Saint Martin’s University names commencement speaker, top graduates 

Saint Martin's University named its commencement speaker for an upcoming graduation ceremony, and also unveiled its top two graduates.

Bishop Michael F. Olson will be the commencement speaker at the event in Lacey on Saturday, May 9.

Bethany Hutson is the valedictorian, and Zachary Mandlin is the salutatorian of the 2026 graduating class.

As an honorary degree recipient at the ceremony, Olson will be recognized as a doctor of humane arts, honoris causa. 

“We are honored to welcome Bishop Michael Olson to Saint Martin’s as our 2026 commencement speaker and to confer upon him an honorary degree in recognition of his distinguished service to the Church and his leadership in moral theology and Catholic education,” said Saint Martin’s University President Bill Brownsberger in an announcement about the graduation ceremony.

Olson was appointed by Pope Francis as the fourth Bishop of Fort Worth on Nov. 19, 2013, and he was ordained and installed on Jan. 29, 2014.   

Top graduates 

Hutson is graduating with a 4.0 cumulative GPA with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, and a minor in French.  

Currently a student teacher in a ninth through 12th grade French classroom at Clover Park High School, Hutson plans to teach French at a local high school before pursuing a secondary degree in biology. 

Hutson grew up in Shelton, Washington, and has participated in the Running Start program. Hutson graduated with an associate of arts degree from Capital High School in Olympia. 

Mandlin is graduating with a double major in psychology and biology.  

After graduating from Northwest Christian High School, Mandlin attended the University of Washington to initially study business, and then transferred to Saint Martin’s.  

After graduation, Huston plans to take the Medical College Admission Test and attend medical school to become a psychiatrist.