Commencement

Fall 2026 Commencement Speaker

Lynda Ellis (B.A.S. ’81)

Lynda Ellis is the CEO and owner of Capitol Concierge, the nation’s first provider of commercial, corporate and residential concierge services. Based near Washington, D.C., the company serves more than 1 million people worldwide, and under her leadership its brand has become synonymous with best-in-class service and professionalism. She believes that being a Rattler is a lifetime membership and considers herself the number one fan of Rattler Man.

Ellis joined Capitol Concierge in 1998 and purchased it in 2007. She previously spent more than 25 years in instructional technology, marketing computer-based education and training products throughout the United States. She earned numerous awards for performance and leadership and co-owned a $25 million technology company. Throughout her career, she has grown businesses by using technology to improve each person’s service experience. In 2012, Capitol Concierge received the National Capital Ethics Award and in 2017, Capitol Concierge received the Moxie Award for Business Services, which honors Washington-area organizations for boldness and innovation.

Ellis served nine years on the St. Mary’s Board of Trustees, from 2017 to 2026, including two terms as Chair. She is only the second woman in the University’s history to hold the chair position.

In 2018, she founded the Lynda Ellis Award and Scholarship for Outstanding Undergraduate Woman and for a female business student entering her senior year, and the Lynda Ellis Distinguished Woman in Business Award, which honors an alumna or local businesswoman. Both awards are a highlight of the Greehey School of Business’ annual Business Week Awards Dinner.

Beyond St. Mary’s, Ellis chairs the National Crime Prevention Council Board, is on the Board of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce and co-chairs the Legislative Committee, and she is head of Ushers and serves on the Finance Committee for St. James’ Episcopal Church. She also serves on the American Red Cross Tiffany Circle Leadership and the National Small Business Association Leadership Council.

Tickets

Due to limited seating in the Bill Greehey Arena, Commencement tickets are required for admission. Each graduating student approved for Commencement will receive an email for the number of tickets they will receive.

For guests unable to attend, please note that the commencement ceremony will be livestreamed on our website. Visit the livestream page to check technical requirements or to watch the ceremony.

Children aged 3 and under do not need tickets provided they can sit on an adult’s lap for the duration of the ceremony.

Parking

Commencement guests can park in the following lots:

• Lot T (in front of Bill Greehey Arena)
• Lot G
• Lot H

Program Information

To view the digital Commencement programs, click the button below.

Livestream

For guests unable to attend, please note that the commencement ceremony will be livestreamed on our website. Visit the livestream page to check technical requirements or to watch the ceremony.

Venue Regulations

• Noise Warning

  Be aware that following the Conferring of Degrees, we will celebrate this moment for our graduates by activating confetti launchers. These launchers will emit a loud popping sound, which may affect guests who experience noise sensitivity.

Bill Greehey Arena does not allow noisemakers, confetti, flags, balloons, posters, banners or other items that will cause view obstruction or distract from the program.

Additionally, to maintain a safe and secure environment, we have implemented a bag check policy. All bags are subject to search and inspection before entering the facility.

Guests failing to comply with the above policies will be asked to return their bags and/or items to their vehicle or be denied entry.

Accessibility Accommodations

Sections for guests in wheelchairs are available along the second level of Bill Greehey Arena. Individuals who plan to sit in this section are allowed one person to remain with them in the area.

Due to limited seats, seating in these sections is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ceremony Seating Chart

All graduates will be seated on the arena floor during Commencement according to their school or college.

Guests are seated in the arena stands surrounding the floor during Commencement.

Graduation Memorabilia

Looking for graduation memorabilia for your graduate? Check out the Barnes & Noble Bookstore at St. Mary’s webpage to find apparel, diploma frames and more online or visit the St. Mary’s bookstore, Rattler Outfitters.