Michael Eric Dyson, a distinguished professor at Vanderbilt University, will deliver this year’s undergraduate commencement address, according to a University of Portland press release.
Dyson is a celebrated author and media personality known for his insights on race, social justice and contemporary culture. He has authored over 25 books, including seven New York Times bestsellers, discussing the impacts of influential figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and Barack Obama.
The undergraduate ceremony will take place Sunday, May 4, at 11 a.m. in the Chiles Center. It will follow the School of Nursing & Health Innovations pinning ceremony on May 2 at 4:15 p.m., the ROTC commissioning ceremony on May 3 at 11 a.m. and the baccalaureate Mass on May 3 at 4:30 p.m.
All events will be held in the Chiles Center.
The Christus Magister Medal, UP’s highest honor, will be awarded to Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., President Emeritus of the University of Notre Dame. Jenkins served as Notre Dame’s 17th president from 2005 to 2024.
UP will also award honorary degrees to Anthea Butler, professor of American Social Thought at the University of Pennsylvania; Joanne Pike, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association; and Tim Morgan ’86, president and CEO of AAA Oregon/Idaho and chair of the UP Board of Regents.
In the press release, President Robert Kelly shared his excitement for celebrating the accomplishments of these individuals.
“It will be our community’s great blessing to celebrate this year’s class of commencement honorees,” Kelly said. “The extraordinary individuals we honor this May personify UP’s commitment to teaching and learning, faith and formation, and service and leadership. They are brilliant, accomplished, and inspiring, and we can’t wait to welcome them to The Bluff.”
Julianna Pedone is the News and Managing Editor for The Beacon. She can be reached at pedone25@up.edu.
