Nazareth University Commencement to Honor SSJs

The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Rochester are honored to be the recipients of Nazareth University’s honorary degree at its 2026 Commencement. Sister Mary Lou Mitchell, SSJ President, will accept the degree on behalf of the Congregation, both past and present members. She will also speak at the Commencement ceremonies happening on May 15 and May 16.

Five Sisters of Saint Joseph founded Nazareth in 1924, bringing expertise such as doctorates from Fordham University in New York City and extensive graduate study at Oxford University and the Sorbonne. The first 25 students began classes at Nazareth’s original home on Lake Avenue in Rochester on Sept. 24, 1924 — now known as Naz (Founder's) Day.

Although Nazareth has been independent, with an interfaith focus, for more than 50 years, the University maintains close ties with the Congregation and upholds the Sisters’ founding commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of the community through partnership and service.

Many Sisters have graduated from, taught at, and/or worked at Nazareth including Sister Susan Nowak ‘77, Ph.D., who continues to serve as a professor of religious studies. Some Nazareth students are also involved with the Congregation, completing internships or volunteer service with the Sisters’ ministries.

To read Nazareth’s full announcement about the honorary degree, click here.