At least 19* Catholic colleges across the United States are hosting “lavender graduations” this spring — ceremonies separate from the main commencement intended to celebrate students who “identify” as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or otherwise under the LGBTQ+ umbrella.

At a Catholic institution, such ceremonies raise serious concerns. “Lavender graduations” affirm students in an identity rooted in disordered sexual desires or confusion about the human person, rather than their deepest identity as sons and daughters of God.

“Lavender graduations” have unfortunately become annual campus traditions at many Catholic colleges that refuse to fully embrace the truth of our Catholic faith. Ceremonies have recently been announced at:

• Georgetown University, Washington, DC
• Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA
• University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
• Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA
• Fordham University, Bronx, NY
• Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
• Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio
• Seattle University, Seattle, WA
• Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
• Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA
• Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA
• St. John’s University, Queens, NY
• College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA
• Albertus Magnus College, New Haven, CT
• Saint Mary’s College of California, Moraga, CA
• Mount Mercy University, Cedar Rapids, IA
• Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio, TX
• University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN
• Siena Heights University, Adrian, MI — which is closing down at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year

Although intended as a compassionate gesture to students, the ceremonies reinforce harmful ideologies about sexuality and gender that contradict Catholic teaching.

They potentially lead students into sinful activity and undermine a Catholic college’s claim to teach the truths of the Catholic faith.

The Church is clear in its teaching that sexual attraction to persons of the same sex is not itself a sin, but such attractions are “objectively disordered.” Any resulting sexual activity is sinful.

As explained by the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith:

Although the particular inclination of the homosexual person is not a sin, it is a more or less strong tendency ordered toward an intrinsic moral evil; and thus the inclination itself must be seen as an objective disorder.

The Congregation continued:

Therefore special concern and pastoral attention should be directed toward those who have this condition, lest they be led to believe that the living out of this orientation in homosexual activity is a morally acceptable option. It is not.

The U.S. bishops provided further guidance in their 2006 document, “Ministry to Persons with Homosexual Inclinations”:

All ministry to persons with a homosexual inclination must be guided by Church teaching on sexuality. The basis of this ministry, if it is to be effective, has to be a true understanding of the human person and of the place of sexuality in human life. ‘Departure from the Church’s teaching, or silence about it, in an effort to provide pastoral care is neither caring nor pastoral.’ Love and truth go together.

The bishops went on to issue an explicit warning that “those carrying out the ministry of the Church not use their position of leadership to advocate positions or behaviors not in keeping with the teachings of the Church.”

None of the event descriptions of the lavender graduation ceremonies identified by The Cardinal Newman Society reference Catholic teaching on human sexuality in any way.

Most are generic, speaking in terms of honoring and celebrating “LGBTQ+ students.” The event description at Seattle University mentions “a special performance by Sativa the Drag Queen” — underscoring how far these celebrations can depart from a Catholic understanding of the human person.

And while none of the descriptions explicitly endorse student participation in sinful behavior, the language used clearly celebrates the embrace of disordered attractions and lifestyles — sending a dangerous message to students.

In Ex corde Ecclesiae, Saint John Paul II said a Catholic college, as a “living institutional witness to Christ and his message,” is meant to play an important role and contribute to the Church’s work of evangelization.

In today’s culture, that should include making it abundantly clear what the Church teaches regarding human sexuality and sexual activity — especially if the college wants to provide genuine assistance to students who may be struggling with sexual identities or same-sex attraction.

Many of these types of events are advertised in terms of fostering “acceptance” and “inclusion.” The Catechism teaches that those experiencing same-sex attraction “must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity.” But as Courage International, an apostolate for Catholics who experience same-sex attractions, explains:

To accept a person means that we love and welcome that person with all their strengths and weaknesses. … Acceptance of another human being does not necessarily mean that we will agree with all his or her decisions and choices. Sometimes love requires us to make our disagreement known.

When Catholic colleges allow and endorse activities on campus that either outright reject Church teaching or could lead to confusion, these institutions are not showing concern for students’ souls as part of their educational mission.

Catholic families should demand that schools and colleges that profess the Catholic faith avoid scandalous practices that could endanger the eternal salvation of their students.

That demand could be in the form of public advocacy, alumni withholding donations, or choosing to spend their tuition dollars at schools and colleges known for their fidelity — such as those recommended in The Newman Guide.

While colleges like Siena Heights University are closing down, citing financial pressure and declining enrollment, Newman Guide Recommended colleges are flourishing as families look for an education that goes beyond job training and helps form young people in truth, virtue, and fidelity to Christ.

Students deserve Catholic schools and colleges that welcome every student with genuine charity — while clearly teaching the truth about the human person, sexuality, chastity, marriage, and holiness. They deserve educators who understand that compassion without truth is not Christian witness.

Catholic families should not settle for anything less.

*After our initial publication citing 16 colleges, we received tips about more Catholic colleges holding “Lavender Graduation” ceremonies.

You can tell a lot about a person by the friends they keep. You can also tell a lot about a college by whom it chooses as its commencement speaker or honorary degree recipient.

To become Newman Guide Recommended, we review an institution’s policy on speakers and honors. A Newman Guide Recommended school or college invites speakers, hosts events, and honors individuals to advance its mission of forming young people in truth.

Unfortunately, that’s not the case at every Catholic college, as we have reported on scandalous commencement speaker choices since 1993. This year, Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, California, will honor former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as its commencement speaker. This is the same Nancy Pelosi who has been publicly barred from receiving Holy Communion by her own bishop, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, because of her long public record of aggressive support for abortion. And yet a Catholic university in her home diocese plans to hold her up as a model for graduates.

On the other hand, Newman Guide Recommended colleges have chosen outstanding speakers for this year’s commencement ceremonies. Many are witnesses to the Catholic faith and the sort of people graduates should emulate.

Check back to this page regularly, as we will continue to provide updates.

Ave Maria School of Law (Naples, Fla.)
Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz, who was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2019, will deliver the commencement address at Ave Maria School of Law. “His distinguished career in public service, commitment to the rule of law, and leadership on Florida’s highest court reflect the kind of principled civic witness that we want to set as an example for our students,” said Lisa Johnston, senior director of communications & creative strategy.

Ave Maria University (Ave Maria, Fla.)

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is known for his efforts to protect religious liberty, the sanctity of human life, and school choice efforts, will deliver the commencement address at Ave Maria University. “His dedication to living out his Catholic faith in the public sphere with courage and excellence makes him an inspirational figure for our graduating class,” said Ave Maria University President Mark Middendorf.

Benedictine College (Atchison, Kan.)

Peter Cancro, a Catholic founder and chairman of the popular sandwich chain Jersey Mike’s, will deliver the commencement address and receive an honorary degree at Benedictine College. Cancro grew the national chain to more than $3.3 billion in sales and is known for his “philosophy of giving” to support the community, including generous financial support of Catholic colleges. “His life work represents all of the Benedictine values, but especially community, hospitality, listening, stability, and stewardship,” according to the College.

Catholic International University (Online)

Dr. James S. Gregory, MD, will deliver the commencement address at Catholic International University. Gregory is a Catholic with a 35-year career in academic medicine and is also a Navy veteran. He recently completed his Master of Arts in Theology and Educational Ministry from Catholic International University and now serves the Church as a director of religious education at St. Columba Parish in Bloomsburg, Penn.

The Catholic University of America (Washington, D.C.)

Monsignor James Shea, president of Newman Guide Recommended University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D., will return to his alma mater, The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., to deliver the commencement address and receive an honorary degree. An outstanding speaker and tremendous leader in the renewal of faithful Catholic education, Msgr. Shea says that Catholic University was where his “love for the Catholic intellectual life was born and nourished.”

Christendom College (Front Royal, Va.)

Anne Carroll, founder of Seton School and Seton Home Study, which are also Newman Guide Recommended, and wife of late Christendom founder Dr. Warren Carroll, will deliver the commencement address at Christendom College. Carroll has been a pioneer in the renewal of faithful Catholic education, helping form students in faith for more than 50 years. She was awarded the Benemerenti Medal by Pope Leo XIV for her exceptional contributions to Catholic education.

Divine Mercy University (Sterling, Va.)
Carl Anderson, a lawyer, educator, and public leader who served as Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus from 2000 to 2021, will deliver the commencement address at Divine Mercy University. “Anderson has consistently emphasized human dignity, charity, and ethical leadership—core values that align closely with counseling and psychology, especially in a Catholic framework,” said Natalia Almomani, senior director of marketing.

Franciscan University of Steubenville (Steubenville, Ohio)

Timothy Busch, a Catholic entrepreneur, philanthropist, and co-founder of the Napa Institute and Magis Center, which focuses on the intersection of science, reason, and faith, will deliver the commencement address to science and professional program graduates at Franciscan University of Steubenville.
Father Robert Spitzer, SJ., co-founder of the Napa Institute and president of the Magis Center, will deliver the commencement address to graduates in the arts, humanities, and social sciences at the University.

Holy Apostles College and Seminary (Cromwell, Conn.)

Monsignor Cuong M. Pham of the Diocese of Brooklyn and Professor Daniel O’Connor, an author and speaker, will deliver the commencement addresses at Holy Apostles College and Seminary.  “In welcoming Monsignor Cuong M. Pham and Professor Daniel O’Connor, we present our graduates with two excellent witnesses—one rooted in pastoral and ecclesial service, the other in intellectual and lay apostolate—who together reflect the fullness of the Church. Their presence will challenge and encourage our students to live their vocations with fidelity, generosity, and hope,” said Fr. Peter Kucer, president-rector of Holy Apostles.

Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College (Barry’s Bay, Ontario)

Pro-life advocate Angelica Steenstra will deliver the commencement address at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College. She and her husband, Walter, will also be receiving the Catholic Culture award. Steenstra serves as Canadian National Coordinator for the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, which educates about the spiritual, physical, and emotional harm caused by abortion and about the healing programs that are available for those who have had abortions.

Thomas Aquinas College (Northfield, Mass.)

Dr. Gavin Ashenden, an author, theologian, and Catholic convert, will deliver the commencement address at the East Coast campus of Thomas Aquinas College. Once an Anglican priest and chaplain to Queen Elizabeth II, Dr. Ashenden entered the Roman Catholic Church in 2019. He is “well known for his critique of modern culture and defense of orthodox Christianity,” states Thomas Aquinas College.

Thomas Aquinas College (Santa Paula, Calif.)

United States Ambassador to the Holy See, the Honorable Brian Burch II, will deliver the commencement address at the West Coast campus of Thomas Aquinas College. Burch is a graduate of the University of Dallas who co-founded the pro-life organization CatholicVote. Burch began his role as Ambassador in 2025, with chief duties including “defending religious freedom, protecting the vulnerable, promoting peace, and ensuring that the implementation of new technologies, especially AI, respects the dignity of the human person.”

The Thomas More College of Liberal Arts (Merrimack, N.H.)

Dr. Glenn Arbery, the former president of Newman Guide Recommended Wyoming Catholic College and an influential leader in the renewal of faithful Catholic education, will deliver the commencement address and receive an honorary degree at Thomas More College of Liberal Arts. Arbery and his wife, Virginia, have a long-standing friendship with Thomas More College, dating back to 1986 when Arbery served as professor of literature at the college.

University of Dallas (Irving, Texas)

His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, will deliver the commencement address and receive an honorary degree at the University of Dallas. Cardinal Dolan has served as Archbishop of New York since 2009 and served as president of the USCCB from 2010-2013.

University of Mary (Bismarck, N.D.)

In addition to providing a commencement address at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Timothy Busch will also deliver the commencement address and receive an honorary degree from the University of Mary. “Busch is widely recognized for his leadership at the intersection of faith, culture, and public life,” states the University of Mary.

University of St. Thomas (Houston, Tex.)

Most Reverend Joe S. Vásquez, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, will deliver the commencement address at the University of St. Thomas. “As the spiritual father to Houston’s only Catholic university, we couldn’t wait to bring him back to UST. His words and prayers have already been a profound support to this institution, and we are honored to welcome him,” said University President Sinda K. Vanderpool.

Walsh University (North Canton, Ohio)

Catholic evangelist Chris Stefanick will serve as the commencement speaker and receive an honorary degree from Walsh University. A graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, Stefanick is the founder of Real Life Catholic, a nonprofit organization dedicated to spreading the Gospel through events, retreats, youth initiatives, and more.

Wyoming Catholic College (Lander, Wyo.)

Kelsey Reinhardt, a Wyoming native and president and CEO of CatholicVote, will deliver the commencement address at Wyoming Catholic College. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the Augustine Institute, Reinhardt spent nearly a decade pursuing a vocation as a religious sister before discerning out of the convent. She has served in leadership roles at EWTN, ACI group, Catholic News Agency, and now CatholicVote.

If you’re seeking a faithful Catholic college experience, take note of the college’s choice of commencement speaker. This choice allows you to glimpse inside the soul of a Catholic college and evaluate if its “Catholic ideals, attitudes, and principles penetrate and inform its activities.”

2025 Catholic college commencement round-up.

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For America’s Catholic schools, “less bad” is not good.

There’s some reason to be hopeful about this year’s slower rate of decline: a half-point drop in students since last year, according to the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA). A few states with school choice programs actually saw increases, including Florida, Indiana, and Ohio.

But beware the hype! It’s understandable that the NCEA, representing its Catholic school membership, tries to present its annual data in the best possible light. It’s less explicable that reporters and pundits—especially in the Catholic media—keep parroting the NCEA’s talking points without examining the data closely.

For the last few years, The Cardinal Newman Society has advocated a more sober assessment of the numbers. Last year, the 60^th anniversary of U.S. Catholic schools’ peak enrollment, we lamented the tragic loss of more than 70 percent of students since 1965—a loss that would surely recommend a fire sale at any normal business, but Catholic educators should be devoted to forming even the smallest remnant of willing students.

And while enrollment is important, the muddled integrity of Catholic schools deserves even more attention—even if we lose non-Catholic students and schools that show minimal commitment to their Catholic mission. The Cardinal Newman Society has persistently urged and helped Catholic educators to restore the fundamentals of Catholic education, which are sorely lacking in many Catholic schools.

Such integrity has its reward! Newman Guide Recommended schools and colleges have demonstrated that faithful Catholic formation, which embraces the truth of Christ across every activity and the Church’s teaching in every classroom, is what attracts Catholic families. They are the core constituency of Catholic schools. It was for Catholic families that St. John Neumann and Archbishop John Hughes built up parochial schools, and today the dangers of public education are far worse than in the 19^th century.

Another year of decline

After Catholic school enrollment tumbled 6.5 percent in 2020-2021—the worst year of the Covid epidemic—it recovered partly the next two years, with increases of 3.8 percent and 0.5 percent. The NCEA touted the first years of growth since 2000 and suggested that this might signal a bright future for Catholic education. Media headlines embellished the prediction, heralding a great recovery.

We thought such predictions were premature and foolish, and we said so. Sure enough, we’re now in our third straight year of decline, and Catholic school enrollment today is far below what it was before Covid. Over the last decade, enrollment has dropped 12.6 percent.

Certainly, it’s good news that the slide is slower than most years since the turn of the millennium. Before Covid, the rate of decline was typically 2-3 percent.

It’s also good news that some states are showing recovery, thanks to very generous school choice programs. Florida’s Catholic school enrollment climbed 12 percent over the last decade.

Still, there’s something about the data in school choice states that is concerning. We’ve been told for decades that the primary reason for Catholic school decline is cost, predicated by the loss of teaching nuns in the 1960s and 1970s. But where are the throngs of Catholic families applying to Catholic schools in states with generous school choice programs? The best we’ve seen is Florida’s 12 percent increase over 10 years—which is hardly evidence of a flood of Catholic applicants escaping secular and immoral public schools.

Toward authentic renewal

Instead, we suspect the renewal of Catholic mission in many individual schools and dioceses is at least as important—and perhaps even more impactful—on enrollment than the availability of school choice aid. The Church has been devastated in so many ways since the 1960s, and most Catholic families and their pastors seem quite content with the disastrous placement of Catholic children in public schools. But where there are faithful Catholic families, they want schools that are uncompromisingly faithful and devoted to forming saints for God.

Which bring us to one final statistic from the NCEA: today only 72 percent of students on Catholic schools are Catholic, and their numbers are shrinking. It’s great when non-Catholics choose faithful Catholic education. But the reality is many Catholic schools, especially inner-city schools, are content to compromise their Catholic mission to attract more non-Catholic students.

That’s exactly the wrong way to renew Catholic education. Our hope is in the faithful Catholic schools, homeschool programs (entirely ignored by NCEA studies), colleges, and graduate programs recommended in The Newman Guide.

May God continue to bless them and the authentic renewal of faithful Catholic education.