Providence College celebrates Commencement Weekend 2026
Providence College celebrates Commencement Weekend 2026 with address by Matthew Slater
By Vicki-Ann Downing ’21G
Matthew W. Slater, retired special teams captain for the New England Patriots and founder of the Slater Family Foundation, was the keynote speaker at Providence College’s 108th commencement exercises for undergraduate students on Sunday, May 17, in the Amica Mutual Pavilion in downtown Providence.
“I remember sitting where you’re sitting almost 20 years ago, listening to people talk about all the opportunities that would be ahead of me, all the places I would go, all the people I would meet, and all the experiences I would have,” Slater told the graduates. “At some point, I made the mistake of believing that those opportunities would be limitless.”
Slater was drafted by the Patriots in 2008 after graduating from the University of California at Los Angeles. Some of his teammates teammates were in their 30s.
“I remember thinking to myself, if I’m still playing football at that age, I hope someone puts me out of my misery,” Slater said. “And then, in what felt like the blink of an eye, there I was — not just 30 years old, but 38 years old, and still playing football. One thing kept crossing my mind: How did it go by so quickly? Where did the time go?”
Know that every day is a gift, Slater said, and live with gratitude, purpose, and intentionality. Become the best version of yourself and share your humanity with others.
“Every single one of you has been gifted in incredible ways, and I want you to realize something: In the history of the world, there has only been one of you,” Slater said. “Your gifts, your perspective, your voice, your experiences — you are literally one of one. There will be moments where you feel pressure to fit into a certain box. You’ll be tempted to compare yourself to others and measure your worth against someone else’s journey. But I want to remind you that God has given you everything you need to become the person he created you to be. The world does not need another imitation of someone else. It needs the best version of you.”
Former Patriots coach Bill Belichick spoke of the importance of each player becoming a star in his role so the team could be the best version of itself, Slater said.
“I believe our biggest strength was our togetherness, our brotherhood, our connectivity, the way we did life together,” said Slater, a member of three Super Bowl teams and a team captain for 13 years. “We laughed together. We cried together. We struggled together. And ultimately, we grew together. We shared a human experience, and we understood that we were part of something bigger than ourselves. I know that same spirit exists here at Providence College. Community is part of the fabric of this place.”
Slater received an honorary doctor of public service degree. Honorary degrees also were awarded to four individuals for their distinguished achievements and service to the college:
- MaryBeth Canavan, a philanthropist and advocate for rare disease research who supported scholarships, athletics, and academic initiatives at the college with her late husband, college trustee M. Joseph Canavan ’65, received an honorary bachelor of arts degree in philanthropy.
- Donna Chevalier Cupelo ’78, a retired vice president for Verizon who spent 42 years in executive roles in the telecommunications industry and is a former college trustee, was awarded an honorary doctor of business administration degree.
- Richard Gotham ’86, team president of the Boston Celtics since 2007, including during the NBA championship seasons of 2008 and 2024, and a former college trustee, received an honorary doctor of business administration degree.
- John F. Killian ’77, retired executive vice president and chief financial officer of Verizon Communications and a former college trustee, was awarded an honorary doctor of business administration degree.
The 1,056 students in the Class of 2026 came from 32 states and territories.
“You have been part of a tradition that takes seriously the life of the mind and the life of the heart and that reminds us that neither is complete without the other,” said College President Rev. Kenneth R. Sicard, O.P. ’78, ’82G. “At the center of this Dominican-PC tradition is the word that has guided this college for generations. Veritas. Truth. This tradition, rooted in the charism of the Dominican Order, reminds us that the search for truth is never meant to be a solitary pursuit. It is something we undertake with others and for others.”
Kathleen McGinley ’82, president of the 61,000-member National Alumni Association, invited students to continue to be involved with the college at campus events and regional clubs around the country. The Class of 2026 includes 103 students who are the children of PC alumni, 31 of whom share a PC legacy with both parents.
“Continue to live and thrive with excellence and contribution,” McGinley said. “Tap into the favor of your gifts and talents. Class of 2026, it’s time to use your grit, persevere, and stretch to surpass your goals. Never give up! Your attitude determines your altitude.”
Senior class president Carl A. Picerno ’26, from North Providence, Rhode Island, who majored in both management and political science, reminded students of the sculpture of a flame that stands in Calabria Plaza on the Slavin Center lawn, a visible reminder of the college’s motto.
“A flame’s constant flicker is a reminder of God’s presence in our lives,” Picerno said. “But it also reflects our motto, Veritas, our relentless pursuit of truth. By being a flame, we seize opportunity. By being a flame, we live with a constant awareness of God’s love and guidance. By being a flame, we choose kindness, integrity, passion, and service to others.”
Degrees were conferred by Thomas W. Smith, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Dipolmas were presented by Very Rev. Allan B. Moran, O.P., Ph.D., prior provincial of the Dominican Province of St. Joseph. Congratulations were offered by Providence Mayor Brett Smiley.
The invocation was by the Most Rev. Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., bishop of Providence. College Chaplain Rev. Simon Teller, O.P., STL offered the benediction and the blessing of the graduates. Providence College Symphonic Winds performed under the direction of Eric C. Melley, DMA, director of instrumental activities. Joseph A. Mazzarella ’26 (Madison, Connecticut) and Gabriel T. Staples ’26 (Center Sandwich, New Hampshire) sang The National Anthem. An Ho ’26 (Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam) and Kayla Kutes ’26 (Kirkland, Washington) sang the Alma Mater.
Watch the full ceremony
Graduate, SCE students reminded about the importance of humanity in an AI world
Donna Chevalier Cupelo ’78, a retired vice president for Verizon and a former college trustee, was the keynote speaker for the commencement ceremony for graduate and continuing education students, held in Peterson Recreation Center on Thursday, May 14, at 6:30 p.m.
Cupelo, who will receive an honorary doctor of business administration degree at the undergraduate ceremony on Sunday, retired in 2021 after 42 years in the telecommunications industry. Throughout her career, she championed leadership programs for women in technology and STEM initiatives and advocated for corporate philanthropy.
In her address, Cupelo noted that in the past few years, “artificial intelligence moved from science fiction into everyday life.”
“The world you are graduating into will be shaped by artificial intelligence in ways we are only beginning to understand,” Cupelo said. “But character, judgment, and values that guide technology will come from people like you.”
Graduates are prepared to meet challenges because “through the grace of God and the mission of Providence College, we have been formed in the Dominican tradition — a tradition that values clarity of thought, integrity of life, and the fearless pursuit of truth,” she said.
While technology has always changed how humans work, it has never changed the fundamental question of leadership — not “What can we do?” but “What should we do?” Cupelo said.
“Trust that you will use your knowledge responsibly. Trust that you will lead with integrity. Trust that when faced with difficult choices, you will choose what is right, not what is easy,” Cupelo said. “Throughout my career, I have learned that the most important decisions are rarely the easiest ones. They are the moments when values matter most.”
Master’s degrees were awarded to 222 students in business, including business administration, business analytics, and sports administration; education, including school leadership, school counseling, higher education, literacy, reading, urban teaching, urban teaching with teacher certification, secondary education, teaching mathematics, and teaching mathematics with teacher certification; theology, including biblical studies, theology, and theological studies; and history.
Associate degrees and bachelor of arts degrees were awarded to 12 students in the School of Continuing Education. It was the final commencement ceremony for the SCE, whose origins date to 1918, the year before Harkins Hall opened, when Dominican priests taught courses to religious sisters in convents. The college announced in 2023 that it would stop accepting new students but supported current students through to graduation.
In his welcome, College President Rev. Kenneth R. Sicard, O.P. ’78, ’82G said he hoped that the graduates would continue to seek what is true and do so with a genuine attentiveness to the people around them.
“You return now to workplaces, to families, and to communities that will continue to benefit from your insight and your perspective,” Father Sicard said. “You will encounter moments that call for patience, judgment, and a steady sense of purpose. In those moments, I hope you will remember what you have practiced here. Taking the time to listen. Asking thoughtful questions. Approaching others with both clarity and humility.
“There will be times when it feels easier to move quickly or to simplify what is complex. When that happens, I hope you will find ways to remain attentive to the deeper work of understanding and of building connection,” Father Sicard said.
Kathleen McGinley ’82, president of the National Alumni Association, welcomed graduates into the Providence College alumni network, which is 61,000 Friars strong, and urged them to remain connected through Homecoming in October, regional club gatherings, virtual programs, and athletic events.
“Your graduate or continuing education degree reflects more than academic accomplishment,” McGinley said. “It deepens expertise, strengthens professional credibility, expands networks, and demonstrates a real commitment to growth and lifelong learning.”
Master’s degrees were awarded to 222 students in business, including business administration, business analytics, and sports administration; education, including school leadership, school counseling, higher education, literacy, reading, urban teaching, urban teaching with teacher certification, secondary education, teaching mathematics, and teaching mathematics with teacher certification; theology, including biblical studies, theology, and theological studies; and history.
Associate degrees and bachelor of arts degrees were awarded to 12 students in the School of Continuing Education. It was the final commencement ceremony for the SCE, whose origins date to 1918, the year before Harkins Hall opened, when Dominican priests taught courses to religious sisters in convents. The college announced in 2023 that it would stop accepting new students but supported current students through to graduation.
Degrees were presented by Thomas W. Smith, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. The Most Rev. Robert C. Evans, D.D., auxiliary bishop emeritus of Providence, offered the invocation, and Rev. Christopher Justin Brophy, O.P., Ph.D., senior vice president for mission and ministry, gave the benediction. Maya E. Rezendes ’28 (Somerset, Massachusetts) sang The National Anthem and Giana G. Ribeiro ’28 (Madison, New Jersey) sang The Alma Mater. Music was by Providence College Symphonic Winds, directed by Eric C. Melley, DMA, director of instrumental activities.
Watch the full ceremony
Students honored at Academic Awards Ceremony
Eight students shared the distinction of being the top students in the Class of 2026 with perfect 4.0 GPAs, the equivalent of an A in every class for eight semesters. They were recognized during the Academic Awards Ceremony on Saturday, May 16, at 11 a.m. in Peterson Recreation Center.
- Siena Brazier ’26 (Lewisburg, Pennsylvania), a double major in chemistry and biology
- Benjamin Carso ’26 (Andover, Connecticut), a double major in psychology and sociology
- James Endyke ’26 (Needham, Massachusetts), a double major in accountancy and business economics
- Kaitlyn Fuoco ’26 (Garden City, New York), a seconardary education/English major
- Clara Leland Johnson ’26 (Nashville, Tennessee), a double major in social work and English literature
- Georgia Grace Peters ’26 (Pleasantville, New York), a double major in history and political science
- Michael Piersall ’26 (Webster, New York), a philosophy major and seminary student
Fuoco presented the class oration, tracing the journey of the Class of 2026 from the insecurities and unknowns of move-in day through to the assurance of senior year.
“But beyond all the ‘lasts,’ this is also the year of reflection,” Fuoco said. “The year where you look at who you have become and recognize the strength, clarity, and confidence in your own voice. As we prepare to leave Friartown, we are not just stepping into graduate programs or careers – we are carrying that voice with us, ready to use it, ready to share it, and ready to make an impact far beyond campus.”
Of the 1,056 students in the graduating class, 581 graduated with honors and 432 were named to honor societies. There were 137 students in the Honors Program. The most popular majors were finance, marketing, psychology, management, and biology. Eight percent of students reported graduating with an internship or career-related experience.
René Alexander Orquiza, Ph.D., associate professor of history and recipient of the 2025-2026 Joseph R. Accinno Faculty Teaching Award, the college’s top teaching honor, shared the history of the song Finlandia, composed in 1900 by Jean Silbelius, a fierce champion of Finnish independence from Russian imperial rule, and performed in the United States for the first time in 1905 by the Metropolitan Orchestra in New York City. In 1934, PC’s Alma Mater, set to Sibelius’ “Finlandia,” was sung for the first time on campus during commencement.
“How has this journey to the past shaped our understanding of the present?” Orquiza asked. “We faculty would argue that this time machine is a priceless gift of a liberal arts education. It gives you empathy and an ability to connect seemingly unconnectable dots. Your education allows you to see the connections between the past and the present, between the sciences and the arts, between faith and reason. You are well equipped to act in service to the Mother of Truth.”
Students and families were welcomed by Rev. R. Gabriel Pivarnik, O.P., STD, director of the Honors Program and associate professor of theology. Awards were presented by College President Rev. Kenneth R. Sicard, O.P. ’78, ’82G, and Thomas W. Smith, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Sister Mary Cecilia Goodrum, O.P., campus minister, offered the invocation and Rev. Gregory M. Santy, O.P., STL, associate chaplain, gave the invocation. Claire C. Dancause ’26 (Smithfield, Rhode Island) sang The Alma Mater.
Watch the full ceremony
Commencement Mass celebrated for graduates, families
The Commencement Mass was celebrated on Saturday, May 16, at 4 p.m. in Peterson Recreation Center by College President Rev. Kenneth R. Sicard, O.P. ’78, ’82G.
In his homily, Father Sicard noted that the Catholic church just celebrated the feast of the Ascension, in which Jesus departed from his disciples with the promise that he would send the Holy Spirit to strengthen them.
“Just like he sent out those first disciples, he sends you forth from here to make your mark on the world, to spread his love, to inspire those whose lives you’ll touch, to make our world better,” Father Sicard said. “And I promise you that God has a special plan for each of you, and your ongoing, lifelong search for truth will help you to discover what this plan is, and how it’s all going to unfold in your life.”
Readings were presented by Nathan Faria ’26 (Stoughton, Massachusetts), Kathryn Lynn Ditrano ’26 (Glen Head, New York), and Adam Aguiar ’26 (East Providence, Rhode Island). Josef Crenshaw ’28 (Bennington, Nebraska) was the altar server.
Student-athletes, student leaders, and scholars were recognized at the Service of Investiture: Siena Rae Brazier ’26, Jack T. Brodin ’26, Gavin F. Buttafuoco ’26, Juanjose Cabrera ’26, Benjamin Michael Carso ’26, Mary Kate Donaghey ’26, James Walter Endyke ’26, Alexa M. Faber ’26, Ahnna E. Faust ’26, Corey Floyd Jr. ’26, Kaitlyn Elizabeth Fuoco ’26, Olivia E. Gleason ’26, Zekar-Yah H. Henry ’26, Catherine M. Hien ’26, Kelly M. Jackson ’26, Clara Leland Johnson ’26, Sarah G. McCall ’26, Georgia Grace Peters ’26, Carl A. Picerno III ’26, Michael Thomas Piersall ’26, Chase Quigley ’26, Juliet C. Tharaldson ’26, and Caroline A. Thoma ’26.
Watch the full ceremony
Three PC cadets become second lieutenants at ROTC Commissioning
Thirteen cadets, including three from Providence College, were commissioned second lieutenants in the U.S. Army during the ROTC Commissioning Ceremony on Friday, May 15, at 2 p.m. in the Ryan Concert Hall of the Smith Center for the Arts.
Cadets commissioned from PC were:
Paul Cronin ’26 (Acton, Massachusetts) was commissioned an active duty officer in the Corps of Engineers. He will attend the Basic Officer Leadership Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He was a Distinguished Military Graduate, graduating in the top 20 percent of all cadets nationwide, and demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership, high moral character, noteworthy academic achievement, superior camp performance, and exceptional aptitude for military service. He also received the Providence College Colonel J. Gardner Conway Alumni Award and the Colonel Gerald F. Dillon and Colonel Ryan S. Dillon ROTC Award, presented to a cadet selected for active duty who displays extraordinary loyalty, duty, selflessness, and a love for military service.
Griffin Gouck ’26 (North Attleboro, Massachusetts) was commissioned an active duty officer in the Aviation Branch. He will attend the Basic Officer Leadership Course at Fort Rucker, Alabama. He received the Captain John “Jay” Tobin Memorial Award, the First Lieutenant Brian McPhillips (USMC) Memorial Award, and he Colonel Gerald F. Dillon and Colonel Ryan S. Dillon ROTC Award, presented to a cadet selected for active duty who displays extraordinary loyalty, duty, selflessness, and a love for military service.
Jason Vitelli ’26 (West Hartford, Connecticut) was commissioned an active duty officer in the Logistics Branch. He will attend the Basic Office Leadership Course at Fort Lee, Virginia. He was a Distinguished Military Graduate, graduating in the top 20 percent of all cadets nationwidehaving demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership, high moral character, noteworthy academic achievement, superior camp performance, and exceptional aptitude for military service. He received the Class of 1966 Award and the Providence College President’s Trophy.
The keynote speaker was Ryan Dillon ’95, a retired colonel who served in the 82nd Airborne and commanded a company in the 173rd Airborne Brigade, leading combat operations in northern Iraq in March 2003. He also deployed to Afghanistan in 2005 and Pakistan in 2006. After 11 years as an Airborne Infantry officer, Dillon entered public affairs. He was selected by the secretary of defense to serve as the spokesperson for Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve at the height of the campaign against ISIS, during the liberation of Mosul, Iraq, and Raqqa, Syria.
A graduate of PC’s ROTC Program, Dillon has a master’s degree in professional studies in public relations and corporate communications from Georgetown University and a master’s degree in international relations and strategic studies from Roma Tre University in Italy.
In his address, he quoted from his own commissioning ceremony 31 years ago, when the speaker was his father, retired Army colonel Gerald F. Dillon ’68, ’74G. Dillon shared his father’s “top five tips for instant success” with the cadets: go in with an open mind, be committed to doing your best, be decisive, loyalty and integrity are sacred commodities, and relax, enjoy, and have fun.
“What a great day it is to be a soldier in the United States Army,” Dillon said. “I’m very proud to say that I’m a graduate of Providence College and commissioned through their ROTC program.”
Dillon and his father, who died in March 2023, established established the Colonel Gerald F. Dillon and Colonel Ryan S. Dillon ROTC Award, presented to a cadet selected for active duty who displays extraordinary loyalty, duty, selflessness, and a love for military service.
Dillon now resides in Vicenza, Italy, with his wife and two daughters. A certified ski instructor and alpine guide, he leads soldiers and families from the Vicenza Military Community on outdoor adventures throughout northern Italy.
