The Mace – April 2026 Edition

Message from the President
Mark Your Calendar: NAACO 2027 Annual Conference in Atlanta
A Systems Framework for Sustainable and Aligned Commencement Planning
Conference Highlights
Find Answers Faster with NAACO Connect
Member Spotlight
See you on the Otherside
Welcome New Institutions
Sponsors
Past Issues

Message from the President

Marcus Jones
NAACO President
Chief of Staff to the Vice Provost and Dean, Arizona State University

Dear Colleagues,

I hope this message finds you well. Below are the remarks that I delivered at our 2026 NAACO Annual Conference in Boston, MA. When I thought about what I wanted to reflect on, I chose a theme of resilience because it matters so much now with everything going on in the world. As we prepare to get into our busy season, I hope this message inspires you to continue to be resilient, and thank you for your dedication to our field.

Regards,

Marcus

NAACO Opening Ceremony Remarks
As prepared, not delivered

Good morning,It is an honor to be with you today, a room full of people who make one of the most meaningful moments in higher education possible.You are the people behind the moment when a name is called, a hood is placed, a tassel is turned. You are the steady presence behind the scenes, managing complexity, solving problems, navigating many changes — so that, for a couple of powerful hours, our graduates and their families and friends, they can simply feel pride.

And this year, that work carries special weight.

Higher education is facing criticism, scrutiny, and in many cases, direct attacks.

Its value is questioned.

Its purpose is debated.

Its impact is too often misunderstood.

But while the noise grows louder, our mission remains clear.

We know that education transforms lives.
We know that opportunity expands futures.
We know that when a student crosses that stage, it represents persistence, sacrifice, growth, and hope.

And that brings me to resilience. It’s a topic that I hear about almost every day because it’s my boss’s area of research, and I thought it would be great to talk about it here for just a little bit.

Resilience is often mistaken for toughness, for simply pushing through. But resilience is more than endurance. Resilience is a process of coping and adaptation that can be activated and cultivated.

It is not passive. It is intentional.

As higher ed professionals, we cannot and should not put an upper limit on what someone is capable of. Instead, we persistently embrace what’s possible. We passionately communicate a sense of hope. And we patiently take one step at a time.

That is exactly what you do.

When policies shift, you adapt.

When expectations evolve, you innovate.

When resources tighten, you collaborate.

When circumstances change, as they inevitably do — you adjust, refine, and continue forward.

You model resilience not just in how you manage events, but in how you sustain traditions that matter deeply to our communities.

Commencement is not just a ceremony. It is a declaration. It declares that perseverance matters. That achievement matters. That higher education endures.

In uncertain times, these rituals become anchors. They remind students, families, and even our critics that what happens on our campuses changes lives in tangible, visible ways.

Every well-planned ceremony sends a message: We believe in our students. We believe in their potential. And we believe in the future they are stepping into.

Your work makes that belief visible.

So as you spend time together learning, sharing, and strengthening your craft, I encourage you to see yourselves not only as planners, but as stewards of hope, cultivators of resilience, and leaders within our broader mission.

Higher education’s story is still being written. And in many ways, you help write one of its most powerful chapters: the one where effort becomes achievement, and possibility becomes reality.

Thank you for your resilience. Thank you for your leadership. And thank you for the extraordinary work you do to ensure that, no matter the climate, we continue to celebrate what is possible.

Mark Your Calendar: NAACO 2027 Annual Conference in Atlanta

More information on registration, hotel accommodations, speakers, and networking activities coming soon!

A Systems Framework for Sustainable and Aligned Commencement Planning

Tricia Gilmore, M.A.
Senior Executive Assistant and Academic Coordinator to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences

Commencement is one of the most visible expressions of institutional identity and a celebration of student achievement. It brings together academic authority, executive presence, and operational complexity within a single program. Over three years, our institution experienced significant leadership transition, including the loss of our president, while also integrating two inaugural degree ceremonies and a military recognition into commencement. As expectations evolved and cross-functional demands increased, the need for clarity, structure, and sustainability became essential.

This capstone presents a systems-based framework that aligns executive vision, academic authority, and operational execution into a cohesive model. Rather than approaching commencement as a collection of isolated tasks, the framework positions it as an integrated governance structure designed to preserve continuity, reduce ambiguity, and strengthen institutional integrity.

The following pages outline the guiding principles, phased planning model, and operational flow architecture that support sustainable commencement delivery across annual cycles and leadership transitions.

The three-page framework is available here: Level II Protocol Ofc Cert Docs

NAACO 2026 Annual Conference Highlights

Angela Ruff
Member, Communication Committee
Communications & Events Manager, Gonzaga University

Whova provided an opportunity for valuable conversations and interaction during the conference with polls, chats, and photo uploads, extending the social and educational experience provided by sessions and table conversations.

Here are a few highlights from the 97 topics generated by the conference community:

What does your pet lobster do on a cold Sunday evening? NAACO Cares helped us have preconference fun Pajamas for a Purpose fashion show in honor of Cradles to Crayons. We raised $779.20 to help kids in Boston clothing insecurity.

A question about hosting/touring universities and ceremony venues at conference sites brought a mix of replies – some said they would love to see locations and universities, but others said to bring back fun off-site adventures like museums and mountain tram rides. What fun can we have in Atlanta in 2027?

A serious amount of snow dropped on Boston, and the wind was fierce! But it didn’t slow us down for long! Conference attendees shared tips for their favorite blizzard activities, and getting around to enjoy nearby eateries.

Grand finales and special endings discussed in Whova chats included pyrotechnics, extravagant musical/dance performances, balloons, drumlines, card stunts, bubble machines, ribbon confetti cannons. And how about cleanup? Rakes for ribbon, leaf blowers for confetti and sending those balloons home with grads!

Commencement speakers are no longer part of the program for some institutions opting for faculty award winners and alums at school-focused ceremonies.

A popular poll about where commencement is housed shows these results, and comments indicate that a number of institutions place responsibilities for ceremonies with student affairs and with alumni and advancement areas.

NAACO pet lovers shared photos of furry loved ones in all manner of settings and costumes.

Boston fun photo collage:

Who ensured that Whova was valuable and fun? Top contributors:

Brenna Brown from University of Colorado
Amber Saga from California Baptist University
Yvonne Moar from California State University, Fullerton

Find Answers Faster with NAACO Connect

When you’re problem-solving, wouldn’t it be helpful to get quick answers from colleagues facing the same challenges? Your membership includes NAACO Connect, a powerful platform where members share real-world solutions, resources, and best practices.

Use the community to quickly research how other universities are addressing common issues, gather data to support decisions, and learn what’s working across the field.

Take the Community Tour and start connecting today.

NAACO Member Spotlight with Anna Fetter

Anna Fetter
Communications Specialist, Office of University Events, New York University

Anna Fetter, Communications Specialist in NYU’s Office of University Events, is an emerging voice in commencement planning as she prepares for her fourth All-University ceremony at Yankee Stadium. A first-time NAACO conference attendee and presenter, she was energized by the community’s warmth and is excited to bring new communication strategies back to her team. Known for her calm, collected approach and creative energy, Anna is already making a strong impact while continuing to grow within the NAACO network.

Years Planning Commencement:

I am a newbie to the world of Commencement, as well as NAACO! This spring will be my fourth year helping plan NYU’s All-University Commencement at Yankee Stadium.

What motivated you to attend the NAACO conference for the first time this year?

Two of my colleagues, Regina Drew and Claudia Gil, are very active NAACO members, and Regina encouraged me to submit a presentation proposal revolving around communication for this year’s annual conference. I was so excited to network with Commencement planners across North America and learn innovative communication strategies to apply to our own Commencement ceremony.

As a newcomer, what has surprised you most about the NAACO community or the conference experience so far?

Everyone is so nice and supportive! It was a little nerve-wracking to dive into the organization as a presenter at the annual conference, but everyone made me feel at home.

How do you hope to apply what you learned at the NAACO conference this year?

My biggest takeaway from the conference came from Robin Roup’s “Mapping the Graduate’s Journey: Rethinking Commencement Communication” session. Robin walked us through her communication audit process and the importance of looking at your communication plan from a bird’s-eye view, all the way from the “eligibility and awareness” phase to the “after the stage” phase. I plan to conduct a communication audit for my team this summer.

What advice would you give to other professionals who are considering attending their first NAACO conference?

Do it! You’ll take home so many impactful nuggets of information to share with your team and grow your professional network significantly.

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

Even though it doesn’t always feel like it, the emails can wait. It’s easy to get tied up in answering emails from graduates and guests, and all of a sudden it’s 5:00 p.m.! Prioritize your work, and help your audience exercise patience.

What is something about you that might surprise people?

I am a dancer and current member of Breath Dance Project in New York City. Being in the studio after a long day of Commencement work is a great stress reliever!

Have you had a previous job in the past that our readers would find interesting? (In academia or otherwise; could be your first job).

I used to give campus tours to prospective students at my alma mater, Emerson College, and it really opened my eyes to the possibilities of working in higher education. Also, it was always fun when a new student told me I was their tour guide and was a small part in their decision to choose Emerson!

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

How do you get in contact with your graduates’ guests? We always have a difficult time communicating with this audience because our university does not centrally house parents’ and families’ contact details. Any strategies to gather this information would be greatly appreciated!

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

My favorite part of Commencement day is welcoming our volunteers at the door as they enter the stadium. The adrenaline is pumping, and our volunteers are so excited for Commencement day. That’s the moment where it always hits me – we’re actually going to pull this thing off! Unsurprisingly, my least favorite part is the 5:45 a.m. call time.

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

I like to think I’m pretty calm, cool, and collected under pressure, which is key to event planning. This helps me problem-solve issues easier, and it’s always a team morale booster.

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

Not so much of a guilty pleasure, but I do enjoy taking group fitness classes after work. My favorites are barre, pilates, and dance cardio classes! They motivate me to leave the office at a decent hour and take my mind off of Commencement planning.

Do you or your team have something special you do before or after events to celebrate?

My team celebrates the end of Commencement with a lunch at the stadium with our volunteer captains. There are always lots of laughs, smiles, and congratulations to go around, regardless of how the ceremony went!

How do you stay motivated when the going gets tough?

I remember that there is a finish line! Whatever happens, there will always be a day after Commencement. Our Commencement countdown on the wall of our office is also a great motivator!

See you on the Other Side

Wishing everyone a successful spring event season. May everything go according to plan… and when it doesn’t, may no one notice but 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, 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:

University of Colorado Denver
Denver, CO