Notre Dame Valedictorian recalls infamous Ice Chapel in 2026 Commencement Speech

NOTRE DAME, Ind. -- The University of Notre Dame celebrated the Class of 2026 Sunday morning during its 181st commencement ceremony at Notre Dame Stadium, honoring more than 3,000 graduates with speeches focused on faith and community.

Valedictorian Martin Soros reflected on one of the class’s most memorable moments — the student-built “St Olaf’s Ice Chapel” on the university’s campus, where he and his classmates organized a community mass.

“On a frigid Monday night, we came together for Mass — students, staff, members of the South Bend community,” Soros said. “In 19-degree weather, we huddled around this chapel made of ice. In this moment, we discovered that we had built something more than just a structure. Together we had built a community.”

Soros encouraged graduates to carry that sense of connection and compassion into the future.

“We stand before a world that has grown cold, and though the people we encounter may know nothing about Notre Dame, we can leave its mark behind on their hearts with the warmth we have cultivated here,” he said.

That message was echoed by commencement speaker Sister Raffaella Petrini, president of the Pontifical Commission and Governorate of Vatican City State.

“I pray that you will march on and contribute to the common good, that you will move forward strong of heart and remain true to your faith with kindness and courage,” Petrini said.

With their tassels turned, the Notre Dame University Class of 2026 is moving on to spread the kindness and understanding they shared as classmates -- into the rest of the world.