St. John’s University announces 2026 commencement speakers and honorary degree recipients
St. John’s University announced on Apr. 30 the speakers and honorary degree recipients for its upcoming Commencement Exercises, which will take place in May.
The announcement highlights the selection of Most Reverend Richard G. Henning, S.T.D., D.D., as the undergraduate-level Commencement speaker on Sunday, May 17 at the Great Lawn. Archbishop Henning, a double alumnus of St. John’s University and current Archbishop of Boston, will also receive an honorary degree during the ceremony.
Archbishop Henning is recognized for his pastoral approach and scholarship in Sacred Scripture, holding a doctorate from the Angelicum in Rome. He is known for emphasizing listening, reconciliation, dignity of individuals, and parish renewal.
Other individuals to be conferred with honorary degrees include Valerie Ackerman (Commissioner of the BIG EAST Conference), Sr. Joanne Callahan (Ursuline Sisters Province Office), Mario J. Gabelli (Chairman and CEO of GAMCO Investors), and James J. Shannon (CEO of Indus Capital Partners and Chair-Elect of St. John’s Board of Trustees).
Graduate-level ceremonies are scheduled for Friday, May 15 at Carnesecca Arena on Queens Campus: Lucille T. Accetta will address graduates from several colleges in a morning session; Robert J. Adams will speak at an afternoon ceremony for The School of Education and The Peter J. Tobin College of Business; while John P. “Jack” Clarke is set to address School of Law graduates on Sunday evening.
St. John’s University supports initiatives through its centers and institutes focused on multicultural efforts both locally and globally according to its official website. The university operates campuses in Queens and Manhattan as well as international sites in Rome, Paris, and Limerick according to its official website. It is affiliated with the Vincentian Community according to its official website.
The university offers more than 100 undergraduate majors across six schools according to its official website, operating as a Catholic institution dedicated to liberal arts education within the Vincentian tradition according to its official website. Rev. Brian J. Shanley has served as president per the official website.
A full schedule can be found by visiting St John’s Commencement Schedule of Events webpage.
