Simmons University will recognize three Honorary Degree recipients during the 2026 Commencement ceremonies on May 15.
We are honored to welcome best-selling author Gregory Maguire ‘78MA as our morning Commencement speaker and Dr. Anthony Estreet as our afternoon Commencement speaker. In addition, Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll will offer special remarks at the morning ceremony recognizing the vital connection between education, economic opportunity, and the important role our graduates will play in shaping the future of the Commonwealth and beyond.
About the 2026 Honorary Degree Recipients
Simmons University was founded on the belief that education can be a powerful force for advancing social and economic equity. Gregory Maguire, Kim Driscoll, and Dr. Anthony Estreet exemplify this mission through their creativity, leadership, and dedication to improving lives and communities. We look forward to honoring their achievements and welcoming them to our Commencement ceremonies.
Gregory Maguire ’78MA, best-selling author
Maguire will be awarded a Doctor of Arts degree and will serve as the morning Commencement speaker.
An internationally acclaimed and versatile author, Gregory Maguire has written extensively across genres, including numerous novels for adults and children, as well as short stories, picturebooks, essays, and reviews.
His groundbreaking novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West reimagined a classic American story and has captivated millions of readers worldwide, with combined sales exceeding ten million copies. Wicked inspired the globally celebrated Broadway musical—one of the longest-running productions in Broadway history—as well as major motion picture adaptations, cementing Maguire’s reputation as a bold and imaginative literary voice.
His body of work includes both New York Times bestsellers and widely acclaimed retellings of classic stories, reflecting a distinctive ability to blend literary tradition with contemporary insight. His most recent novel, Elphie: A Wicked Childhood, was published in March 2026, offering a new perspective on one of his most iconic characters, with a companion volume, Galinda: A Charmed Childhood, forthcoming.
Maguire is also a national figure in children’s literature education. He was the first graduate of Simmons’ Master of Arts in Children’s Literature program in 1978, and later served as a professor and associate director of the Center for the Study of Children’s Literature. He also received a PhD in English and American Literature from Tufts in 1990. He co-founded Children’s Literature New England, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the role of literature in young people’s lives, and has served on major literary award committees, including the National Book Award jury and the Caldecott Medal committee. A frequent lecturer and essayist, his work continues to shape the field and inspire readers, writers, and scholars around the world.
Dr. Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C, Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Social Workers
Dr. Estreet will be awarded a Doctor of Law degree and will serve as the afternoon Commencement speaker.
Dr. Estreet is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and a nationally respected leader advancing the profession through scholarship, practice, and executive leadership. His work has significantly shaped social work education, workforce development, and the delivery of behavioral health services.
A former professor and chair of the MSW Program at Morgan State University, Dr. Estreet has published more than 40 peer-reviewed articles and co-edited a pioneering volume on African-centered clinical interventions in mental health practice. His work has helped shape contemporary approaches to culturally responsive care and social work education.
Dr. Estreet has also held numerous leadership roles within NASW, including Vice President of the Board of Directors and Chair of national committees focused on ethics and substance use. In addition to his academic and professional leadership, he has served as a clinical director, chief executive officer of a treatment facility, and senior executive consultant. He is also the founding President of the National Association of Black Social Workers’ Baltimore Legacy Chapter.
Dr. Estreet’s career reflects a deep commitment to advancing ethical practice, strengthening the social work profession, and advocating for vulnerable and underserved populations. His leadership continues to shape the future of social work at a national level.
Kim Driscoll, 73rd Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Driscoll will be awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters degree and will deliver special remarks during the morning Commencement ceremony.
Kim Driscoll currently serves as the 73rd Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She was sworn in on January 5, 2023, alongside Governor Maura Healey, marking a series of historic firsts, including becoming part of the first all-women executive team to lead the Commonwealth. In her role, Driscoll has helped advance key administration priorities, including economic development, affordable housing, public education, and support for communities statewide.
Driscoll has been a leading advocate for Massachusetts cities and towns, emphasizing the importance of direct investment in local communities to expand economic opportunity and improve quality of life. Her work has also focused on increasing access to housing, strengthening public education policy, and supporting emergency shelter assistance programs.
Prior to her statewide leadership, Driscoll served as the first woman Mayor of Salem, elected in 2006. During her tenure, she was recognized for her commitment to inclusive growth, fiscal stewardship, and community development. A graduate of Salem State University and a former student-athlete, she has dedicated her career to public service and to expanding opportunity for individuals and families across Massachusetts.