Denison University has selected Tram Mai “Nancy” Tran as the student commencement speaker for the Class of 2026.
Tran, a Data Analytics and Sustainability and Environmental Studies double major from Dong Nai Province, Vietnam, will deliver her keynote address on behalf of her class on Saturday, May 16, at Denison’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony.
Tran has combined her academic majors in innovative ways, conducting research that focuses on climate communication, clean energy, and soil carbon. She has presented her work at multiple academic conferences and competed in data analytics and sustainability competitions, at Denison and beyond. Tran serves as a department fellow for both her majors and plans to build a career at the intersection of data, climate, and community-centered innovation.
“I value collaborative spaces where people are motivated to create meaningful change,” said Tran. “My liberal arts education at Denison has broadened my global perspective and reinforced my belief that diverse cultures, ideas, and lived experiences are essential to building resilient and sustainable communities for the future.”
Beyond her academic achievements, Tran has been a leader in Denison’s campus community. As president of the Vietnamese Student Association, she led the organization’s Annual Culture Shows in 2024 and 2025. Under her leadership, the organization received recognition for hosting one of the best culture shows among Vietnamese Student Associations in the Midwest and earned Denison’s Threads of Community Award. She has also served as a student assistant in the Alumni & Family Engagement Office, worked as a multilingual student consultant, and taught Zumba and dance workout classes at Hoaglin Wellness Center, bringing energy and wellness to the campus community.