Isis Stamm and Ana Cubas-Baez have followed distinct paths through the College of Natural Resources, one shaped by college athletics and the other by global forest research, but both are graduating with a shared commitment to applying their experiences toward meaningful impact beyond the classroom.

Stamm and Cubas-Baez will take the stage at the college’s spring 2026 commencement ceremony on Friday, May 8 to share reflections on their experiences, the lessons they have carried forward and the impact they hope to make in their respective fields.

Each semester, the college selects two students to speak at commencement for their academic achievements, community service and ability to inspire. Stamm and Cubas-Baez earned this honor through their exceptional contributions, both inside and outside the classroom.

Stamm, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in sport management, will address the college’s undergraduate students. Cubas-Baez, who is graduating with a Ph.D. in forestry and environmental resources, will address graduate students.

Both students carry forward experiences that have prepared them for what comes next. The following stories highlight their journeys, the insights they have gained along the way and the directions they hope to pursue after graduation.

Isis Stamm

Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Stamm’s time at NC State reflects a period of growth and refinement, as she discovered how her academic interests and long-standing connection to sports could come together to shape a clear direction for her future.

Stamm has engaged in a range of experiences spanning athletic settings, student involvement and service opportunities, each contributing to a developing understanding of teamwork, leadership and professional readiness within the sports industry.

Ana Cubas-Baez

A native of Asunción, Paraguay, Cubas-Baez’s journey to NC State reflects a transition from professional work into advanced academic study as a Fulbright scholar, a shift that deepened her focus on forest systems and global environmental challenges.

Cubas-Baez has contributed to research and collaborative work spanning complex forest landscapes and international perspectives, each experience contributing to a developing expertise in forest science and a broader understanding of sustainability and long-term environmental stewardship.