Jesuit Provincial Fr. Thomas Greene, S.J. to Deliver Loyola University New Orleans 2026 Commencement Address

Engineering trailblazer Dr. Percy Pierre and restaurateurs Isaac and Amanda Toups among honorary degree recipients

Loyola University New Orleans will welcome an extraordinary group of leaders, scholars, and community champions to inspire graduates at its 2026 Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the Smoothie King Center.

"At Loyola, Commencement is a powerful celebration of purpose, perseverance, and possibility," said Dr. Xavier A. Cole, President of Loyola University New Orleans. "We are honored to welcome leaders whose lives reflect our Jesuit mission and who will inspire our graduates to use their talents in service of others and the greater good. We are especially proud to welcome Fr. Thomas Greene, S.J. home to Loyola. His lifelong commitment to faith, justice, and education reflects the very values we hope to instill in every graduate."

Fr. Thomas P. Greene, S.J., Provincial of the Jesuits' USA Central and Southern Province and a proud Loyola University New Orleans undergraduate and College of Law alumnus, will deliver the Commencement address at both the undergraduate and graduate ceremony at 10 a.m. and the College of Law ceremony at 5 p.m. In addition to delivering the Commencement addresses, he will be awarded an honorary degree, recognizing his extraordinary leadership and service to Jesuit education.

A lifelong Jesuit educator and leader, Fr. Greene, S.J. has dedicated his career to advancing the mission of the Society of Jesus through education, pastoral leadership, and formation. As Provincial, he oversees Jesuit ministries across the region and has played a pivotal role in guiding institutions committed to faith, justice, and academic excellence. His lifelong connection to Loyola makes his return as Commencement speaker especially meaningful for the Class of 2026.

Loyola will award honorary degrees to a distinguished group of leaders whose lives and work reflect the University's commitment to service, leadership, and impact.

Dr. Percy Pierre will receive an honorary degree in recognition of his groundbreaking contributions to engineering and Defense R & D. As the first African American in the United States to receive a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, Dr. Pierre has spent decades advancing equity in STEM fields, expanding access to education, and shaping national conversations around diversity in engineering and science.

Isaac Toups and Amanda Toups, co-owners of Toups Meatery, will also receive honorary degrees. Acclaimed for their culinary excellence and deep commitment to the New Orleans community, the Toups family is the founder of Toups Family Meal, a grassroots initiative launched during the COVID-19 pandemic that has evolved into a sustained effort to combat food insecurity across Orleans Parish. What began as a daily meal service for out-of-work hospitality employees quickly grew into a vital community resource. Today, Toups Family Meal continues to provide critical support through disaster relief, summer meal programs, and community outreach, reflecting the Toups family's enduring commitment to service, resilience, and care for others.

Together, this year's honorees reflect the spirit of Loyola University New Orleans: a commitment to faith and justice, a pursuit of excellence, and a dedication to serving others.

Both ceremonies, held at the Smoothie King Center, will be live streamed on Loyola's YouTube channel.

Members of the media are invited to attend. Please contact Julia LeBlanc at [email protected] for access and additional details. For more information about Commencement, visit https://commencement.loyno.edu/.