Lake Erie College Announces Carol Etherington as 2026 Commencement Speaker

Lake Erie College is proud to announce that Carol Etherington, an internationally recognized nurse, humanitarian, and advocate for vulnerable populations, will serve as the keynote speaker for its 2026 Commencement Ceremony with her speech titled “Life. Be In It!”

The ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Mentor Fine Arts Center in Mentor, Ohio, with the academic procession beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Etherington brings more than three decades of experience in global health and disaster response. A psychiatric nurse and trauma specialist, she has worked extensively with individuals and communities impacted by war, natural disasters, and violence across the United States and around the world.

She has held leadership roles with Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières), including serving as President of its U.S. Board of Directors. Throughout her career, she has helped design and implement community-based health and mental health programs in post-conflict and disaster-affected regions, championing the integration of mental health, human rights, and dignity into global healthcare systems.

In addition to her international work, Etherington has responded to major domestic crises, including providing support in New York City following the September 11 attacks. She also founded one of the nation’s first police-based counseling programs in Nashville, Tennessee.

A dedicated educator, Etherington served as an associate professor at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, mentoring future leaders in community and global health. Her distinguished career has earned numerous honors, including the International Red Cross’s Florence Nightingale Medal and the Florence Nightingale International Foundation’s International Achievement Award.

“We are honored to welcome Carol Etherington as our commencement speaker,” said Lake Erie College President Jennifer N. Schuller. “Her lifelong commitment to service, compassion, and global impact will inspire our graduates as they embark on their next chapter.”

Lake Erie College looks forward to celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2026 and welcoming family, friends, and members of the community to this milestone event.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026

Time: 10:00 a.m. (graduates should arrive by 9:00 a.m.)

Location: Mentor Fine Arts Center, 6477 Center St., Mentor, Ohio