Mark Your Calendars for the 2026 Academic Convocation on April 22
A message to the Saint Mary's Community
Saint Mary’s will celebrate its annual Academic Convocation on April 22, 2026, from 1:30–3 p.m. in the Saint Mary's Chapel as part of Lasallian Heritage Days. This year, we will be honoring Br. George Van Grieken '75, MA '79, FSC, PhD, with the conferral of an Honorary Doctorate.
Save the date and attend the 2026 Academic Convocation
Established more than 20 years ago, the Academic Convocation stands as the College’s signature Lasallian academic event, recognizing individuals whose lives and work have made a lasting contribution to Lasallian education worldwide. Central to the convocation is a keynote address by the honoree, offering the College community—students, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, and invited guests—an opportunity to reflect more deeply on the Catholic and Lasallian charism that animates Saint Mary’s mission.
Br. George is a distinguished Lasallian educator, theologian, historian, and international formation leader whose ministry spans more than five decades. A graduate of Saint Mary’s and Boston College (PhD '95), he has served the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools at local, national, and international levels, including leadership roles in formation, research, vocation ministry, and institutional mission.
A prolific author and editor, Br. George’s scholarship includes foundational works on the pedagogical spirituality of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, widely used formation texts such as Lasallian Spirituality Today (2023), and The Teacher’s Saint (2020). His forthcoming book, Holy Audacity: A Short History of the Lasallian Charism & Mission, will be released in March 2026, offering a comprehensive and accessible synthesis of Lasallian history and mission for contemporary audiences.
The 2026 Academic Convocation will take place within the broader context of Saint Mary’s institutional theme, “Respect for All Persons,” a theme deeply resonant with Br. George’s lifelong commitment to educational justice, community, and faith-filled service. His life and work embody the Lasallian ideals of faith, zeal, and association, making him an especially fitting honoree for this year’s celebration.
The Saint Mary’s community warmly invites all members of the College and extended Lasallian family to join in this significant occasion, honoring a scholar, educator, and Brother whose vocation continues to shape Lasallian education in the 21st century.
Thank you,
Roger J. Thompson, EdD
President