Honoring graduates and distinguished leaders whose lives exemplify faith, service, and purpose
Walsh University will celebrate its 2026 Commencement Ceremonies on Saturday, May 2, 2026, honoring the academic achievements of nearly 600 graduates across two ceremonies in the Gaetano M. Cecchini Family Health and Wellness Complex. Nationally recognized Catholic evangelist, author, and media host Chris Stefanick will serve as the commencement speaker and receive an Honorary Doctorate of Applied Theology.
A graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, Stefanick began his ministry in parish youth work and later served as Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Archdiocese of Denver. He is the founder and president of Real Life Catholic, a Denver-based nonprofit dedicated to spreading the Gospel through live events, parish missions, digital media, and national outreach initiatives. Each year, he speaks to tens of thousands of teens, young adults, and families, and his evangelization resources have served well over a million people. He is the author of multiple books, including Living Joy, and hosts Real Life Catholic on EWTN. He is also a recipient of the Papal Benemerenti Medal in recognition of distinguished service to the Church. His joyful and faithful witness reflects Walsh University's mission to form students intellectually, spiritually, and morally for lives of purpose and service.
Walsh University will also confer an Honorary Doctorate of Applied Engineering upon Michael E. White, a nationally recognized defense technologist and former Principal Director for Hypersonics in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. This honorary degree recognizes White’s lifetime of leadership in advancing hypersonic technologies and missile defense systems, reflecting a career spanning decades of innovation and national service. White previously served as the keynote speaker for Walsh’s 2025 Science and Business Innovation Summit.
In addition, the Distinguished Service Medal will be presented to State Representative Scott Oelslager, who has faithfully served the people of Stark County since 1985. Across more than four decades in public office, Representative Oelslager has exemplified integrity, humility, and a steadfast commitment to advancing education, workforce development, and community opportunity. His leadership has long united civic, educational, and business partners in pursuit of a stronger Stark County. This recognition honors not a single policy decision, but rather a lifetime of principled service marked by quiet dedication, collaboration, and a genuine belief in the power of education to transform lives.
Dr. Michael Dunphy, ’79, a Walsh alumnus whose more than four decades of service as professor, researcher, division chair, dean, and vice president helped shape generations of students and guide the University through transformational growth, will also receive the Distinguished Service Medal. Dr. Dunphy will be retiring as Vice President for Academic Affairs at the end of June.
2026 Commencement Ceremonies
Morning Ceremony: College of Health Sciences
(Includes the Gary and Linda Byers School of Nursing and the School of Behavioral and Health Sciences)
7:00 a.m. – Doors Open, Cecchini Center
8:30 a.m. – Commencement Processional Begins, Alumni Arena
Baccalaureate Holy Mass
12:30–1:30 p.m. – Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel
Afternoon Ceremony: DeVille School of Business and School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
1:15 p.m. – Doors Open, Cecchini Center
2:45 p.m. – Commencement Processional Begins, Alumni Arena
“Commencement is more than a celebration of achievement. It is a commissioning,” said President Tim Collins. “The leaders we honor on this day remind us that a life well lived is measured not only by accomplishment, but by impact—by how we place our talents at the service of faith, community, and the greater good. That is our hope for every Walsh University graduate. We pray they carry a deep sense of purpose, lead with integrity, and embrace the calling that gives their lives and work lasting meaning throughout every stage of life.”
As part of Walsh’s commitment to fostering servant leadership, Walsh University students will support Commencement weekend by serving as volunteer staff with University employees to ensure the various tasks run smoothly and the weekend is a success.
A complete schedule and additional details regarding 2026 Commencement, including the Toast to the Tassel and Cavs Fest, are available at www.walsh.edu/commencement
