Robert R. Newlen ’75, Acting Librarian of Congress, and The Reverend Larry Johnson ’75, Roman Catholic priest, will serve as the College’s Commencement and Baccalaureate speakers for 2026, respectively.
Approximately 317 undergraduate students and 27 master’s students are expected to receive degrees at the Commencement exercises, which will take place on Saturday, May 2, at 10 a.m. on the Campus Mall. Newlen will deliver a speech entitled “It’s Your Story” to the new graduates.
For details on Commencement, including directions, a campus map and a link to a livestream of the event, visit the Commencement Information webpage.
The College’s Baccalaureate service will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 1, in Cole Hall. Johnson will deliver a speech entitled “Open the Window.”
About Robert R. Newlen ’75
Robert R. Newlen was appointed Principal Deputy Librarian of Congress effective March 29, 2025, and is currently serving as Acting Librarian of Congress.
In 1975, Newlen earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and French from Bridgewater College. He went on to earn master’s degrees in art history from American University and in library science from The Catholic University of America.
Newlen’s career at the Library of Congress has included leadership positions in the Congressional Research Service (CRS), the Law Library of Congress, and the Office of the Librarian. He first joined the Library of Congress in 1975 as a temporary clerk in the Inquiry Unit of CRS, where he would serve in a variety of roles over the next 35 years.
In 2010, Newlen was appointed Assistant Law Librarian for Collections, Outreach & Services. The following year, Newlen transferred to the Office of the Librarian to serve as the Library’s Chief of Staff and was subsequently appointed Deputy Librarian for Institutional Advancement. Following his initial retirement in 2017, he served as executive director and director of strategic initiatives for The Dwight D. Opperman Foundation in Phoenix. He returned to the Library from retirement to serve as interim Director of CRS in 2023.
The American Library Association (ALA) recognized Newlen with the 2021 Joseph W. Lippincott Award, as well as the 2016 Medal of Excellence, for his accomplishments. He played a key role in securing the largest single donation in ALA history—a $25 million bequest for scholarships for aspiring librarians. In June 2026, he will receive an honorary lifetime membership in ALA, the highest award given by the association to a living person whose outstanding contributions have made a lasting impact on librarianship, libraries and the communities they serve.
He also received Bridgewater’s 2016 Distinguished Alumnus Award, and he and his husband, John Bradford, supported the College through naming the College’s archives, now the Robert R. Newlen & John C. Bradford Special Collections.
About The Reverend Larry Johnson ’75
The Rev. Larry Johnson is a Roman Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Bridgewater College in 1975. He holds a baccalaureate degree in sacred theology and a master of divinity from St. Mary’s Seminary and University.
Early in his career Johnson served several parishes in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. He also served for 29 years as Director of Pastoral Care and Mission Advancement at Stella Maris, Inc., a 400-bed long term care, hospice, rehab and senior living facility in Timonium, Md.
In his years at Stella Maris, Johnson worked with countless patients, residents and families facing end-of-life issues. In both the hospice and long-term care settings, the issues of care and comfort continue to be a struggle for patients and family members. Johnson brings a wealth of pastoral experience to the discussion of these issues and is especially adept in grief counseling and trauma intervention.
In addition to his professional work, Johnson serves on the Bridgewater College Board of Trustees and previously served on the Board of Directors of The MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital of Maryland and Good Samaritan Housing Services. He also served as the Executive Director of the AIDS Interfaith Network of Central Maryland.
Now retired, Johnson provides support to parishes and funeral establishments in Baltimore County and the surrounding area.
Johnson maintains a keen interest in behavioral, emotional, physical and spiritual health and the intersection of mental and physical wellbeing. It is this interest that motivates his commitment to BC and his desire to support the wellness of the student body, faculty and staff.
Media Contact:
Heather Cole
Editor & Media Relations Director
hcole@bridgewater.edu
4/17/26
