May 6, 2026

A weekly look at Walsh University news and happenings.

The Walsh Wire is not intended to replace broadcast emails, but to aggregate information in order to increase the level of awareness and understanding about major happenings of the week.

Walsh University celebrated its 2026 Commencement Ceremonies on Saturday, May 2, 2026, honoring the academic achievements of nearly 600 graduates from 26 states and 14 countries across two ceremonies in the Gaetano M. Cecchini Family Health and Wellness Complex. An Honorary Doctorate of Applied Theology was presented to nationally recognized Catholic evangelist Dr. Chris Stefanick, who captivated the audience with a passion-fueled Commencement Address that challenged graduates to remember that their deepest identity is found in belonging to God, warning that “if we forget whose we are, then we will forget who we are.”

Nationally recognized defense technologist, Dr. Michael White was also presented with an Honorary Doctorate of Applied Engineering while State Representative Scott Oelslager and long-time Walsh University professor turned administrator Dr. Michael Dunphy were both presented with Distinguished Service Medals. Read More

Video and photos of the event are available at: www.walsh.edu/graduation-2026.html

This year’s Commencement Ceremony was historic in that for the first time since the program’s inception, graduates of the Transition U program for students with developmental disabilities, walked across the stage in their cap and gowns to celebrate their achievements. The Transition U program was started as an option for students, who may not typically be able to attend college after completing high school. For the past 15 years, this unique collaborative effort between North Canton City Schools and Walsh University has enabled nearly 45 students over the years to learn various life skills within the college setting.

On May 12 in the Barrette Center, join the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and Walsh University for the 3rd Annual Canton AI Tech Innovation Summit—a premier half-day event helping organizations turn artificial intelligence into measurable business results. Connect with top executives, innovators, and professionals as you explore how AI is transforming productivity, workforce development, and decision-making across every department.

This year’s summit features a keynote by Heather Lenz, Founder of AI Navigator Collective, on moving beyond experimentation to building internal AI capability. Dive into panel discussions with leaders from Diebold Nixdorf, 415 Group, AWP Safety, and others who are shaping Canton’s AI future. Afternoon breakout tracks offer hands-on learning for every experience level, covering topics from manufacturing ROI and autonomous “agentic” AI to executive readiness, platform selection, and predictive sales pipelines.

Tickets for Walsh staff and students are $40 with non-member discount code: walsh

Tickets available here.

Walsh University received the Heart of Service Award at the recent United Way Toast to the Community Breakfast. The award is given to organizations who strengthen our community through an outstanding commitment to volunteerism and community service. Accepting the award on Walsh’s behalf was Kristi Campbell, Chief Student Conduct and Prevention Officer. This year Walsh kicked off the new academic year with ‘Service Saturday’, bringing together 300 freshmen and staff who volunteered at various sites around Stark County. Faculty and staff also participated in a food service project in December, and students served the community once again on Walsh’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. 

Gionino’s Pizzeria in Oakwood Square will provide this lucky bidder with a large pizza of your choice each month for an entire year! Dinner prep just got a whole lot easier!

Support Walsh University students by joining us at the Cavalier Soirée on Friday, May 15, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Hoover Park Dance Hall & Grounds. The online auction goes live next Wednesday! Place your bid on this sizzling auction item while enjoying an evening of food, fun, and community. View online auction items or purchase tickets here.