NDNU’s 174th Commencement on Saturday, May 2nd radiated hope, confidence and optimism for our graduates as they move forward in an increasingly complex world. Held at the Fox Theatre in Redwood City, the ceremony celebrated 121 students receiving certificates, teaching credentials, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
The following are some event highlights officiated by Interim Provost Greg Zubacz:
Recently retired Provost Emeritus Greg White provided the Invocation. “I believe you are graduating at a great time,” said Dr. White. “Why? Because the world needs you. It needs your ability to heal, to educate, and to improve communities and make them prosper. And because you are prepared and resilient. You have built the expertise and spiritual strength to lead and to make a positive difference.”
NDNU Board Chair Sister Jean Stoner echoed his words of confidence and positivity. “Today is a special day for both you and NDNU. For an admirable number of years – 175 – this university has educated women and men of excellence, integrity, and service. Today it is you, our newest graduates, who make us proud.”
She continued, “We give thanks too for the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, whose courageous vision and enduring faith planted the seeds of this university community so many years ago. Rooted in their conviction that education transforms lives and advances justice, may we all continue to be shaped by their call to make God’s goodness known through learning, compassion and service to the world.”
Marking her final commencement ceremony as NDNU President Beth Martin, who retires at the end of June, spoke about the unique strengths that our graduates share in facing a complex and rapidly changing world.
“What gives me hope – and what should give you confidence – is this: the world does not need more noise. It needs more integrity. More empathy. More people who lead with purpose and act with compassion. That is who you are prepared to be. You are ready – not because you have all the answers – but because you have the values, the resilience, and the courage to keep learning and leading.”
President Martin’s remarks included a special welcome to Dr. Leamor Kahanov, who will succeed her as the 19th NDNU President on July 1.
The commencement event included a number of faculty and student awards, including the George M. Keller Teaching Excellence Award, established in 1995 to honor excellence in teaching. Receiving this year’s awards were Dr. Jordan Holtzman, School of Business and Management; Dr. Shaina Philpot, School of Education and Dr. Kelli Little, School of Psychology.
Dr. Robynn Battle, School of Education, received the Sister Catherine Julie Cunningham Memorial Teaching and Research Award, a coveted honor given to one faculty member demonstrating new and creative ways of achieving excellence in teaching.
City of Belmont Mayor Julia Mates presented five awards for outstanding community service and leadership to student graduates Adili Skillin, Anna Lee Mraz, Elizabeth Harvey-Guedes, Jennifer Sheridan, and Mayrose Munar.
2026 Student Commencement Speaker Jennifer Sheridan also spoke about graduating into a world that is “complicated, fast-changing, often overwhelming, and sometimes quite frankly terrifying.”
“All of us here, we chose to grow. We chose to learn. We chose to show up and to make a contribution to this world. Across business, education, and psychology, we are stepping into roles that shape communities. Some of us will support individuals and families through their hardest moments. Some will guide students and build learning environments that change lives. Some will lead organizations and teams with integrity and vision. And all of us are stepping into a moment that calls for people who can hold both clarity and compassion, people who can stay grounded amidst the messiness and still move things forward. However we carry this work into the world, we’re bringing that intentionality and thoughtfulness with us.”
Speaker Emerita of the United States House of Representative, the Honorable Nancy Pelosi provided this year’s commencement address. “Today is your day of triumph,” she said. “Today we support you; it is your day. You are graduating into a world that is calling for your leadership. St. Julie and the Sisters believed that education is a force for justice. That is your charge now. As you go forward, you must do so with hope. Hope is not just a virtue. Hope is action and hope demands a plan. Hope is the courage to believe that we can make things better and to do the work to do so.”
Following her remarks, Speaker Emerita Pelosi was awarded a Distinguished Honorary Degree by Dr. Martin.
Sister Nancy O’Shea capped off the ceremony with these words of inspiration. “We pray that the qualities of the Hallmarks of a Notre Dame Learning Community – qualities of respect for the dignity of each person, appreciation for the gifts of diversity, belief in acting for justice and peace in our world, and the call to community service – may these gifts remind us all of our purpose in contributing to the health of our society.”
Watch the 174th Commencement Ceremony here.