Meet the class speaker for the 2026 Summer Commencement
Hal West-Page ’21, ’25 M.S. will deliver the commencement address during UNC Charlotte’s summer commencement ceremony Friday, Aug. 7. A native of Hope Mills, North Carolina, West-Page will receive a doctorate in applied mathematics before beginning a postdoctoral position with the Steven M. Teutsch Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship on the analytics and modeling track at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
West-Page was both surprised and deeply honored when she learned she had been selected as the student commencement speaker.
“I never thought of myself as someone worthy of this opportunity, so it is surprising and moving, to say the least,” she said.
She was invited to speak after being contacted in late May by Aura Young, interim director of the Thomas L. Reynolds Center for Graduate Life and Learning. Young shared that West-Page’s name came up during the selection process because she had participated in the University’s Three Minute Thesis competition.
Pursuing a doctorate was a longtime goal for West-Page, dating back to her high school years. She chose applied mathematics because it combines intellectual rigor with real-world impact. The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced her desire to apply mathematics to public health challenges.
“I found that the specific junction of applied mathematics and public health was where I could be my best version of a scientist,” she said.
West-Page credits UNC Charlotte with providing the opportunities and support she needed throughout her academic journey, from meaningful research experiences to collaborations and professional development avenues. During her time at the University, she also served in several leadership roles, including vice president of the Mathematics Graduate Student Association.
After spending nine years at UNC Charlotte, West-Page said one of the defining moments of her experience was marrying her husband, Jacob, whom she met on campus. Balancing wedding planning while completing her dissertation strengthened her work ethic and taught her she was capable of accomplishing more than she had imagined.
West-Page’s commencement speech focuses on the theme of honor, encouraging graduates to reflect on both the journeys that brought them to graduation and the significance of the moment they are celebrating.
“I aim to celebrate all graduates by taking time to honor our pasts, as well as the present moment,” she said. “I hope these reflections and observations stay with graduates and that the feelings remain with us for years to come.”
As members of the Class of 2026 begin their next chapters, West-Page hopes they leave with the confidence to pursue ambitious goals without hesitation.
“You’ve already accomplished so much,” she said. “Why let anything scare you now?”
Written by: Lily Warlick