From the quiet focus of the photography studio to the front lines of public service, the Class of 2026 represents the very best of Willamette. They are the future technology leaders, the aspiring attorneys, the incisive analysts, and the visionary artists who have defined the Willamette community during their time on campus.
These featured graduates offer a glimpse into a class defined by its resilience, brilliance, and purpose. We are honored to share their journeys with you. Please join us in congratulating the entire Class of 2026 — we can’t wait to see what they do next.
Read inspiring stories from the Class of 2026 below.
Willamette College
Emma Noffsinger BA’26
Like so many Willamette University students, Emma Noffsinger BA’26 has done a little bit of everything during her time on campus. From serving as Captain of the Women’s Swimming Team to presenting high-impact research at conferences to raising awareness about drug use through internship experiences, the Public Health and Psychology major has taken advantage of all the opportunities a Willamette education offers.
Harrison Beattie BA’26
Harrison Beattie BA’26 is a perfect example of putting Willamette’s motto — “Not unto ourselves alone are we born” — into action. At Willamette, he’s built a strong record of leadership experiences and rigorous academics, all of which have prepared him to serve his country after graduation as an Officer in the Marine Corps and as a military lawyer.
Joel Garcia-Peña BS’26
Willamette University Exercise and Health Science major Joel Garcia-Peña BS’26 knows first-hand that being an effective health care provider involves more than technical knowledge — it requires the ability to build relationships and communicate with patients. Now, he’s using his liberal arts education and his community experiences to care for patients as a Therapy Aide at Salem Health, just steps from Willamette’s historic Salem campus.
Atkinson Graduate School of Management
Kehinde Ikuyinminu MBA’26
Kehinde Ikuyinminu MBA’26 came to Salem with a passion for human resources, work experience around the world, and even a master’s degree in HR management. Still, Kehinde was missing something: a degree that would give him a comprehensive understanding of organizations and the real-world experience he needed to stand out in a competitive job market. At Willamette, he found all that and more.
Papa Amelemah MBA’26
Papa Amelemah MBA'26 came to Willamette with experience working in the insurance field, but he wanted to grow into a career that would bring together his interests in law and business strategy. At Willamette, he’s found a close-knit community, the opportunity to hone his leadership skills, and immersive learning experiences that have taken him around the world.
Pacific Northwest College of Art
Leilani Luu BFA’26
Leilani Luu’s BFA’26 college experience has been defined by two cities, two campuses, two sports, and two majors. As the first student to pursue majors from both Willamette College in Salem and the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) in Portland, Leilani Luu BFA'26 is breaking barriers. She’s taken full advantage of the interdisciplinary opportunities offered by the merger of both institutions.
Malique Pye BFA’26
Malique Pye BFA’26 is an artist in motion. After he came across Willamette University’s Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) by chance at a portfolio review day, he quickly moved across the country to pursue his passion for capturing movement through photography. Now that he’s about to finish art school, Malique isn’t staying still.
School of Computing & Information Sciences
Addie Gage BS/MS’26
As Addie Gage BS/MS'26 finishes up her Master’s in Data Science this summer, she’s looking forward to finding ways to use her degree to make a positive impact in areas such as accessibility development — using data to help make digital tools open to everyone. With the skills and connections she’s gained at Willamette, Addie is confident that she’ll find her place in the exciting world of data science.
Tiffany Truong BS/MS’26
Though Salem resident Tiffany Truong BS/MS'26 didn't have to leave her hometown to attend Willamette, her journey here took her far. Now she’s ready to graduate with not one but two degrees — a powerful combination of majors in Public Health and Data Science plus a Masters in Data Science.
School of Law
Izze Hanel JD’26
Izze Hanel JD’26 is ready for her next adventure after finishing law school: moving to Juneau, Alaska in order to pursue a clerkship at the Alaska Supreme Court. It’s a dream role for Izze, who has successfully turned multiple clerkships and externship experiences she’s gained at Willamette Law into the next step in her environmental law career journey.
