Class of 2026 | Rollins College
Summa Cum Laude • Honors Graduate • Student Leader • Phi Beta Kappa
Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Pool are proud to announce the graduation of their son,
Joseph David Pool
from Rollins College on May 10, 2026.
Joseph earned an Honors Bachelor of Arts degree, graduating summa cum laude with a major in Public Policy and Political Economy and minors in Ethics and Global Health.
Throughout his time at Rollins, Joseph distinguished himself through scholarship, leadership, and service.
His academic and leadership recognitions include:
At commencement, Joseph was honored with multiple academic and leadership distinctions, including recognition cords, stoles, medallions, and honors regalia representing his contributions to scholarship, student leadership, interfaith engagement, Jewish life, and community service.
Joseph’s academic work focused on the intersection of public policy, ethics, leadership, and human connection.
At Rollins, he became known not only for academic excellence, but also for his commitment to fostering thoughtful dialogue and meaningful campus engagement. His leadership roles across student government, honors organizations, and interfaith initiatives reflected a deep belief in service-oriented leadership and civic responsibility.
His intellectual curiosity and collaborative approach earned him the respect of faculty, peers, and campus leadership alike.
Beyond the classroom, Joseph founded Breaking Bread, a student initiative dedicated to fostering dialogue and understanding through shared meals.
What began as a campus organization evolved into a broader exploration of what Joseph describes as “culinary diplomacy” — the idea that shared tables can serve as powerful spaces for connection across cultural, religious, and ideological differences.
This philosophy became central to both his academic research and campus involvement. His work examining the relationship between food, religion, and community-building led to his inclusion as a published co-author in Bloomsbury Handbook of Religion and Food.
For Joseph, the simple act of sharing a meal represents one of the most meaningful foundations of human connection — a principle that shaped both his scholarship and leadership throughout his college years.
At commencement, Joseph wore academic regalia representing his scholarship, leadership, and service throughout his time at Rollins.
As Joseph celebrates this milestone, he carries forward a deep commitment to scholarship, ethical leadership, public service, and meaningful human connection.
Following graduation, he plans to continue his graduate-level studies while exploring future opportunities in public policy, legal studies, leadership, and civic engagement.
His family is profoundly proud of all he has accomplished and excited to see the impact he will continue to make in the years ahead.
We invite friends, family, mentors, and colleagues to stay connected with Joseph as he begins this next chapter.
