President, University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota
Founder, Tepeyac OBGYN
From abortionist to pro-life doctor, Dr. Bruchalski founded one of the most extensive, innovative, and humane full-service reproductive health care enterprises in the United States. The first OB-GYN practice in the country explicitly committed to Catholic social teaching, this non-profit medical practice gives care to all women no matter their means, beliefs, or background.
I've just been doing my duty. It's brought incredible peace and hope and to be honored by Catholic University is really for all the people that we’ve helped.
Distinguished Fellow, The Busch School of Business and Founder, Grameenphone
A pioneer in for-profit enterprise for social and economic empowerment, Quadir spearheaded universal mobile phone access to uplift his home country of Bangladesh. The company he established, Grameenphone, now has over 83.9 million subscribers and is the nation’s most valuable company.
I had an inner desire to do something for my country…to the world that a commercial venture can be uplifting. I am honored to be recognized and strengthen my affiliation with the University.
Founder and CEO, Walking with Purpose
Brenninkmeyer leads Walking with Purpose, a Catholic Bible study program that has helped over 65,000 women of all ages in more than 700 parishes and small groups find joy, overcome anxiety, save marriages, and discover their potential. She is the author of 14 Bible studies, three tween/teen programs, and three books.
We live in a world that is increasingly fragmented, lonely, dissatisfied, and anxious. We must offer the truths of our faith and scripture to people in a way that helps with their day to day life, speaks their language, and speaks to what they need.
This past fall semester and into the winter season, Architecture Associate Professor Tonya Ohnstad led an effort to construct “The Wave.” This prototype is a first-of-its-kind structural system, developed with graduate student Dave Stephen in collaboration with Mike Graves of industry leader DSI Spaceframes.
The Catholic University of America was elected in May to join the Universities Space Research Association (USRA), a prestigious consortium of 124 higher education institutions that are leading advances in space science and technology.
Key moments from spring 2026 Commencement exercises, May 16, The Catholic University of America