Nazareth University honors its founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph, with an honorary degree at the 99th Commencement

Nazareth University is honoring its founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester, who started Nazareth more than 100 years ago, by granting an honorary degree to the SSJ congregation at its 2026 Commencement. SSJ President Mary Lou Mitchell is the speaker for Nazareth’s three Commencement ceremonies. She will receive the honorary degree on behalf of the congregation, both past and present members, at one of the ceremonies. 

The graduate ceremony is Friday, May 15, at 6 p.m., and both undergraduate ceremonies are Saturday, May 16, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.   

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

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester — from our founding to the present day — are remarkable changemakers, exemplifying Nazareth’s commitment to academic and professional excellence, as well as an enduring community impact with communities locally and around the globe.   

Five Sisters of St. 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.

The University’s current campus on East Avenue opened in 1942. In the decades that followed, the Congregation guided Nazareth’s evolution, revising its charter in 1964 to allow lay leadership, transferring ownership of its land and buildings in 1965, and supporting its transition to an independent, private institution in 1971. Nazareth became coeducational in 1973, while continuing the Sisters’ legacy of education grounded in service, inclusion, and academic excellence. In 2003, Nazareth purchased 73 acres and several buildings from the Sisters, including the Sisters' former Motherhouse, now the Golisano Academic Center. On June 1, 2023, the name Nazareth University took effect, recognizing the significant graduate programs the institution has long offered. 

Many sisters have graduated from, taught at, and/or worked at Nazareth; one much-loved sister remains on the faculty: Susan Nowak ‘77, Ph.D., SSJ, is a professor of religious studies. Some students are involved with the congregation, completing internships or volunteer service with the Sisters’ ministries.

Nazareth University celebrated its Centennial in 2024-25, and the Sisters of St. Joseph congregation was involved in many ways, including participation in the Centennial Jubilee and the History Wall unveiling.

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.

Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.

• published: 2026 February
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