Nazareth University's Commencement ceremonies are May 15-16

Nazareth celebrates its founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph, with an honorary degree for the whole congregation

Rochester, NY (05/13/2026) — Nazareth University's 99th Commencement ceremonies take place in the Golisano Training Center on campus:

• The graduate ceremony is Friday, May 15, at 6 p.m.
• Two undergraduate ceremonies are Saturday, May 16, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Nazareth is honoring its founders, the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Rochester, who established the college-turned-university more than 100 years ago, by granting the SSJ congregation an honorary degree at its 2026 Commencement. SSJ President Sister Mary Lou Mitchell is the speaker for Nazareth's three Commencement ceremonies.

MEDIA HIGHLIGHT: SSJ President SIster Mary Lou Mitchell will receive the honorary degree on behalf of the congregation, both past and present members, during the afternoon undergraduate ceremony on Saturday, May 16, at 2 p.m. Other Sisters of St. Joseph will attend the ceremony.

Interviews available

• Friday evening, May 15: SSJ President Sister Mary Lou Mitchell is available after the ceremony
• Saturday, May 16, 2 p.m. ceremony: Sister Monica Weis, Ph.D., professor emeritus at Nazareth University and Sister of St. Joseph

MEDIA: Please let Chief PR Officer Julie Long know whether you will be attending the Friday evening or Saturday ceremonies. Cell: 585-781-8186 or email: jlong2@naz.edu

PARKING: Enter campus at the one-way, northernmost entrance off East Avenue - marked by signs - near Golisano Training Center (GTC). (The Irondequoit Country Club entrance is next to this Naz entrance.) Campus Safety will direct you where to park.