President Amy C. Novak, EdD, has announced that Sister Jane Wakahiu, LSOSF, PhD, will deliver the keynote address at the upcoming Spring Commencement on May 16, 2026. She will also receive an honorary degree for her outstanding leadership in philanthropy and nonprofit work.
Sister Jane is part of the Little Sisters of Saint Francis in Kenya. Currently, she serves as the Associate Vice President of Program Operations for the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. Her focus is on the vital work done by Catholic sisters, who aid those in need while promoting peace and justice globally.
In her role, she manages operations, budgets, and policy implementation for the Hilton Foundation. She also leads the Catholic Sisters Initiative, which funds education, elder care, and various human development projects. Recently, she held the position of interim vice president of strategy and programs, overseeing the grantmaking efforts of the foundation.
Sister Jane’s influence extends to numerous boards, including FADICA and Tangaza University, where her expertise helps shape meaningful discussions about nonprofit strategies and community support.
The Spring Commencement will be held at the Vibrant Arena at The Mark, starting at 11:30 a.m. More information can be found on the 2026 Spring Commencement webpage.
According to a recent report from the National Philanthropic Trust, charitable giving in the U.S. reached an all-time high of over $400 billion in 2021. This trend underscores the growing importance of leaders like Sister Jane, who drive impactful change through their initiatives.
As global challenges continue to rise, the role of nonprofit leaders in bridging gaps and providing assistance becomes ever more crucial. Sister Jane’s dedication exemplifies how one individual can spark change on a larger scale, inspiring future generations to engage in service and philanthropy.
