City University of Seattle picks Loria Yeadon for 2026 commencement

By AI, Created 7:46 PM UTC, June 02, 2026, /AGP/ – City University of Seattle will have YMCA of Greater Seattle CEO Loria Yeadon deliver the keynote at its June 13 commencement at T-Mobile Park. The selection spotlights a leader who broke barriers at the YMCA and ties CityU’s first ceremony under President Suzanne Elise Walsh to a message about nontraditional paths and career impact.

Why it matters: - Loria Yeadon’s keynote puts a barrier-breaking civic leader in front of City University of Seattle graduates at a major public ceremony. - The choice reinforces CityU’s focus on working adults, veterans, caregivers and mid-career professionals. - The June 13 event is the first commencement under President Suzanne Elise Walsh, JD, adding symbolism to the ceremony.

What happened: - City University of Seattle named Loria Yeadon, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Seattle, as keynote speaker for its 2026 Commencement. - The ceremony is set for June 13 at 1:00 p.m. at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. - Yeadon became the first woman and first person of color to lead the YMCA of Greater Seattle in the organization’s 150-year history. - Yeadon said her path from electrical engineer to patent attorney to nonprofit CEO was “anything but linear.”

The details: - CityU was founded in 1973 and serves working adults, veterans, caregivers and mid-career professionals across the U.S. and in six countries. - The university said Yeadon’s leadership has expanded the YMCA’s focus on whole person health, strengthened support for military families and grown community partnerships beyond the Pacific Northwest. - Walsh said Yeadon’s “disciplined, nonlinear, and mission-driven” path is what graduates need to hear. - Commencement will be held at T-Mobile Park, 1250 1st Ave S, Seattle. - More information is available at cityu.edu.

Between the lines: - The announcement pairs two historic firsts: Yeadon’s leadership role at the YMCA and Walsh’s first commencement as CityU president. - The speaker choice signals CityU is leaning into a message about advancement through nontraditional careers, especially for adult learners balancing work and family obligations. - Yeadon’s biography aligns with the university’s audience and helps frame graduation as a career transition point, not just an academic milestone.

What’s next: - CityU’s June 13 commencement will bring together graduates, families and university leadership at T-Mobile Park. - Yeadon is expected to address the class directly during the ceremony. - City University of Seattle will continue promoting its mix of online and on-site programs for adult learners and military-connected students.