Catherine D’Amato, the president and chief executive officer of The Greater Boston Food Bank, will be a keynote speaker at Merrimack College's commencement ceremonies on May 14, 2026. D’Amato, who is set to retire later this year, has been a pivotal figure in the nonprofit sector, leading the food bank for over 30 years and overseeing its growth into a $180 million organization that provides 92 million meals annually. In recognition of her contributions, she will receive an honorary degree. Other notable speakers include Vikas Enti, CEO of Reframe, and Ara Sarajian, vice president of stadium partnership at New York City Football Club, both of whom will also be awarded honorary degrees. Merrimack College President Christopher E. Hopey highlighted the honorees' commitment to community service and their alignment with the college's Augustinian Catholic mission, inspiring graduates to lead purposeful lives.