Regis College has announced that Lilla Torontáli '24, G’26, a candidate for graduation from the Master of Arts in Digital Marketing Communication program, has been selected as the 2026 graduate commencement speaker.
Torontáli, who completed her graduate studies while living abroad in Denmark, was chosen through a competitive selection process led by a committee of graduate program directors, faculty, and deans. The committee evaluated submissions based on clarity of ideas, quality of content, relevance to the shared experiences of Regis students, and alignment with the mission and values of Regis College and the Sisters of St. Joseph.
“This honor feels like a full-circle moment for me (a homecoming of sorts),” said Torontáli. “When I moved to Denmark, I wasn’t sure when I would return to the United States, so being selected as commencement speaker is incredibly meaningful. It gives me the opportunity to close a chapter that has shaped me in ways I could have never imagined when I first stepped onto campus.”
Torontáli has been part of the Regis community for more than six years, earning both her undergraduate degree in Secondary Education and English (where she graduated as valedictorian) and her graduate degree. Her academic journey has been marked by distinction, including departmental honors and multiple awards recognizing excellence and leadership.
“Regis has been home to me for over 6 years now, and during that time, I’ve grown not only academically, but personally,” added Torontáli. “Like every graduate, my journey wasn’t without challenges, and I hope to use this moment to honor the resilience that each of us carries. This feels like the most meaningful way to celebrate that growth and bring my time at Regis to a close.”
Torontáli admitted that her selection came as a surprise.
“Since I completed my program from abroad, I assumed the committee might select someone who had been more physically present on campus,” she added. “That made the news even more special, as it was a reminder that impact and connection aren’t limited by location.”
In her address, Torontáli plans to focus on the power of belief and the role it plays in shaping student success.
“The central message I want to share is that belief (especially when it comes from others) can be life-changing,” she said. “No matter who you are or where you come from, there is always someone who believes in you, sometimes even before you believe in yourself.”
She added, “For many of us, that belief started at Regis. My hope is that we carry that forward, and that we become the people who believe in others, lift them up, and help them see their own potential. That ripple effect is one of the most powerful things we can take with us beyond graduation.”
In addition to her academic accomplishments, Torontáli has demonstrated leadership and innovation in both professional and entrepreneurial settings, including her work as a client success coach and founder of a digital marketing venture.
Regis will celebrate its 2026 Commencement Exercises in May, honoring undergraduate and graduate students who exemplify the institution’s mission of educating the whole person and serving the Dear Neighbor without distinction.