Nazareth University celebrates its founders at 99th Commencement ceremonies, May 15-16
Rochester, NY (05/15/2026) — Nearly 730 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree graduates will cross the stage at Nazareth University's 99th Commencement ceremonies in the Golisano Training Center on campus May 15-16. 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 keynote speaker for Nazareth's three Commencement ceremonies. (See who the student speakers are for each ceremony below.)
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., with other Sisters of St. Joseph attending the ceremony.
Although Nazareth has been independent, with an interfaith focus, for more than 50 years, the University continues to maintain close ties with the Sisters of St. Joseph and upholds the founders' commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of the community through partnership and service.
Five Sisters of St. Joseph founded Nazareth in 1924, bringing expertise such as doctorates from Fordham University in New York City and extensive graduate study at Oxford University and the Sorbonne. The first 25 students began classes at Nazareth's original home on Lake Avenue in Rochester on Sept. 24, 1924 - now known as Naz (Founder's) Day.
The University's current campus on East Avenue opened in 1942. In the decades that followed, the congregation guided Nazareth's evolution, revising its charter in 1964 to allow lay leadership, transferring ownership of its land and buildings in 1965, and supporting its transition to an independent, private institution in 1971. Nazareth became coeducational in 1973, while continuing the Sisters' legacy of education grounded in service, inclusion, and academic excellence. In 2003, Nazareth purchased 73 acres and several buildings from the Sisters, including the former Motherhouse, now the Golisano Academic Center. On June 1, 2023, the name Nazareth University took effect, recognizing the significant graduate programs the institution has long offered.
Many sisters have graduated from, taught at, and/or worked at Nazareth; one much-loved sister remains on the faculty: Susan Nowak '77, Ph.D., SSJ, is a professor of religious studies. Some students are involved with the congregation, completing internships or volunteer service with the Sisters' ministries.
Nazareth University celebrated its Centennial in 2024-25, and the Sisters of St. Joseph congregation was involved in many ways, including participation in the Centennial Jubilee and the History Wall unveiling.
Each ceremony has a student speaker. Makalah Sizer '22, '26G - who's gone from a quiet new student to a confident basketball coach, marketing, and mentor - speaks Friday night.
Saturday morning's student speaker is Faith Carlynn Bennett '26, a first-generation college grad and future speech-language pathologist who credits her advisor and 1,200 cypress trees in Louisiana with teaching her hope.
Joseph Cataldo '26 - who says he was shaped by Nazareth's short-term study experiences in Europe and the American South and by a mentor who pushed him to lead - speaks Saturday afternoon.
