and government in the Roanoke Valley and Virginia.
In 2018, Fralin made a $50 million gift through the Fralin Family Trust to establish the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, which has helped elevate the Roanoke region as a premier destination for medical research, healthcare innovation and workforce development. In addition, Fralin’s gift has opened doors for Roanoke College students and alumni by creating opportunities for internships, research experiences and career advancement. Fralin accepted his degree at the Commencement ceremony.
Three retiring faculty members were recognized with the Simon Carson Wells Medal, an honor bestowed on tenured, retiring faculty:
- Melanie Almeder, professor of English, 27 years of service
- Gordon Marsh, professor of music, 30 years of service
- Ned Wisnefske, professor of religious studies, 41 years of service
Commencement exercises for the Class of 2026 were livestreamed and archived. A recording of the ceremony can be replayed here.