Bishop Olson receives honorary degree, addresses graduation class at Saint Martin’s University
Saint Martin’s University in Lacey, Washington welcomed Bishop Michael Olson as the 2025-2026 commencement speaker and honorary degree recipient on May 9, 2026. (photo courtesy)
LACEY, WASHINGTON — On May 9, Saint Martin’s University welcomed Bishop Michael Olson as the 2025-2026 commencement speaker and honorary degree recipient.
Dr. Bill Brownsberger, president of St. Martin’s University, explained why the Lacey, Washington University honored the prelate of the Diocese of Fort Worth, saying, "In the exercise of his episcopal ministry, Bishop Olson provides an extraordinary model to be emulated. He devotes the utmost care to the immediate, pastoral needs of Fort Worth Catholics, but his concern also extends well beyond this to include the intellectual and cultural formation of his diocese. It was important for Saint Martin's to honor him with a doctorate because of the alignment of our institution's vision with his dedication in supporting Catholic education."
At the commencement exercises, Dr. Don Conant, faculty president at Saint Martin’s University, recognized Bishop Olson as an individual who inspires “by their pursuit of excellence and their dedicated leadership.”
Dr. Conant addressed Bishop Olson, saying, “You have devoted your priestly and episcopal life to the service of truth, the formation of conscience, and the pastoral care of a growing and diverse people of God.
“As bishop of Fort Worth, you have shepherded a rapidly expanding diocese of more than one million Catholics, guiding growth in parishes, schools, and pastoral ministries while ensuring the continued spiritual vitality and stability of the local Church.”
After enumerating Bishop Olson’s education and advanced degrees; his contributions to the formation of priests; his service to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; and his pastoral care of the Diocese of Fort Worth, Dr. Conant added, “In all these endeavors, Bishop Olson, your ministry reflects a steadfast commitment to truth, the sanctity of human life, and the formation of persons rooted in faith and reason.”
In conferring the honorary doctorate of humane arts, Saint Martin's University President Dr. Brownsberger praised Bishop Olson for his leadership in Benedictine values of hospitality, dignity of work, and stewardship. He continued, “You have embodied grace and insightfulness, reflecting Benedictine charisms of faith, reason, service, and community, upon which Saint Martin’s was founded.”
On behalf of Saint Martin’s University, Dr. Brownsberger and Dr. Conant gave Bishop Olson a framed diploma and a doctoral hood in the university’s colors of red, black, and white.
Bishop Olson then addressed the assembly, taking particular note of the graduating class of 2026.
His commencement address challenged and inspired the graduates to focus “on the real world of the true, the good, and the beautiful versus the realm of common experience, to dispel what is fraudulent and wrong.”
Bishop Olson encouraged the young men and women to develop a vision, a plan, and a project.
He said, “Your vision must be an eternal vision by the good, the true, and the beautiful, an eternal vision that’s directed to God.”
He concluded his congratulatory message, stating, “May you flourish in that real world amidst the realm of common experience. And may you share with so many the Good News, who otherwise would be limited to this realm of common experience which so needs the influence of the real world which you carry forward with joy.”
Saint Martin’s University, a Benedictine university located in Lacey, Washington, was founded 131 years ago and is currently home to approximately 1,300 undergraduates and 250 graduate students.