2021 Commencement Speaker and Honorary Doctorate Recipient

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

As we approach this year’s commencement, I am delighted to communicate that the 2021 commencement speaker will be Greg Boyle, S.J. I know that you will appreciate his remarks at your commencement event because of how inspiring a speaker he is. Father Boyle will also be receiving an honorary doctorate from Seattle University.

Fr. Boyle has worked for more than three decades in the Los Angeles area providing training and support to those previously incarcerated and formerly involved with gangs. He is the nationally renowned founder of Homeboy Industries and is well known for speaking about the issues these men and women face in overcoming their pasts as they reimagine a future as contributing members of their communities.

The author of Tattoos on the Heart, which has been widely used in our curriculum, and more recently Barking to the Choir, Fr. Boyle has previously spoken at Seattle University to a packed house at Pigott Auditorium. He serves as an advocate for justice, represents the mission and values of our university and engages in issues important to us. I know you will enjoy hearing from and honoring Fr. Boyle at commencement.

Sincerely,

Stephen V. Sundborg, S.J.
President