Elms College will welcome global business leader, author, and philanthropist James “Jim” Keyes as the keynote speaker for its 95th Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Keyes, along with Sr. Annette M. McDermott of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, will receive honorary degrees in recognition of their life accomplishments and humanitarian contributions. Regina Hitchery ‘71, a longtime supporter of Elms College, will be awarded the College’s prestigious Via Veritatis Medal, honoring individuals who exemplify the highest ideals of Catholic values and service.
Commencement Details:
WHAT: College of Our Lady of the Elms’ 95th commencement exercises
WHEN: Saturday, May 16, 2026 | Academic Procession begins at 9:30
WHERE: MassMutual Center, Springfield, MA 01103
“As we celebrate the accomplishments of the class of 2026 and confer upon them the degrees and certificates that they have earned through their hard work, Elms College is also thrilled to recognize the exemplary achievements of Commencement Speaker Jim Keyes, Honorary Degree Recipient Sr. Annette McDermott, and Via Veritatis Medal Recipient, Regina Hitchery ‘71,” said President Dumay.
Commencement Speaker & Honorary Degree Recipients:
Keyes has served as Chief Executive Officer of Fortune 500 companies, including 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, as well as CEO and Chairman for Wild Oats Marketing LLC. He is the author of Education is Freedom: The Future Is in Your Hands, which explores the power of education to expand opportunity, preserve democracy and unlock personal freedom.
His philanthropic work includes service on the Board of Governors of the American Red Cross, as well as board roles with the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Dallas Performing Arts Center, and at his alma mater, the College of the Holy Cross.
Sr. McDermott serves as director of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation for the Sisters of St. Joseph. In this role, she advances initiatives focused on systemic justice, public policy, and ecological responsibility.
She previously served for more than a decade as dean of Religious and Spiritual Life at Mount Holyoke College and as cabinet secretary for Social Concern for the Diocese of Springfield, guiding diocesan policy on housing, labor, immigration, and welfare reform.
Via Veritatis Medal Recipient:
The Via Veritatis Medal is awarded to individuals who exemplify the best of Catholic values and culture and have made significant contributions to society. Regina Hitchery will be the 43rd recipient of the award.
A graduate of Elms College, Hitchery earned her degree magna cum laude and went on to complete graduate studies at University College Dublin, Connecticut College, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She has held leadership roles at global organizations, including Otis Elevator, Carrier Corporation Worldwide, United Technologies Corporation, Sikorsky Aircraft, and Pratt & Whitney.
A dedicated member of the Elms community, Hitchery has served on the College’s Board of Trustees and has supported initiatives such as the Dolores Donlin Noonan ‘39 Experiential Learning Program in honor of her mother. The Experiential Learning Program ensures that all students participate in at least one high-impact experiential learning activity during their time at the College.