Greetings, Mount Saint Mary College distinguished leadership, faculty, honored guests, dedicated staff, proud family and friends—and most importantly, the extraordinary Class of 2026.
I am deeply honored to spend these next few minutes with you reflecting on the topic: “Be the change you want to see—lead with integrity.”
Standing here today, I am overwhelmed with gratitude, reflection, and a profound sense of purpose. This moment is a homecoming for me—more than 30 years after I first arrived at Mount Saint Mary College. I honor my family, the Dominican Sisters, the faculty, HEOP, mentors, and coaches who shaped my journey and helped bring me to this very Aquinas theatre stage that I walked 28years ago as a Mount undergrad student. Three years ago, I sat in your seat as a Family Nurse Practitioner Master’s in Nursing graduate.
Graduates, before we go any further, I ask you to turn around and acknowledge the families, friends, and loved ones who supported you to this moment. They carried you, believed in you, lifted and raised you up when you needed it most. Some may not be present here today, but you carry their spirit and legacy with you.
Graduates, this moment represents far more than the completion of a degree. It reflects years of sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering belief in the power of humanity, discovery, and your ability to shape, strengthen, and transform our global community. This milestone is a testament to your hard work. You made it here not because of a sprint, but because of a marathon—one you refused to give up on.
Some of you may have carried doubts through this academic journey. Some of you may have questioned whether graduate school was for you. You climbed hills and walked through valleys, balancing work, family, and countless competing priorities. Yet you found your way through.
I would like to take a second to recognize other individuals who have assisted during this journey. Some of you may have been recipients of a donor scholarship when you were an undergraduate. I was a donor scholarship recipient, and I would like to acknowledge all of those donors for all the support they provide to students. Many students, including myself, are fortunate to have the support of such generous individuals.
Borrowing from the artistry of Luther Barnes' gospel song lyrics may I remind you: “You’ve been faithful, you’ve been true, you’ve done all that you can do… and for your faithfulness, it’s your time.” You waited, you held on, you stayed strong—and now, it is your time.
Your pathways may have been different, but you share a common purpose—one woven into the fabric of healing, inspiring, and transforming society. You are nurse leaders and innovators. You are teachers who will educate and shape generations. You are business leaders who will influence the global economy. Your impact is profound.
You are not here by accident or coincidence. You belong here—at this moment, in this season. “Be the change you want to see—lead with integrity” is your clarion call to action.
Change is constant. And while the word “change” carries many meanings, today I draw from the American Heritage College Dictionary (1993): meaning “transformation; altering one’s approach or attitude.” To lead is “to act in command, to guide, direct, and inspire.” And integrity is “steadfast honesty and adherence.”
So as you transform your approach and attitude while guiding, directing, and inspiring others do so with honesty, steadfastness, and purpose. You are the change agents of today and tomorrow.
I leave you with three change‑to‑action principles:
1. Lead Steadfastly
Know what you stand for—and what you will not stand for. You have options. You have choices. Your voice carries power. Use it to shape equity, inclusivity, and social justice.
When you succeed, we all succeed. You are the voice for those who cannot speak. You are the voice that will redesign systems, elevate standards, and transform outcomes.
2. Own Your Professional Identity
Be consistent. Be disciplined. Be intentional. Advocate fiercely without hesitation and without apology. Shape policies. Influence politics. Stand in your truth.
I echo the words of the late Honorable Shirley Chisholm, New York’s first African American woman elected to the U.S. Congress, and a former schoolteacher: “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” Show up. Speak up. Visibility matters, especially in today’s divided environment.
3. Lift Others as You Rise
Your Mount degree will open doors you were destined to walk through. As you rise, bring others with you. Mentor. Coach. Build community. Lead collaboratively and authentically as you shape the future of education, business, and healthcare.
In summary: Be the change you want to see. Lead with integrity. Own your professional identity. Lift others as you rise. And make your voice your purpose, your power.
Congratulations to the Mount Saint Mary College Graduate Class of 2026.
May you lead boldly, serve genuinely, and compassionately. May you continue to transform healthcare, education, and business systems. You are the backbone of society.
Today, you celebrate not only what you have achieved but what you are now prepared to do. “As you face the morning sun, welcoming the light of knowledge, may you continue to seek truth and serve with purpose”, just as our Mount Saint Mary College Alma Mater calls us to do.
Thank you
Before I leave this stage, as the current Mount Saint Mary College Vice President of Alumni Affairs let me welcome you to the Mount Alumni family. I seek your future active involvement as Alums.
