Saint Mary's Announces Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipients

Anne Thompson '79 to deliver address, Jennifer Holmgren and Carmi and Chris Murphy to be honored

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:48am

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Saint Mary's College President Katie Conboy announced the keynote speaker and honorary degree recipients for the college's 179th commencement ceremony. NBC News chief environmental affairs correspondent Anne Thompson '79 will deliver the commencement address and receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters. Colombian chemist Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of LanzaTech Global, will be awarded an honorary doctorate of science. Carmi and Chris Murphy will receive the President's Medal for their contributions and service to the local community.

Why it matters

The commencement speaker and honorary degree recipients are important figures who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Their participation and recognition by Saint Mary's College highlights the institution's commitment to honoring accomplished individuals and providing an inspiring sendoff for its graduating class.

The details

Anne Thompson, a 1983 Notre Dame graduate, will deliver the commencement address and receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters. She has served on Notre Dame's Board of Trustees since 2010 and received the Rev. Edward Fredrick Sorin, C.S.C., Award in 2019. Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of carbon recycling company LanzaTech Global, will be awarded an honorary doctorate of science for her work in developing sustainable aviation fuel. Carmi and Chris Murphy will receive the President's Medal for their longtime service and philanthropy to Saint Mary's and the local community, including donations to faculty awards and the establishment of Murphy's Cafe.

  • The 179th Saint Mary's College commencement ceremony will take place on May 16 at Le Mans Green.
  • Anne Thompson has served on Notre Dame's Board of Trustees since 2010.
  • Thompson received the Rev. Edward Fredrick Sorin, C.S.C., Award in 2019.

The players

Katie Conboy

President of Saint Mary's College.

Anne Thompson

Chief environmental affairs correspondent at NBC News and a 1983 Notre Dame graduate.

Jennifer Holmgren

CEO of LanzaTech Global, a carbon recycling company that develops sustainable aviation fuel.

Carmi Murphy

Member of Saint Mary's Board of Trustees for 15 non-consecutive years and honorary alumna, class of 2011.

Chris Murphy

Philanthropist who has donated to Saint Mary's faculty awards and the establishment of Murphy's Cafe.

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What they’re saying

“Anne Thompson has been an inspiring role model for women for many years. As a veteran correspondent, her distinguished and award-winning portfolio includes reporting on complex topics ranging from the environment, to the papacy, to the Boston Marathon bombing, among others. Her story, her experience, and her perspective as a leading woman's voice in broadcast journalism will resonate with our graduates and the Commencement audience. We are pleased to confer upon her the degree of Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.”

— Katie Conboy, President of Saint Mary's College (ndsmcobserver.com)

What’s next

The 179th Saint Mary's College commencement ceremony will take place on May 16 at Le Mans Green, where Anne Thompson will deliver the commencement address and Jennifer Holmgren and Carmi and Chris Murphy will be honored.

The takeaway

Saint Mary's College is recognizing accomplished individuals who have made significant contributions in their respective fields, from journalism and sustainability to community service and philanthropy. The honorary degree recipients and commencement speaker will provide inspiration and leadership for the graduating class.