FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4, 2026
Walsh University Celebrates 2026 Commencement Honoring Graduates, International Catholic Author Chris Stefanick, Rep. Scott Oelslager, and Other Distinguished Guests
Honoring graduates and distinguished leaders whose lives exemplify faith, service, and purpose
North Canton, OH – Walsh University celebrated its 2026 Commencement Ceremonies on Saturday, May 2, 2026, honoring the academic achievements of nearly 600 graduates from 26 states and 14 countries across two ceremonies in the Gaetano M. Cecchini Family Health and Wellness Complex.
Walsh University’s 7th President, Dr. Tim Collins addressed the graduates saying, ““Your formation as men and women of character is the primary end of Catholic education – your Walsh University experience. The secondary end is the formation of useful citizens. Your greatest achievement will forever be marked not by what you do – but by what you do for others.”
Honorees
An Honorary Doctorate of Applied Theology was presented to nationally recognized Catholic evangelist Dr. Chris Stefanick, who captivated the audience with a passion-fueled Commencement Address that challenged graduates to remember that their deepest identity is found in belonging to God, warning that “if we forget whose we are, then we will forget who we are.”
Stefanick urged them to live this truth in three concrete ways throughout their lives: to boldly share the Gospel, affirming that life has inherent meaning because God is the author and that Jesus’ Resurrection is the definitive sign that “God wins”; to cultivate a small circle of trusted friends—three to five people with whom they can regularly check in—so that they never walk alone but remain rooted in authentic community; and to “be saints” by doing good when no one is watching, being quick to love, serving the poor, and responding generously to Jesus’ call. He concluded by reminding graduates that even the word “God” points to mission, noting that “two-thirds of ‘God’ is ‘go.’”
Walsh University also conferred 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 recognized White’s lifetime of leadership in advancing hypersonic technologies and missile defense systems, reflecting a career spanning decades of innovation and national service. White, who previously served as the keynote speaker for Walsh’s 2025 Science and Business Innovation Summit, told graduates that, in earning a degree from a faith-based institution, they have “a secret weapon” built on a bedrock of Christian values that they can now use for the betterment of humankind.
In addition, the Distinguished Service Medal was presented to State Representative Scott Oelslager, who has faithfully served the people of Stark County since 1985 and will be concluding his final term at the end of this year. He has served in both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly and built a legislative record focused on education, workforce development, and community investment. Oelslager shared a poem by Edgar A. Guest highlighting the importance of perseverance.
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, also received the Distinguished Service Medal. Dr. Dunphy will be retiring as Vice President for Academic Affairs at the end of June.
This year’s student address was delivered by 2026 T.O.W.E.R. of Excellence recipient Hannah Blawas, an honors student, teaching assistant, Academic Support Coach, and Bible study leader. She told graduates that chasing perfection left her anxious and empty, but through faith, community, and her Walsh University education she discovered that true joy comes from childlike passion and steady progress, not perfection. The T.O.W.E.R. of Excellence Award is given to a student who exemplifies academic excellence, faith, and service-driven leadership.
Historic Celebration of Transition U Students
This year’s Commencement Ceremony was historic in that for the first time since the program’s inception, graduates of the Transition U program for students with developmental disabilities, walked across the stage in their cap and gowns to celebrate their achievements. The Transition U program was started as an option for students, who may not typically be able to attend college after completing high school. For the past 15 years, this unique collaborative effort between North Canton City Schools and Walsh University has enabled many nearly 45 students over the years to develop upon and learn various life skills within the college setting.
His Excellency Bishop David Bonnar of the Diocese of Youngstown presided over the traditional Baccalaureate Holy Mass held between ceremonies. In his homily, he encouraged graduates to exercise their faith as they would a muscle, and he pointed to 2026 NFL first-round draft pick Fernando Mendoza—who chose to forego the glitz and media attention of draft night to remain at home with his ailing mother and family—as an intentional example of living out one’s faith in accord with God’s plan.
Commencement Photos Including Toast to the Tassel Available Here
