Iona University in New Rochelle has announced the speaker for its 2026 Commencement in May.
D. Graham Burnett, Ph.D., an acclaimed writer, scholar, and interdisciplinary thinker from Princeton University will deliver the keynote address. An honorary degree will also be bestowed on Dr. Burnett to recognize his many contributions in academic inquiry and scholarship.
News of such announcements is often made known throughout a college community with flyer printing.
Seamus Carey, Ph.D., president of Iona, expressed his honor is welcoming Dr. Burnett as the Commencement speaker for this year. He said that the public work and scholarship of Dr. Burnett reflect a deep commitment to the pursuits that are central mission of the university. He added that Dr. Burnett has been involved in the Iona community over the past year and has challenged how everyone engages with one another and with their own inner selves.
Dr. Burnett’s mother, Dr. Claire L. Gaudiani, was given an honorary degree from Iona in 2001. She was the president of Connecticut College from 1988 to 2001.
Dr. Burnett expressed his honor to speak to the community of students, teachers, and scholars at Iona and that it is extra special to receive a degree from a university that celebrated and recognized his late mother as a crusader for learning, justice, and love.
