Lessons from the Top

As Rollins’ 136th commencement approaches, this year’s seven valedictorians are preparing to carry the lessons of their Rollins liberal arts education into the world. Hailing from Florida, Maryland, and Vietnam, the Class of 2026’s top scholars represent a wide range of interests and ambitions—from clinical psychology and plein air painting to law, consulting, and graduate study.

They also reflect the full kaleidoscope of the Rollins experience, having studied abroad, starred on stage, served as peer mentors, held leadership roles, completed internships, published research, and forged lifelong friendships. Along with commencement speaker Ella Juengst ’26, they credit Rollins’ dedicated faculty, close-knit community, and welcoming culture with helping them pursue knowledge, discover their purpose, and chart their own paths forward.

We recently caught up with this year’s valedictorians to learn how Rollins helped shape them, what they’ll miss most, and what the future holds.

Nora Faunt Le Roy ’26

• Majors: Philosophy and political science
• Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland

Nora Faunt Le Roy has always been driven by teamwork and purpose. She chose Rollins for the opportunity to play women’s lacrosse while earning a liberal arts education. After an injury-riddled season cut her athletic career short, she found new ways to lead. From joining the Varsity Debate Team and serving on the SGA judicial board to interning with Seminole County Legal Aide, Faunt Le Roy turned unexpected circumstances into a calling to pursue justice. Studying abroad in Madrid, Spain, and serving as a teaching assistant further shaped her path, and next she will return to Annapolis to work at a nonprofit and prepare for law school.

An experience I’ll never forget “The six weeks I spent studying abroad in Madrid with Rollins’ Verano Español program were a true immersion in the Spanish language, culture, and rich history of the Iberian peninsula. Between the parks, museums, people, classes, and food, the experience was a one-of-a-kind learning opportunity.”

My mentor and how they make a difference “Dr. Eric Smaw in the philosophy department taught me more about the workings of argumentation and the professional world than I knew possible and always has an answer to ensure the next step I take in my career is the best one. Dr. Patrick Rickert in the political science department has been ever inspiring and kind. When in need of advising, career planning help, or a cookie and conversation about the structure of Congress, his door has never been closed. Both will remain sources of professional and life advice for the rest of my career.”

How Rollins helped me find my purpose “Rollins nurtured my love for philosophy and debate. Joining the Debate Team showed me the logic of political structures and how, with some argumentation and confidence, I can fight to ensure these institutions remain just. In the process, any uncertainties about a career in law were erased.”

What I’ll miss most about Rollins “My professors who made my academic career one I wholeheartedly enjoyed. Their small classes allowed for enriching debate and lively discussion—both hard to find outside of academic settings.”

Ella Juengst ’26

• Majors: Theatre and psychology
• Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland

At Rollins, Ella Juengst learned how to improvise on stage and in life. She deepened her passion for theatre through the Rollins Improv Players, where she served as both assistant director and performer; honed leadership skills as president; and took center stage in the lead role in Anastasia: The Musical. Performance became a lens for academic discovery. Juengst embraced the benefits of interdisciplinary learning at Rollins, bringing theatre and psychology together in research she plans to publish. That ability to connect ideas across disciplines has helped shape her next steps: working in a mental health clinic and applying to doctoral programs, with the long-term goal of practicing clinical psychology and drama therapy.

An experience I’ll never forget “On a field study to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, I climbed Arthur's Seat twice. Atop a crag in the Scottish Highlands, with a view overlooking the city and with the wind at my back, I felt like I could fly.”

Why Rollins “Rollins gave me the chance to pursue the unique intersection between my majors and apply my passion through community partnerships. I have been so grateful for the unique, individually tailored opportunities that have prepared me for graduate programs.”

My mentor and how they made a difference “Dr. David Charles introduced me to the Rollins Improv Players, where I found my second family. I got to experience his directing in Anastasia, and we collaborated on a lifelong interest of mine through student-faculty research. In psychology, Dr. Andrew Luchner has been my honors thesis advisor. He mentored me in postgraduate endeavors, strengthened my research pursuits, and provided a breath of fresh air whenever I faced challenges.”

How Rollins helped me find my purpose “The connections I made on campus—starting with the upperclass students who modeled all I could accomplish at Rollins—helped me thrive as an artist, leader, and empathetic person. I am leaving ready to share theatre with populations who need it most, spreading smiles along the way.”

What I’ll miss most about Rollins “It is sad to say goodbye to late-night roommate chats on the couch and uproarious belly laughs in the theaters, but thanks to Rollins, ‘my people’ will be with me for the long haul.”

Moc Lan “Em” Nguyen ’26

• Majors: Chemistry and philosophy
• Hometown: Hoi An, Vietnam

At Rollins, Em Nguyen found a deep sense of connection more than 9,000 miles from home. She immersed herself in scientific inquiry, serving as a member of the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society, completing two summer internships at the University of Central Florida, and publishing research in the Atomic Force Microscopy journal. Her commitment to scholarship and service also extended across campus as a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Omicron Delta Kappa and chair of the Academic Honor Council. After a gap year reconnecting with family in Vietnam, Nguyen plans to pursue graduate school in Asia or Europe.

An experience I’ll never forget “The sheer amount of research I did for my honors thesis on the ethics of physician-assisted death, and cultivating the skills and knowledge necessary to complete that project.”

Why Rollins “The College’s commitment to a high-quality liberal arts education coupled with the breadth and depth in my desired disciplines matched what I was looking for in an undergraduate experience. Rollins’ small class sizes provide the professors more time and opportunity to engage with students on an individual basis.”

My mentor and how they made a difference “My mentors are the highlights of my Rollins journey: Dr. Margaret McLaren and Dr. Tom Cook from the philosophy department alongside Dr. Ellane Yook and Dr. Laurel Habgood from the chemistry department. I can never thank them enough for believing in me and supporting me through these short years.”

How Rollins helped me find my purpose “As a freshman, I intended to pursue biology; I later realized my passion lies in chemistry. And the decision to double major in philosophy was heavily influenced by my Rollins College Conference (RCC) advisor, Dr. McLaren.”

What I’ll miss most about Rollins “It is difficult to say goodbye. As I embark on the next chapter of my life, on the other side of the world, I will miss the friends and the connections I made at Rollins.”

Emma Salerno ’26 ’27MBA

• Major: Social entrepreneurship
• Hometown: Windermere, Florida

Emma Salerno came to Rollins looking for a place where business could be a force for good. She found that path through the College’s AACSB-accredited social entrepreneurship major and the 3/2 Accelerated Management Program (AMP), which allows students to earn a BA and MBA in just five years. Outside the classroom, she put that mission into motion by leading Alpha Omicron Pi, supporting fellow Tars through the Student Support Foundation, and mentoring peers. She also partnered with communication professor Ruonan Zhang and her twin sister, Kate, on published research exploring how AI shapes the effectiveness of nonprofit marketing. Named Social Entrepreneur of the Year and recognized with Rollins’ Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, Salerno will complete her MBA before pursuing a career in strategy or sustainability consulting.

An experience I’ll never forget “Joining Alpha Omicron Pi, where I found lifelong friendships and grew as a leader. I cannot imagine my life without my sisters—they inspire me every day.”

My mentor and how they made a difference “Social entrepreneurship professor Aycha Williams inspires me to be a successful woman in business. With her guidance, I have learned how to network and identify pressing problems in my communities.”

How Rollins helped me find my purpose “My time at Rollins has exposed me to different points of view and taught me how to truly listen to others and learn about their stories. This has allowed me to determine how I can make an impact in the world.”

What I’ll miss most about Rollins “Seeing friendly faces around campus every day and being surrounded by this supportive community, plus the small moments with friends like going to the Campus Center, taking walks around campus, and trying new restaurants on Park Ave.”

Kate Salerno ’26 ’27MBA

• Major: Social entrepreneurship
• Hometown: Windermere, Florida

Kate Salerno chose Rollins for its tight-knit community and small classes that allowed for deep engagement with professors. Like her twin sister Emma, she was drawn to the social entrepreneurship and 3/2 AMP programs. In her four years on campus, Salerno held leadership roles in Alpha Omicron Pi, served as co-president of Tars Pantry, and penned a trio of award-winning academic papers focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence, marketing, and education. Next steps for the Academic Honor Council member include hitting the books for one more year before pursuing a career in strategic or sustainability consulting at a BIg Four firm.

An experience I’ll never forget “Serving as co-president of the Tars Pantry allowed me to put the lessons learned in my major into practice. It was incredibly rewarding to make a positive impact on campus by helping students, faculty, and staff access the resources needed to thrive. Helping club members decide how to allocate emergency grant funding to the campus community, and be a part of making Rollins better, was one of my favorite parts of the job.”

My mentor and how they made a difference “As my RCC professor, Dr. Ruonan Zhang helped me integrate at Rollins. Over time, she taught me about a variety of interesting communications concepts and became my collaborator for student-faculty research. I will never forget the knowledge she has passed down about academic writing and research, how to present at a conference, how to create a survey, and how to organize and analyze data.”

How Rollins helped me find my purpose “At Rollins, I learned how to solve pressing challenges with empathy and curiosity. Through hands-on consulting projects, I have been taught to challenge assumptions, ask questions, and conduct research to address real business problems—all of which has prepared me for a career in consulting.”

What I’ll miss most about Rollins “I love interacting with my professors and peers on this beautiful campus; I am going to miss seeing their welcoming and friendly faces everywhere I go.”

Lindsey Scanlan ’26

• Major: Philosophy
• Hometown: Winter Garden, Florida

During her inaugural appearance with the Varsity Debate Team her first year, Lindsey Scanlan found her voice. Over the next four years, it blossomed while serving as auction chair for the nonprofit Houndhaven Helps, participating in student-faculty research on democratic theory, and leading the Debate Team as captain. Today, the Phi Beta Kappa member and Outstanding Junior in Philosophy is well known for her passionate delivery and self-assurance. Strong convictions about what it means to be a member of civil society were cultivated in the Rollins classroom, which she plans to carry forward as she begins her study of child advocacy law in the fall.

An experience I’ll never forget “Hearing from someone who was in the room at French House during my very first debate that they could see me connecting the dots of my argumentation in real time and, in the process, finding something I’m really good at.”

Why Rollins “I applied early decision after visiting campus, seeing a class in action, and witnessing the collaborative learning environment—a very big indication for me that I wouldn't just be taught by professors but that I could actually learn from them.”

My mentor and how they made a difference “Dr. Eric Smaw encouraged me to pursue a philosophy major, something I was unsure would help me in real life, and he did not let me give up on myself. With his guidance, I learned to challenge myself on a fundamental level—to evaluate positions and understand the implications that come with having them—and perhaps most importantly, to really care about others.”

How Rollins helped me find my purpose “For my RCC course, I took Ethical Controversies and Responsible Global Citizenship with Dr. Margaret McLaren, and boy did I love it. I knew from that moment forward that I wanted to push the envelope and make meaningful change by becoming a lawyer.”

What I’ll miss most about Rollins “The close-knit community where I felt included and the friendships I fostered with folks from far-flung places.”

Julia St. John ’26

• Major: Studio art
• Hometown: Winter Springs, Florida

Julia St. John’s Rollins story began long before she enrolled. As a young teenager, she once sat in on a chemistry class tasked with building a barometer in the Truist Parking Garage stairwell, watching students work with the kind of curiosity and confidence she hoped to cultivate. The daughter of psychology professor Steven St. John has now forged her own path at Rollins, earning multiple art scholarships while developing a creative practice rooted in questions of purpose and possibility. Through her art and broad involvement across campus, the aspiring concept artist is preparing for a career in animation, video game production, or plein air painting.

An experience I’ll never forget “Taking Field Botany with Dr. Raymond Emmett and uprooting an entire magnolia sapling with my bare hands to press into a specimen sample for an assignment. I’ll also never forget traveling to Italy to paint plein air in Venice for a week.”

My mentor and how they made a difference “Art professor Rachel Simmons believed in me. As my academic advisor, she forced me to actually consider what artists do in their day-to-day lives. She perceived me as someone who would make a good teacher and a good academic—things I never thought about myself.”

How Rollins helped me find my purpose “Apathy is the sign of the times, and curiosity is its antidote. Rollins has given me the gumption to investigate topics fully via small classes and professors who give it their all and make themselves available to help students go the extra mile with their one-on-one support.”