U.S.-Based Catholic University President Remembers Kenya’s Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai

Lisa A. Lori, president of Marywood University, urged graduates to protect the environment during the 45th graduation ceremony of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Kenya on Friday, October 23.

Speaking as the guest of honor, Dr. Lori referenced the legacy of the late Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai. She encouraged the graduates to use their resources to serve others and to recognize their responsibility in caring for creation. Dr. Lori noted that Maathai built a movement by acting on her convictions.

Dr. Lori, who began her term as the 13th president of Marywood University in July 2024, also spoke about the shared mission of Marywood and the Catholic University of Eastern Africa to use Catholic education to transform lives.