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The Big Picture 

At Spring 2026 Commencement, the Woody L. Hunt College of Business will celebrate its graduating class and recognize students and faculty selected for ceremonial leadership roles. 

The honorees represent undergraduate students, graduate students and faculty members who will help lead the Commencement processional and represent Hunt Business during the ceremony. 

Why It Matters 

Commencement marks a defining milestone for graduates — reflecting years of academic work, personal growth and support from faculty, families and peers. 

“This weekend, we honor the leadership, resilience, and unwavering spirit that defines our students,” said John Hadjimarcou, Ph.D., Rick and Ginger Francis Dean.  

A Special Honor 

In addition to recognizing the graduating class, select students and faculty will participate in formal leadership roles during the Commencement processional. 

Ceremonial Roles 

Graduate Student Marshal of Students 
Gregory Gaines 
Master of Business Administration – ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Executive MBA 

Assists the designated Faculty Marshal and leads master’s candidates to the stage. Selected for exceptional academic attainment. 

“Leading the graduate candidates during Commencement is a meaningful honor. For me, this moment reflects the discipline, growth and commitment shared by ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ MBA students as we prepare to carry what we have learned into the next stage of our careers.” 

College Banner Bearer 
Diego Soto 
BBA Marketing 

Carries the Hunt College banner. Selected for exceptional academic attainment and the ability to manage the ceremonial banner. 

"Carrying the Hunt College banner means a lot to me because it represents every challenge, sacrifice, and lesson that shaped this journey. My background taught me to see the world through different perspectives, and Hunt Business helped me turn that into ambition and purpose. Being chosen to represent my classmates at this milestone is something I’ll carry with pride long after graduation." 

Graduate School Banner Bearer 
Adriana Soto 
Master of Business Administration – ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Executive MBA 

Carries the Graduate School banner and represents graduate students during Commencement. 

“Carrying the Graduate School banner is a meaningful honor. For me, this moment represents the hard work, growth and commitment of ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ graduate students as we prepare to carry what we have learned into the next stage of our careers.” 

Undergraduate Student Marshal of Students 
Vanessa Gonzalez Sanchez 
BBA Economics 

Assists the designated Faculty Marshal and leads undergraduate candidates to the stage. Selected for exceptional academic attainment. 

“Representing my fellow graduates is incredibly meaningful because I know how much hard work, sacrifice, and determination it took for all of us to get here. This milestone is a reminder of how far we’ve come and the impact we are all capable of making moving forward.” 

Faculty Ceremony Roles 

University Faculty Marshal of Students 
Richard Posthuma, Ph.D. 

“Commencement is a moment to celebrate achievement and to recognize the responsibility that comes with education. I hope Hunt Business graduates leave this milestone with confidence, curiosity and a commitment to keep learning from the world around them.” 

College Marshal 
Jie Yan, Ph.D. 

“Graduation is both a celebration and a transition. I hope our graduates carry forward the knowledge and skills they developed here as they begin the next chapter of their careers or academic journeys.”  

Faculty Marshal of Students 
Cici Chiang, Ph.D. 

“Helping guide students through Commencement is a privilege because it represents one of the final moments of their ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ experience. Their success in this moment reflects their hard work, the support of their families and the commitment of Hunt Business faculty and staff who helped them along the way.” 

Last Updated on May 11, 2026 at 2:30 PM | Originally published May 11, 2026
Posted by Hunt Creative