Donna Cupelo ’26Hon. address to the 2026 graduates
Donna Chevalier Cupelo ’78, ’26Hon., retired vice president for Verizon, presented this address as the keynote speaker at the Providence College graduate and School of Continuing Education commencement on Thursday, May 15, 2026.
Good evening everyone. Bishop Evans, Father Sicard, members of the clergy, members of the corporation, trustees, distinguished faculty and administration, proud families. My husband Bill is here, Class of ’78, my son Billy, and from afar, my daughter, Elizabeth, Class of ’12, out in Los Angeles. Most importantly, welcome to the remarkable graduates here from the Providence College School of Business, the School of Continuing Education, and those who have earned master’s degrees in education, history, and theology. It’s very impressive — congratulations.
I stand before you as the world is changing dramatically, and we are all experiencing these changes in different yet similar ways. There is certainly geopolitical instability, change in where and how people are working and living, and exciting developments in areas such as personalized health care, targeted therapeutics, and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. All of these changes can feel daunting, especially in this new world of artificial intelligence.
AI can provide information, language analysis, and speed, but it cannot provide wisdom, lived experience, moral courage, or human compassion. That difference — the difference between intelligence and humanity — is exactly why today matters. The world you are graduating into will be shaped by artificial intelligence in ways we are only beginning to understand. But the character, judgment, and values that guide technology will come from people — people like you.
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. Today is also a celebration of perseverance. Many of you have earned this degree while balancing careers, family responsibilities, and the unexpected challenges that always seem to arise at the busiest of times.
Earning a graduate degree is never easy, and doing it while balancing the complexities of adult life requires discipline, resilience, and determination. You should be very proud of what you have accomplished — I know your families are. But today is not just about the work you have finished; it’s about the world you are entering. That world is changing faster than any generation before you has experienced.
Over the past few years, something remarkable has happened. Artificial intelligence has moved from science fiction into everyday life. Tools that once existed only in research labs are now writing reports, diagnosing diseases, analyzing legal documents, designing products, and helping businesses make decisions. AI is changing the way we work, the way we learn, and the way organizations and societies operate.
But here’s the important truth: AI will not decide what kind of world we live in — you will. Technology has always changed how humans work, but it has never changed the fundamental question of leadership — not what can we do, but what should we do. Artificial intelligence can process enormous amounts of information, detect patterns rapidly, and recommend decisions based on data, but it cannot replace judgment, empathy, or wisdom.
In a world filled with powerful technology, the most valuable skills will become the most human ones: integrity, curiosity, courage, compassion, and the ability to bring people together. The ability to ask not only “Is this possible?” but “Is this right?” These are not technological skills — they are human skills, and they are the qualities that Providence College cultivates.
Providence College has long been guided by the Dominican tradition of Veritas — the pursuit of truth. In an era where information travels instantly and algorithms shape what we see and believe, the pursuit of truth is more important than ever. The leaders in your generation will face new questions: How do we ensure that AI systems are fair and unbiased? How do we protect privacy in a world of constant data? How do we help workers adapt as jobs evolve? And how do we use technology to expand opportunity rather than deepen inequality?
These are not technical problems alone — they are moral ones. They will require leaders who understand both innovation and responsibility. Many of you already lead, or will lead, organizations, classrooms, hospitals, research labs, nonprofit institutions, and businesses. You will help shape how technology is used and how people are treated.
The future will not simply belong to people who build these technologies—it will belong to people who guide them wisely. It will belong to leaders who understand that innovation without values is dangerous, yet innovation guided by values can transform the world for the better.
Your degree does not only certify what you’ve learned — it represents trust. 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. Throughout my career, I’ve learned that the most important decisions are often the simplest ones — they are the moments when values matter most.
Your careers will not follow straight lines. Most of you will change roles many times, and some of you may even change fields entirely. The pace of change will require constant learning and reinvention. But there is good news — the world rewards people who stay curious, who adapt, who collaborate, and who never stop learning.
The most powerful thing you can do in the years ahead is not simply to succeed, but to lift others along the way. Use your success to mentor someone who needs guidance, use your voice to advocate for fairness, and use your knowledge to strengthen the communities you serve.
We are all navigating a world filled with extraordinary tools — tools powered by data, algorithms, and AI. These tools will help solve problems faster than ever before. But the most important decisions will still belong to people — people who choose truth over convenience, integrity over advantage, and innovation not just to advance themselves, but to improve the lives of others.
Your degree represents knowledge, but your leadership will require wisdom, courage, and humility. The future will not ultimately be shaped by artificial intelligence — it will be shaped by human character, by courage, by integrity, and by compassion.
And tonight, as I look at this graduating class and see all you have accomplished, I believe the future is in very good hands. Congratulations, Class of 2026.
