Whiting, IN – On Saturday, May 9, The Very Reverend Robert J. McClory, Bishop of the Diocese of Gary delivered the commencement address to Calumet College of St. Joseph’s 2026 graduates. Families, faculty, staff, and loved ones gathered in the Dennis and Leslie Rittenmeyer Athletic Center to celebrate the achievements of the graduates. The year 2026 marks the College’s 75th anniversary, since its founding in 1951 by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood.

Bishop McClory shared that two of his uncles were members of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, including one who taught at Calumet College of St. Joseph in the 1980s. His family’s connection to the College’s founding order, longstanding support of CCSJ, and the institution’s 75th anniversary made Bishop McClory a fitting commencement speaker and honoree.

Bishop McClory congratulated the graduates and began his address noting that “the word ‘commencement’ means to begin… and yet when we tend to think of commencement as the conclusion of something.” He encouraged graduates to give thanks for the blessings that brought them to commencement while also looking ahead and asking themselves, “What’s my mission?” He gave an anecdote about a person waiting in line, and when asked what they were in line for, they responded that they did not actually know. The Bishop used this story as a lesson on how easy it can be to lose track of your purpose in life. He urged graduates to use their education and talents in service to their communities. Bishop McClory ended his remarks instructing the graduates to “reflect on your ‘why.’ Know that the Lord has a purpose for you. Be the one who knows your purpose and is set to serve.”

President Amy McCormack’s remarks to the 2026 graduates were themed around the “transition into a new phase of life.” The theme reflected not only something that all graduates encounter at commencement, but also something that President McCormack is experiencing herself as she prepares to retire after nine years as President of Calumet College of St. Joseph in June of 2026. Dr. McCormack reflected on the serendipitous nature of giving her ninth commencement address on May 9, as well as the date landing the day before Mother’s Day. “While I’ve had many titles, the work I do as a mom is the work that will have the greatest and longest lasting legacy,” reflected President McCormack. The President quoted Beth White, Board Chair of White Lodging, with a “simple yet meaningful message for youth,” that works for all ages. Her message was, “Be a learner, be a leader, be a friend.” Dr. McCormack noted that the advice remains just as meaningful later in life, particularly when considering how to use one’s gifts beyond the workplace. President McCormack closed her commencement address with a well-loved quote from Saint Catherine of Siena, “Be who God meant for you to be, and you will set the world on fire.”

One hundred thirty undergraduates graduated this year, with fifty additional graduate-level students receiving master’s degrees in Public Administration, Teaching, Business Management and Psychology. Sadie Olesh, a Digital and Studio Arts major was awarded the honor of CCSJ’s 2026 Valedictorian. Also, during the ceremonies, Bishop Robert J. McClory was presented with an honorary doctorate degree from Calumet College of St. Joseph. The ceremony celebrated both the academic achievements of the Class of 2026 and the enduring mission of CCSJ as it marks 75 years of Catholic higher education in Northwest Indiana.

Calumet College of St. Joseph is a graduate and undergraduate degree-granting institution sponsored by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

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Please direct media inquiries to:

Jenn Gunter Peddycord
Director of Communications and Special Assistant to the President
Calumet College of St. Joseph
(219) 473-4227
jpeddycord@ccsj.edu