Student Speakers
Meet our student speakers for spring 2026 commencement.
Speakers by college:
- Jess and Mildred Fisher College of Science and Mathematics (FCSM)
- College of Health Professions (CHP)
- College of Education (COE)
- College of Liberal Arts (CLA)
- College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC)
- College of Business and Economics (CBE)
- Additional Ceremony Speakers
Jess and Mildred Fisher College of Science and Mathematics (FCSM)
Graduate Speaker | Lukas Hamann
Lukas Hamann is graduating with a master’s degree in applied physics, completing Towson University’s accelerated joint BS/MS program in four years after earning his bachelor’s degree summa cum laude. In Dr. Vera Smolyaninova’s Photonics and Novel Materials Laboratory, he leads a small team of undergraduate and high school researchers studying superconducting thin films and metamaterials.
Lukas is the first physics student at TU to receive the Goldwater Scholarship and has interned twice at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center developing advanced materials for miniaturized sensors. On campus, he has served as a graduate liaison on the Society of Physics Students board and spent years tutoring in TU’s Math Center — experiences that shaped his hope to one day return to the classroom as a professor after pursuing a PhD and a research career.
Lukas is deeply grateful to Dr. Smolyaninova, Dr. Devadas and the Office of Competitive Fellowships and Awards, the physics department for their mentorship and support and to his family and friends for cheering him on every step of the way.
Undergraduate Speaker | Morgan Kelly
Morgan Kelly is earning dual bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and psychology, along with a minor in biology.
During her four years at Towson University, she was a Division I student athlete on the Women’s Swimming and Diving Team, where she excelled both academically and athletically, earning numerous awards and scholarships in the classroom and in the pool.
Beyond athletics, Morgan followed a pre-medical track and conducted synthetic organic chemistry research in Dr. Keith Reber’s lab. In her free time, Morgan enjoyed working as a gymnastics coach and spending time with her friends and teammates. After graduation, she plans to work as a medical assistant while applying to medical school. Morgan is deeply grateful for the support of her professors, mentors, family and friends throughout her journey.
College of Health Professions (CHP)
Graduate Speaker | Taylor Willison
Taylor is graduating with a master's degree in nursing and will begin his career in the Surgical ICU at University of Maryland Medical Center.
He has previously earned a bachelor’s of science degree in economics (2015) from SUNY Binghamton and an master’s of science degree in applied economics from Johns Hopkins University (2020).
Taylor served as Graduate Program Committee Representative for the nursing department and is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. He is grateful for his family's support and the mentorship he found in TU’s nursing department.
Undergraduate Speaker | Kiara Betanga
A first-generation Cameroonian student Kiara Betanga is graduating with a bachelor’s of science degree in health professions. She arrived at Towson University uncertain of her path, but by the grace of God, found community in unexpected places across campus.
Throughout her journey, she balanced her studies while working multiple jobs and serving as an intern with Planned Parenthood and Bon Secours. She served as President of the National Council of Negro Women and President of the Beta Zeta chapter of Eta Sigma Gamma, as well as serving as a resident assistant and as the Vice President of the First Gen Alliance. In addition, she was a Dean’s List recipient and Homecoming Queen, clearly making a lasting impact at TU.
She plans to continue her studies by going to nursing school and hopes to become a Certified Nurse Midwife using her experiences and public health to navigate and overcome challenges in minority communities and open her own birthing center.
College of Education (COE)
Graduate Speaker | Willie T. Little III
Willie T. Little III is earning his master’s degree in transformational leadership, along with his Administration I certification, bringing 29 years of experience in education. His career includes work with the Middle Grades Partnership, Howard County Public School System, Calvert School in Baltimore, and he currently teaches at McDonogh School.
At Towson University, Willie deepened his commitment to educational leadership and student advocacy, inspired by faculty who challenged him to reflect, listen and lead with purpose. He now looks forward to pursuing opportunities in school leadership.
A proud husband and father, Willie extends heartfelt gratitude to his wife, an inspiration and partner throughout his journey, his son, who continually motivates him to grow and to his family, mentors, professors, students and friends for their unwavering support.
Undergraduate Speaker | Leah James
Leah James is earning her bachelor's degree in elementary education and will begin her teaching career in Baltimore County Public Schools. During her time at Towson University, Leah distinguished herself as a dedicated student leader through student affairs, serving as an Orientation Leader, Orientation Intern and the Assistant Director of Programming for the Campus Activities Board. As the Hattie M. Strong Scholarship recipient, she has remained committed to both academic excellence and meaningful campus involvement.
Leah’s educational philosophy is Maslow before Bloom, which reflects her belief that students' basic needs and sense of belonging must be met before meaningful learning can take place. This perspective is deeply rooted in her identity as a proud eldest daughter of immigrant parents, whose sacrifices and life-experiences exemplify her values of resilience, perseverance, determination and purpose.
She aspires to grow into a leader that advocates for equitable, student-centered learning environments. After graduation, Leah plans to continue serving students in Baltimore County and pursue her master's degree in educational leadership.
Leah extends her sincerest gratitude to her family, her mentors, her professors, her friends and her campus community for their unwavering support and endless encouragement.
College of Liberal Arts (CLA)
Graduate Speaker | Shelby Cole
Shelby Cole is earning her master’s degree in professional writing exactly a year after earning her bachelor’s degree from TU in May 2025. She achieved this by being part of TU’s accelerated degree program and through the extraordinary support system she amassed along the way.
During her time as both an undergraduate and graduate student, Shelby worked as a grant writer for a TU’s English project, GIVE. It is here that she wrote grants for local non-profits in the Baltimore region, flourished professionally and academically and where she experienced community.
In working with GIVE, and spending time as a member in the CLA Dean’s Student Advisory Council, she also discovered her interest in advocacy. After graduating, Shelby aspires to become a medical writer, communicating scientific information to non-scientific audiences. Eventually, she would like to pursue her PhD in public health so that she can intertwine her backgrounds in writing, science and social advocacy to advocate for health equity and a more socially-just society.
Shelby extends her unwavering love and immense thanks to her friends, mentors, professors and family. She reserves a special thank you to her mom, who embodies excellence, resilience and beauty.
Undergraduate Speaker | Alphonso Faltz Jr
Alphonso Faltz Jr is earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology and family science, hoping to provide mental health services to adolescents, young adults and athletes.
Alphonso made the most out of his undergraduate experience. During his time here at TU, he served as a Residential Assistant, President of the Rhythm Step Team, a member of the Towson University Student Foundation and a member of the UJIMA strategic planning steering committee. In his senior year, he published his first poetry book, a testament that you can encounter trials and tribulations and turn it into something beautiful.
After graduation, he will be returning to TU to pursue a graduate degree in counseling psychology, aiming to join the helping profession to create a lasting impact within communities. He is looking forward to the next chapter in his life and recognizes that he would not be here without all the people who have poured into him over the years. Alphonso extends his gratitude to his family, mentors and community for their encouragement, support and unconditional love.
College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC)
Graduate Speaker | Kailey Adams
Kailey Adams is earning her master’s degree in communication management after completing her thesis, Communication Strategies in Defense of Higher Education.
After fulfilling her lifelong dream with eight years working in Major League Baseball, Kailey was ready for a new challenge. At 28, she embarked on a new career and joined TU as the director of leadership communications. She began her master’s program in 2023 and completed her degree while working full time.
Kailey credits TU’s positive culture for inspiring her to continue her education. She is incredibly grateful to her colleagues, mentors and the mass communication faculty for their support and encouragement during this process. After graduation, Kailey will continue her role in TU’s communications office and will begin teaching in COFAC next fall as an adjunct professor.
Undergraduate Speaker | London Brooks
After a successful four years in Towson University’s Honors College, London Brooks is earning dual bachelor’s degrees in theatre arts and electronic media and film.
London has a deep commitment to community and collaborative leadership. She has managed a number of Main Stages in her four years, including A Year With Frog and Toad and American Idiot, being semi-finalist for both productions at the American College Theatre Festival. She also helped fundraise to name the Main Stage after its designer, the first black TU faculty member, Whitney LeBlanc.
Outside of theatre, London has served in various leadership roles including being the Honors College Recruitment Officer. She has also worked on research to bridge a perceptual gap between the Honors College and COFAC to further the values of transdisciplinary learning.
As an ambitious scholar and artist, London is thankful for the countless experiences and people that have shaped her into who she is today. Her film and theatre portfolio is a reflection of the wonderful support and lessons from her peers, professors and mentors. After graduation she will be pursuing a master’s degree in stage management at Columbia University.
College of Business and Economics (CBE)
Graduate Speaker | Owen Murphy
Owen Murphy is graduating from Towson University with a master’s of science degree in supply chain management through the accelerated graduate program, alongside a bachelor’s of science degree in business administration with a concentration in business analytics. He began his academic journey at Carroll Community College before transferring to TU, where he completed both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in just three years at the age of 23.
Throughout his time at TU, Owen demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, earning a place on the Dean’s List every semester. His achievements also include being recognized as a 2026 Outstanding Graduate and earning first place in the data analytics competition.
Owen is deeply grateful to TU and its faculty for their continued support, mentorship and recognition throughout his academic journey. Following graduation, he will continue applying his education in his role within the procurement department at Northeastern Supply.
Undergraduate Speaker | Benedict Adjoyi
Benedict Adjoyi is earning a bachelor’s of science degree in business administration with concentrations in business analytics and business systems and processes. During his time at TU, Benedict distinguished himself as a leader, innovator and advocate for student success. He is the founder and president of Money and Minorities, a financial literacy organization dedicated to empowering underrepresented communities through education and access. Under his leadership, the organization has engaged dozens of active members across campus through impactful programming and events.
Beyond campus, Benedict gained professional experience through internships in both the public and private sectors, including roles focused on data, systems and process improvement. He will begin his career with an aerospace and defense company as an Associate Configuration Analyst, where he plans to continue developing at the intersection of business and technology.
Benedict was a 2025 TEDxTowsonU speaker and he is an emerging public speaker, passionate about mental reframing, personal growth and helping others realize their potential. His long-term goal is to build platforms that merge strategy, storytelling and impact to create opportunities for the next generation.
Additional Ceremony Speakers
Doctoral Hooding Ceremony Speaker | Brianna Fahey
Brianna is graduating with a doctoral degree in audiology after completing a thesis titled Free Field Localization and Speech Understanding Using Pupillometry Amond Older Individuals.
Brianna previously received a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Maryland and will start seeing patients as an audiology provider this summer.
Brianna was the president of the graduate student association (GSA) for two years and was an active member of the GSA for three years. Brianna is grateful and enjoys spending time with her friends, family and husband. She also enjoys hiking, paddle boarding and spending time with her dogs.
Student Government Association Speaker | Allyyah Aali
Allyyah Aali is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication, pursuing a dual track in public relations and advertising. During her time at Towson University, Allyyah distinguished herself as a dedicated student leader and strategic communicator.
She served as Student Government Association (SGA) President, where she advocated for the student body, strengthened campus engagement and worked to ensure student voices were represented in institutional decision-making. Her leadership reflects a strong commitment to service, collaboration and meaningful impact.
Throughout her academic journey, Allyyah developed a passion for storytelling, public engagement and using communication as a tool to inform and empower communities. She is deeply grateful to her peers, mentors and community for their continued support.
After graduation, Allyyah plans to take the skills she has developed into the workforce, working on political campaigns and in mass communication within civil service, where she aims to contribute to public engagement and community-focused initiatives.