2026 Commencement Awards

Members of the SAIS community were recognized during the commencement ceremony for their outstanding achievements. 

I. William Zartman, JHU’ 52 was posthumously awarded the 2026 SAIS Founders Award in recognition of his decades of service to SAIS, including as director of its African Studies and Conflict Management Programs. 

Richard O’Rourke was the recipient of the 2026 Dean’s Award for Exemplary Service in recognition of his tremendous efforts and dedication to SAIS.  

Francisco Jure and Chiara Stutton received the Christian A. Herter Award for their distinguished academic performance as it is given to members of the second-year class with the most outstanding academic record during the first three semesters. 

Nasya Daelyn Blackwell and Jade McKenzi Gonzalez received the William C. Foster Award for sound scholarship and record of leadership and distinguished service to SAIS. 

In recognition of valuable contributions in teaching for the 2025-2026 academic year, students selected the following faculty members to receive Excellence in Teaching honors:   

International Economics 

Daniel Ramos-Menchilli, Assistant Professor of International Economics 

Language Studies 

Alexroney Oliveira, Visiting Professor of Portuguese 

Functional Focus Area 

Daniel Marston, Professor of Practice and Director of the Strategic Thinkers Program 

Regional Focus Area 

Lorraine Paterson, Adjunct Lecturer 

Outstanding Adjunct Lecturer 

James Person, Adjunct Lecturer