2026 Commencement Speakers

Dear Seattle University Community,

As commencement season approaches—beginning in May with Cornish College of the Arts and the School of Law—I am pleased to share the speakers for our undergraduate and graduate ceremonies on Sunday, June 14.

Robert Paylor will be the speaker at our undergraduate ceremony. While competing as a collegiate rugby player, Mr. Paylor sustained a spinal cord injury that initially left him paralyzed from the neck down. Through rehabilitation, he regained mobility, earned a degree from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and built a career as an author and sought-after speaker. Mr. Paylor is author of Paralyzed to Powerful, has been featured in national media and speaks to organizations across sectors. He has inspired millions with his story, determination, and spirit.

Dr. Thomas J. Lynch Jr. will speak at our graduate ceremony. Dr. Lynch is a world-renowned scientist, oncologist, and successful leader of National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. He is president and director of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, a global leader in cancer care and research, and also directs the Fred Hutch/University of Washington/Seattle Children’s Cancer Consortium. Earlier in his career, Dr. Lynch was part of the first research team to discover how targeted therapies could dramatically change outcomes for lung cancer patients with mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor gene. He has received numerous awards for his research and teaching.

We look forward to hearing from Mr. Paylor and Dr. Lynch, whose lives and work align with Seattle University’s Jesuit educational mission, as we join our graduates and their loved ones in celebrating a joyful and special day.

Sincerely,

Stephen V. Sundborg, S.J.
Interim President