Meet the student speakers and singers for the 2026 College Commencement

June 5, 2026

Three undergraduate students will share remarks at each of the three UCLA College commencement ceremonies on Friday, June 12. The ceremonies will also feature Bruin undergraduate voices for the land acknowledgement and national anthem.

Please join us in celebrating this year’s speakers and performers:

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Amiee Tashpa Scott will conduct the land acknowledgement at the 11am College Commencement Ceremony.

Amiee Tashpa Scott is graduating from UCLA with a bachelor’s in psychology with a minor in applied developmental psychology. She is a proud first-generation college student from the Pala Indian Reservation in San Diego County, California, and is tribally affiliated with the Pala Band of Mission Indians and the Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma. During her time at UCLA, she has been actively involved in the American Indian Student Association, serving as president in her final year. Following graduation, she plans to pursue case management work within her tribal community and eventually earn a master’s degree in social work.

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Caroline Sierk will sing the national athem at the 11am College Commencement Ceremony.

Caroline Sierk is graduating with a bachelor’s in political science with a minor in film, television, and digital media, and a certificate in creative producing. Throughout her time at UCLA, Sierk emerged as a leader in the student creative community. For three years, Sierk served on the executive board of the Bruin Film Society, including two years as vice president. Additionally, she has performed with the HOOLIGAN Theatre Company, with credits including Margaret White in “Carrie” and Vocal Director for “Sunday in the Park with George.” Sierk is the founder and creative force behind Parasol Productions, a media production company committed to elevating female-driven storytelling. Her directorial debut short film, “To Be,” was shot at UCLA in 2024 and premiered at the 26th International Beverly Hills Film Festival. Following her time at UCLA, Sierk will continue her career in media production by working at The Jim Henson Company while continuing to direct and produce independent media. Daughter of Dr. Alexander and Sara Sierk, Caroline grew up in Bettendorf, Iowa. Sierk is immensely grateful for the support of her parents, her sisters, Maddie and Natalie Sierk, and her grandparents, Joni and Peter Bruecken and Patricia and Donald Sierk.

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Raquel Ladabaum will speak at the 11am College Commencement Ceremony.

Raquel Ladabaum is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area and was drawn to Southern California from the moment she visited UCLA’s vibrant campus. Ladabaum is graduating with a bachelor of science in physics. During her time at UCLA, she pursued research across disciplines, conducting undergraduate research in both the physics and chemistry and biochemistry departments where she has investigated novel quantum materials and worked to improve imaging methods in structural biology. Outside of the laboratory, Raquel has embraced the UCLA experience, studying abroad in Madrid through the UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP), participating in the Delta Gamma sorority, competing in countless intramural sports, and exploring California’s outdoors with the UCLA Backpacking Club and Ski and Board Club. She is deeply grateful for the friends, mentors, and community she has found at UCLA and looks forward to pursuing graduate study and continuing a career in scientific research.

A woman with long dark hair wearing a white dress and graduation sash stands under a brick arch.

Toya Soto will conduct the land acknowledgement at the 3pm College Commencement Ceremony.

Toya Mariposa Soto is graduating from UCLA with a degree in Public Affairs and a minor in American Indian Studies. She is from Jemez Pueblo and the Navajo Nation and was raised in Los Angeles County. Throughout her time at UCLA, she has been a leader in student advocacy and mentorship through organizations such as the American Indian Student Association and Retention of American Indians Now (RAIN). Following graduation, Soto will join the Udall Foundation’s Education Programs team, where she will help support Native student leadership development and scholarship programs in Washington D.C. She is passionate about understanding how policy impacts communities and hopes to pursue a career advancing equity through law and public service. 

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Anna Walburger will sing the national anthem at the 3pm College Commencement Ceremony.

Anna Walburger is graduating from UCLA with a bachelor’s in cognitive science, specializing in computing, and a minor in professional writing. During her time at UCLA, she has been involved in undergraduate research, the student alumni association, and undergraduate admissions, where she served as a Bruin Ambassador, Cub Tour Guide, and assistant in the evaluation unit. She also served as president of Come unto Christ at UCLA. Following graduation, Walburger plans to continue her work in college admissions in London before pursuing graduate studies.

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Liam Jenny will speak at the 3pm College Commencement Ceremony.

Liam Jenny is from Oakland, California, and has also lived in Alaska, Washington, and Ohio. He is graduating with college honors and degrees in atmospheric and oceanic science and political science, with a minor in environmental systems and society. Jenny has marked his UCLA experience through an enthusiastic pursuit of his passions, leading as a research assistant in a biological oceanography lab, a campus tour guide, a co-director of the Marine Operatives, a supervisor for UCLA Recreation, and a director of the Den Operations Club. His research on aquatic environmental DNA has shaped how California monitors and protects its waters. He will begin a fellowship with the California Department of Water Resources this August, utilizing his intellect and enthusiasm to support California’s mission toward a more sustainable future.

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Yamaanibah Inbuukai-Johnson will conduct the land acknowledgement at the 7pm College Commencement Ceremony.

Yamaanibah Inbuukai-Johnson is a Diné and Maidu woman and a graduating senior at UCLA majoring in Political Science with a minor in Education Studies. At UCLA, she serves as Retention Coordinator for the Undergraduate Student Association Council and Secretary of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society. Committed to expanding opportunities for Indigenous communities, Inbuukai-Johnson founded the American Indian Financial Network and developed the “Stacking Acorns” curriculum, which teaches financial literacy through a culturally grounded framework. As a descendant of a boarding school survivor, she understands education as a powerful tool for empowerment, self-determination, and systemic change. Following graduation, she will attend the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where she will continue preparing for a career in educational leadership.

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Akshar Sharma will sing the national anthem at the 7pm College Commencement Ceremony.

Akshar Sharma is graduating from UCLA with a bachelor’s in climate science. During his time at UCLA, he developed a strong interest in energy systems, technology, and the growing demand for reliable power driven by modern digital infrastructure. Beyond academics, Sharma explored projects related to data centers, energy storage, and power development across the United States, combining his interests in sustainability, infrastructure, and economic growth.

Outside the classroom, some of his favorite memories at UCLA include football games at the Rose Bowl, winning the intramural softball championship with his fraternity brothers, late-night snacks at The Study, and the countless friendships and experiences that shaped his college years. He is grateful for the support of his family, friends, and mentors throughout his time at UCLA. Following graduation, Sharma plans to pursue a career in the data center and power generation industry at Zuharis.

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Riya Hariyaplar will speak at the 7pm College Commencement Ceremony.

Riya Hariyaplar is a Bay Area native graduating from UCLA with degrees in economics and statistics & sata science. She has thrived academically and is eager to start her career, build something meaningful, and make her mark on the world. Riya also believes that education extends far beyond traditional classrooms and that some of life’s most valuable lessons come through experience. Throughout her time here, she embraced that belief by getting involved in student organizations, participating in environmental initiatives, joining dance teams, and saying yes to opportunities that challenged her perspective and broadened her understanding of the world.

Family has always been at the heart of Hariyaplar’s journey. She is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of her mom, brother, and especially her dad, her greatest champion, for helping shape the way she approaches life. Through their encouragement, she learned to meet adversity with resilience, approach life with gratitude, and stay endlessly curious about everything around her.

As she begins her next chapter, Hariyaplar looks forward to a lifetime of learning, exploration, growth, and whatever adventures lie ahead.