Mercy University will honor the achievements of over 2,300 graduates during its 2026 Commencement, held over four ceremonies on May 20 and 21 at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, N.Y. The ceremonies will feature five honorary degree recipients recognized for their exemplary leadership and professional excellence, including four who will deliver addresses to the Class of 2026.
“This is a proud moment for our entire Mercy University community as we launch the Class of 2026 into their careers,” said Susan L. Parish, Ph.D., M.S.W., president of Mercy University. “These exceptional graduates—resilient, compassionate, and driven—are prepared to lead with purpose. We are equally honored by our five honorary degree recipients who built extraordinary careers by living the very values our students have embraced: service, innovation, and a commitment to creating positive change in the world.”
The ceremonies will be held in person and live streamed to ensure family members, friends, and guests can celebrate alongside the graduates regardless of location.
The 2026 Mercy University honorary degree recipients are:
Mark Ronquillo Honorary Doctor of Commercial Science Speaker: School of Business and School of Liberal Arts
Mark Ronquillo is the Donald P. Bellisario Professor of Practice at the Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State University, a position he assumed in 2024. Prior to joining Penn State, he served as EVP/Executive Creative Director at the New York City office of Saatchi & Saatchi, one of the world’s leading international advertising agencies. Over his 15 years there, he led creative work for 12 different Procter & Gamble brands, including category leaders such as Dawn, Cascade, Swiffer, Vicks, Pepto-Bismol, Mr. Clean and Crest.
Mr. Ronquillo’s 25+ year advertising career spans major agencies across the United States and internationally, including Saatchi & Saatchi, Publicis, Lowe & Partners, McCann Erickson, APL/London, BBDO West and The Richards Group. His diverse portfolio includes work for prominent brands such as Saab, Honda, Braun, Heineken, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Bacardi, Diet Coke, US Army, and Burger King.
A “writer’s writer” known for his mastery of the written word, Mr. Ronquillo’s creative work has earned recognition from major international award shows and publications, including Cannes, The One Show, Communication Arts, and Graphis. He has also received Effie awards for effectiveness across four different clients, demonstrating both creative excellence and measurable business impact.
