Shriver urges Fairfield grads to honor dignity; Bishop Barron warns against secularism

Timothy Shriver, chair of the Special Olympics International board of directors, addressed Fairfield University’s undergraduate class of 2025, emphasizing the importance of seeing from the "inside out" and honoring dignity. During his commencement speech on May 18 at Bellarmine Lawn in Fairfield, Connecticut, Shriver urged graduates to make a difference by opposing injustice and awakening hope.

Fairfield University celebrated its 75th commencement ceremonies over three days, recognizing nearly 2,000 graduates from all five academic schools. This year marked the first graduating class of the university’s two-year associate’s degree program.

Linda LeMura, president of Le Moyne College and commencement speaker at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, encouraged graduates to treasure both their dreams and skills. She highlighted that Jesuit education aims to unite dreamers with doers following St. Ignatius of Loyola's example.

Bishop Robert E. Barron delivered a commencement address at The Catholic University of America on May 17. He urged graduates to resist secular ideologies leading to anxiety and despair by pursuing truth, beauty, and goodness as windows into the divine.

Regina Hall returned to Fordham University as a commencement speaker on May 17. She emphasized that success is measured by kindness and compassion rather than material achievements.

Wyoming Catholic College graduated its largest class ever on May 19 with Chris Stefanick as the speaker. He encouraged graduates to live joyfully amidst differing worldviews.

Sister Josephine Garrett addressed graduates at the University of Dallas on May 18 about finding strength in vulnerability and seeking God even through personal struggles.

Franciscan University of Steubenville saw its largest graduating class for the fifth consecutive year with Mary Rice Hasson calling young Catholics to confront cultural crises courageously.

Jason Shanks spoke at the University of St. Francis' early commencement ceremony on May 3 about living a consecrated life rooted in faith and vulnerability after recovering from a severe illness himself.

Contributors Alex Williamson from Fordham Now online newsletter and Nicole Olea from Catholic Standard provided additional insights for this report.

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