IRVING, Texas (Oct. 4, 2024) — Catholic evangelist and author Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, BA ’03, will address the University of Dallas at Commencement 2025.

Sr. Garrett, a Texas native, entered the Catholic Church shortly after receiving a bachelor’s degree in politics with a concentration in business from the University of Dallas. She worked in banking for ten years, eventually attaining leadership roles, before beginning formation with the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. She professed her final vows in 2020.

Our Sunday Visitor named Sr. Garrett a Catholic of the Year in 2023 for her podcast, “Hope Stories,” and her captivating enthusiasm as a public speaker and evangelist. Sr. Garrett also holds a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and is a nationally certified and licensed counselor, specializing in the treatment of children and adolescents. She is the author of two books, Hope: An Invitation, and Wilderness Within: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation. 

“I am really without words to describe how honored I feel to have received this invitation, and I am also at a loss for words to describe the joy,” Sr. Garrett said. “I by no means could be considered a model former UDallas student, but upon receiving the invitation I immediately thought of 2 Corinthians 12:9: ‘Power is made perfect in weakness; I will rather boast most gladly in my weaknesses in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.’ My prayer for the upcoming graduation of the Class of 2025 is that we will have an opportunity not to reflect on what we have done, or what we will do, but rather what God has accomplished in each of us despite our weaknesses, and the even greater things than these ahead. I cannot wait to be with you all to celebrate the goodness of God.”

“Sr. Josephine Garrett is a remarkable witness to a life of discipleship and service, and the university is proud to welcome her back as the honored speaker of Commencement 2025,” said President Jonathan J. Sanford, PhD. “I am confident that the Class of 2025 will draw inspiration from her example to pursue truth with steadfastness in faith.”

About the University of Dallas

The University of Dallas is the premier Catholic liberal arts university in the country, known for its rigorous undergraduate Core Curriculum and robust graduate and professional programs in business, ministry, education and the humanities. According to national rankings, the University of Dallas has one of America’s most challenging, comprehensive undergraduate interdisciplinary programs, offered at an excellent value to some of the happiest students in the country. With campuses in Texas and Italy, UDallas stands apart as a thriving community of learners committed to an education that forms students intellectually, socially and spiritually for a life well-lived. For more information, visit udallas.edu.