Walla Walla University graduates encouraged to remain kind

In a world where you can be anything, be yourself and be kind.

That was the message Dr. Tamara Thomas left with Walla Walla University's Class of 2026.

"When we think about the future, we often ask, ‘What will I do? What will I become?" Thomas said. "But I would offer a different question: How will I treat people along the way?"

Thomas, a Walla Walla University alumna and current dean of the School of Medicine at Loma Linda University, delivered the commencement speech at WWU's graduation ceremony on Sunday, June 14.

Thomas emphasized to the graduates that as years go by, people might not remember your words or your actions, but they will remember how you made them feel.

"Who do you remember most? Not the most accomplished, not the most impressive, but the people who made you feel seen, valued and supported," Thomas said. "They were the ones who chose kindness. And as you walk out of these hallowed halls as professionals, your knowledge will matter, your skills will matter, but kindness will determine whether people trust you, whether teams function effectively with you, whether success truly happens."

She said that in the coming years, the graduates would achieve many things, but those are not the things that will endure.

"One day, someone will sit right where you are sitting right now, and they will think of someone who shaped their life in a meaningful way," Thomas said. "Let that person be you."

The Class of 2026 included 222 graduates, with many being second, third and even fourth generation WWU students in their families.

One graduate and class president, Noah Brown, presented the class gift during the ceremony, which every graduating class has done for more than 100 years.

"If you were to ask someone from this year's senior class what places stand out to them from their time here, they may list their respective department building, Rigby Hall, Kretschmar Hall, Bowers Hall, to name a few. They may list a restaurant or diner, or even a dormitory," Brown said. "But one place would stand out as a common thread - The Atlas. This bustling student-run coffee shop located just across the street from Kellogg Hall, has long acted as a community hub on campus."

The Atlas opened in 2011. The idea for The Atlas came from students, the creation of the coffee shop was a student-led project, and the shop has been student-run since it opened. The Atlas will soon move into the Student Life and Ministry Center that is currently being built on campus.

"With the move comes a variety of benefits, but also some downsides. Certain aspects of The Atlas, namely the iconic fireplace, are not movable into this new space," Brown said.

Because of that, the class decided to gift a new fireplace, similar to the current fireplace, for The Atlas' new location. The class gift will be paid for with senior dues.

"This fireplace will be reminiscent of the one in the current Atlas building and will ensure that future students for years to come will be able to build memories around that fireplace, much like the memories that we carry as we graduate today," Brown said.

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