Helene Katzakian selected as graduation student marshal

Helene Katzakian of Stockton, California, has been selected to represent the College of Nursing as its student marshal for Auburn University’s spring 2026 commencement ceremony.

A recognition of academic achievement and leadership, student marshals are chosen based on their outstanding academic performance, leadership qualities, and involvement in the campus community.

“I’m very honored and excited for this opportunity,” Katzakian said.

Growing up on a walnut orchard in California, Katzakian was inspired to pursue nursing by her grandmother, who had a long career as a labor and delivery nurse. “At her celebration of life service, I got to meet so many people she had helped deliver or care for during her career, and I was able to see how she had made such a huge impact on people.”

Once she decided on her profession, Katzakian began looking at different nursing programs across the country. She said Auburn immediately stood out because everyone was so friendly. “I just really loved the collaborative environment when I toured,” she said. “And the kindness I experienced when I visited was so refreshing.”

The cross-country move for college pushed Katzakian out of her comfort zone, and she hasn’t looked back since, making friends and becoming involved on Auburn’s campus. She and her fellow nursing student and roommate, Kaitlin Mixon, have mentored an elementary school student through Project Uplift among other activities. Katzakian also works part-time as a caregiver for Home RN. Her most memorable experience during her time in nursing school was participating in the college’s annual spring break trip to Ecuador.

“While in Ecuador, we held a free medical clinical for a week in a local church to serve the community of Quito. We worked with nurse practitioners, child life specialists, translators, physicians, and other nursing students to serve a variety of medical needs. Additionally, we held vacation bible school for the children each day,” she said.

“This experience was so impactful to me because it showed me how lucky we are to have access to healthcare and how things that we find to be simple can actually be of great importance. The patients we saw were so incredibly grateful for our help, and their gratitude and kindness made it rewarding to serve them that week. I would recommend that all AUCON students go on the trip if given the chance!”

While her time at Auburn is coming to an end, Katzakian said she is grateful for the personal growth she’s experienced during her past four years.

“My time at Auburn, specifically in the nursing program, has taught me how to be a diligent student and a good person. I have grown and experienced so much throughout my four semesters of nursing school. I have learned how to be resilient, what it means to work hard, and the importance of asking for help. I have found a family within my peers and faculty at AUCON and could not have been successful without them. I know that I am well prepared to graduate and enter the workforce as a competent and compassionate nurse because so much time, effort, and care was poured into my education and personal growth.”

Katzakian plans to return to California following graduation. Her dream is to work at U.C. Davis in Sacramento, and she is applying for their nurse residency program. While her grandmother’s life work was in labor and delivery, Katzakian said she is passionate about critical care. She just finished her preceptorship in the emergency department at Huntsville Hospital.

Aside from studying for the NCLEX, Katzakian’s next big milestone will be graduation. She’s excited to get to experience the ceremony with her cousin, who is also from California and will be graduating from the College of Agriculture. Saturday will be extra special for the Katzakian family. “I’m so glad they can all be here,” she said of her family. “And I’m honored to serve as the face of my cohort during the ceremony. It is true – whatever you pour into Auburn and the College of Nursing, also comes back to you. I’m so grateful for my time here.”

                Katzakian will graduate with her bachelor’s degree during Auburn University’s ceremony Saturday, May 2, at 6 p.m. for the College of Nursing; College of Agriculture; College of Architecture, Design and Construction; College of Human Sciences; and College of Veterinary Medicine.