Catholic author Stefanick to speak at Walsh's 2026 commencement

Walsh University will celebrate its 2026 commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 2, 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 commencement speaker and receive an honorary Doctor of Applied Theology degree.

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 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.

Walsh University will also confer an honorary Doctor of Applied Engineering degree 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. The degree recognizes White’s leadership in advancing hypersonic technologies and missile defense systems during a career spanning decades of innovation and national service. White previously served as keynote speaker for Walsh’s 2025 Science and Business Innovation Summit.

The Distinguished Service Medal will be presented to state Rep. Scott Oelslager, who has served the people of Stark County since 1985. The university said the recognition honors a lifetime of service marked by leadership in education, workforce development and community advancement.

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, will also receive the Distinguished Service Medal. Dunphy will retire as vice president for academic affairs at the end of June.

The morning ceremony for the College of Health Sciences, including the Gary and Linda Byers School of Nursing and the School of Behavioral and Health Sciences, will begin with doors opening at 7 a.m. and the processional at 8:30 a.m. in Alumni Arena. A baccalaureate Mass will be held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel.

The afternoon ceremony for the DeVille School of Business and the School of Arts, Sciences, and Education will begin with doors opening at 1:15 p.m. and the processional at 2:45 p.m. in Alumni Arena.

“Commencement is more than a celebration of achievement. It is a commissioning,” President Tim Collins said.

Walsh students will assist as volunteer staff during commencement weekend. A complete schedule and additional details are available at walsh.edu/commencement.