The Busch School of Business celebrated its Class of 2026 at commencement on Saturday, May 16, honoring graduates whose accomplishments in scholarship, leadership, and Christian virtue exemplified the school's mission. The ceremony brought together 211 graduates, their families, and faculty for the annual rite of passage on the campus of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
The processional, set to Ferdinand de la Tombelle's Marche Pontificale, opened the festivities. Vice Dean Anthony Cannizzaro, Ph.D. offered introductions, followed by an invocation from Fr. Robert Gahl, Ph.D., Associate Professor. Dean Andrew Abela, Ph.D. then delivered opening remarks to welcome the graduating class.
Keynote Address
Alumnus Monsignor James P. Shea — who earned his Ph.B. in 1997 and Ph.L. in 1998 from The Catholic University of America — delivered this year's keynote address. Now serving as President of the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, Msgr. Shea's return to his alma mater offered graduates a living example of a life shaped by a Catholic liberal education and a commitment to institutional leadership in the Church.
In his remarks, Msgr. Shea reflected warmly on his own time at Catholic University: "Not a day has passed that everything I learned here at Catholic University hasn't been part of my life – my dreams, my hopes, my work – it's a key part of who I am. 'Faith seeking understanding'…I am so proud to be from this University. This place holds some of the happiest memories of my life."
President's Award: Matthew Blomgren
Matthew Blomgren, a BS Accounting graduate and this year's salutatorian, was named the recipient of the President's Award, given annually to a graduating student who demonstrates outstanding leadership, scholarship, and an exemplary embodiment of the highest Christian ideals.
Blomgren distinguished himself through a remarkable breadth of campus engagement. He served as president of the Accounting Society and as a member of the Dean's Student Advisory Council, the University Budget Committee, the men's crew team, and the Knights of Columbus. Following graduation, Blomgren will join PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) as an audit associate.
Valedictory Remarks: Mick Hopkins
Michael "Mick" Hopkins, a Finance graduate and linebacker on the university's football team, was recognized as the Busch School's valedictorian for the Class of 2026. A native of Ohio, Hopkins delivered valedictory remarks reflecting on his time at Catholic University. After commencement, he will travel to Scotland, where — grounding his general education in philosophy and theology — he will serve as a college campus minister with the Saint John Society.
Diploma Presentations
The diploma ceremony featured several notable presentations reflecting the deep ties between the Class of 2026 and the broader Catholic University community.
Samantha Cesario (Class of 2026, Marketing) received her diploma from Peter Forlenza, Catholic University Class of 1988, University Trustee and member of the Busch School Board of Visitors.
Kaitlin Patt (Class of 2026, Marketing & Sales) received her diploma from her uncle, Rashaun Martin, Catholic University Class of 2001, University Trustee and former president of the Catholic University Alumni Association.
Class of 2026 — Graduates by Program
The Class of 2026 totaled 211 graduates across the school's degree programs.
BSBA — 154 graduates
| Concentration | Graduates |
|---|---|
| Marketing | 44 |
| Finance | 37 |
| Operations Management | 10 |
| Data Analytics for Business | 9 |
| Entrepreneurship | 7 |
| Sales | 7 |
| Accounting | 6 |
| HR Management | 3 |
| International Business | 3 |
| Technology Management | 3 |
| Markets and Political Economy | 2 |
| Technology and Operations Management | 1 |
| Sports Management | 1 |
BS in Accounting — 27 graduates
MBA — 20 graduates (3 hold MSB degrees)
Church Administration
- MS in Church Administration: 3
- Certificate in Church Administration: 1
Dual Degrees — 3 graduates
- Business and Philosophy: 2
- Accounting and Music: 1
The Class of 2026 embraced global learning, with 50 students — nearly 27% of the class — studying abroad in countries including Spain, Italy, Mexico, and Australia.
The Busch School of Business congratulates the Class of 2026 and looks forward to witnessing the impact these graduates will make — in their careers, their communities, and their lives of faith — as they carry forward the school's mission of serving God and humanity through business.