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ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ presented the Distinguished Senior Award to Marcus Stubbs ’26, who will deliver the senior class address at the 2026 Commencement ceremony.

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Each year, a committee of faculty and staff members invites nominations for Distinguished Senior and chooses the recipient based on academic achievement, organizational leadership, and service to the campus and wider communities. The senior speaker is selected separately from the same pool.

Eighteen exceptional finalists were considered for this year’s award. Marcus’s dual honors were announced April 25 during the annual Celebration of Scholars award ceremony.

A double major in criminal justice and sociology, Marcus completed his Carthage studies in December and works as a legal assistant for Blitt & Gaines PC. He plans to attend law school, with an eye toward environmental law.

Marcus has been a key component of the Mock Trial team over the past four years, winning individual awards and mentoring newer members. The Carthage team just completed a historic season, setting the highest winning percentage in program history.

While working in the Office of Advancement, Marcus represented the College at various alumni events and spoke at the President’s Dinner. Beyond campus, as part of an internship with Hall Render law firm, he organized a sports equipment donation drive for underserved youths in Milwaukee.

In addition, Marcus volunteered for Planned Parenthood, served as a judge for the International Mock Trial Association, and helped coach track and field at his high school.

During the Celebration of Scholars presentation, Carthage also recognized two runners-up for the Distinguished Senior Award: Ella Bergfeld ’26, a political science and theatre major, and Katherine Pullam ’26, a social science secondary education major.

Marcus will address the Class of 2026 and guests during the main Commencement ceremony Friday, May 22, in the TARC Field House. Each participating graduate receives five guest tickets to the 7 p.m. event, which will be streamed live for those who cannot attend.

Faculty speakers will give their remarks at smaller divisional gatherings the following day.