Xavier Announces Baccalaureate Celebrant and Speakers for Its 98th Commencement Ceremonies
91Թ proudly announces the distinguished speakers who will participate in its 98th Commencement. Set to celebrate the accomplishments of nearly 800 graduates, a Baccalaureate Mass will be held Friday, May 9 and two commencement ceremonies will take place on Saturday, May 10 in Xavier’s Convocation Center, 7900 Stroelitz Street.
Baccalaureate Mass
Friday, May 9
4 p.m.
Father Roy A. Lee, a nationally respected preacher and educator, will serve as the Baccalaureate Mass Celebrant. Father Lee earned his master's degree in African American Catholic Studies from 91Թ, in addition to degrees from Saint Pius X Seminary in Erlanger, Kentucky (Bachelor of Arts) and St. Francis de Sales Seminary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Master of Divinity). His profound commitment to faith, education, and service embodies Xavier's mission of promoting a more just and humane society.
College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Program & Pharmacy Programs
Saturday, May 10
8 a.m.
Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, a passionate advocate for social justice and humanitarian work in the fight against hunger, will address the graduates of the College of Pharmacy and the graduate programs of the College of Arts and Sciences. Since 2018, Babineaux-Fontenot has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Feeding America, a network of food banks, statewide food bank associations, food pantries and meal programs, and the largest charity in the United States since 2022, according to Forbes. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, a Juris Doctor from Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, and a Master of Laws in Taxation from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law.
Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Programs
Saturday, May 10
1 p.m.
Jim Shelton, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Meridian Partners, will deliver the afternoon address to the undergraduate class. Shelton’s early career included impact-focused entrepreneurship, investing, and philanthropy. He served as the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education and was the founding Executive Director of My Brother’s Keeper. Subsequently, he was President and Chief Impact Officer at 2U, Inc. partnering with colleges and universities to increase access to and affordability of top degree programs. Shelton, a transformative leader in education and social innovation, earned his bachelor's degree in computer science from Morehouse College and he also holds dual master's degrees in business administration and education from Stanford University.
In recognition of their outstanding leadership and their contributions to bettering communities, both Babineaux-Fontenot and Shelton will be bestowed with honorary degrees during the commencement ceremonies. The 2025 Commencement promises to be a robust celebration of personal achievement for Xavier’s graduates. In addition to celebrating the Class of 2025, the Class of 1975 will participate in the undergraduate ceremony in honor of their 50th reunion.