Prominent American Catholic leaders will preside over commencement ceremonies at several Newman Guide-listed schools this spring, offering words of wisdom and faith to graduates across the country.
Clergy, political leaders and media personalities will attend graduation events from Florida to Texas to Ohio and beyond.
Ave Maria University
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will be the commencement speaker at Ave Maria University, a university spokesperson told EWTN News.
The Florida governor and former presidential candidate, who is Catholic, will speak at the university’s May 9 graduation ceremony.
Benedictine College
Peter Cancro, founder and president of popular sandwich chain Jersey Mike’s, will deliver the 2026 commencement address at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas.
Cancrow will address graduates during the college’s commencement exercises on May 16 and be presented with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. March 3 press release.
Cancro is renowned for its charitable contributions to faith-based organizations, including $5 million gift to Ave Maria School of Law.
University of Dallas
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop Emeritus of New York, will deliver the commencement address at the University of Dallas this year.
Accordingly, the university will confer an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree on Dolan during a May 16 ceremony a press release.
University of Dallas President Jonathan Sanford said, “Cardinal Dolan is one of the Church’s most celebrated and widely respected shepherds, and we are honored to welcome him to the University of Dallas.”
Catholic University of America
University of Mary President Monsignor James Shea will return to his alma mater, The Catholic University of America, in Washington, D.C., to deliver the commencement address for the Class of 2026.
one in March 3 statementUniversity President Peter Kilpatrick described Shea as an “educator, evangelist, interpreter of culture, and preacher” who is “deeply committed to the education and formation of young people.”
Kilpatrick said, “His ability to engage the larger culture with clarity, Christian hope and great intelligence is a much-needed antidote to many of the challenges we face today and I pray our students will follow the example in their future professions.” The school’s graduation ceremony will take place on May 16.
Wyoming Catholic College
Kelsey Reinhardt, President and CEO of CatholicVote, will deliver the commencement address for Wyoming Catholic College.
“As two Wyoming natives, traveling frequently on behalf of our missionaries, our paths cross somewhat regularly,” Wyoming Catholic College President Kyle Washutt said on Feb. 23. Press release.
“I have had the privilege of meeting Kelsey several times over the past year, and I have been impressed by his clarity on the moral challenges facing America today and his generosity and gentleness toward those who do not agree with his candid analysis of those challenges.”
Reinhardt’s commencement address will be May 18.
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Napa Institute founders, Tim Bush and Father Robert J. Spitzer, SJ, will deliver the commencement address for Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio.
Bush, co-founder of the Napa Institute and founder of the Bush Firm, will deliver the commencement address to graduates of Franciscan University’s business and science programs, while Spitzer will deliver the commencement address to humanities and social sciences graduates during the May 9 ceremonies. March 10 University Press Release.
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, OFM, will also celebrate the Bachelor’s Mass.
Christendom College
Anne Carroll, founder of Seton School and Seton Home Study, will deliver the commencement address at Christendom College in Front Royal, Virginia.
Carroll, who is the wife of Christendom College’s late founder Warren Carroll, will deliver the commencement address on May 15, the college announced Release on 12th March.
The college will also honor Carroll “for his outstanding contributions to the Catholic faith, culture and public life.”
Walsh University
EWTN “Real Life Catholic” host Chris Stefanik will serve as the commencement speaker for Walsh University, a Catholic university in Ohio.
The university will also present Stefanik with an honorary doctorate of applied theology at a May 2 commencement ceremony. “Commencement is more than a celebration of accomplishment. It is a commissioning,” President Tim Collins said in a statement. February 25 Press Release.
“The leaders we honor on this day remind us that a good life is measured not just by achievement, but by impact – how we put our talents to the service of faith, community, and the greater good. This is our hope for every Walsh University graduate. We pray that they will have a deep sense of purpose, lead with integrity, and embrace the calling that gives their life and work lasting meaning at every stage of life.”
