Bestselling “Wicked” Author Gregory Maguire to Deliver Simmons University Commencement Address

Simmons University has announced that bestselling author Gregory Maguire '78MA, Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and Dr. Anthony Estreet, CEO of the National Association of Social Workers, will receive honorary degrees and speak at its 121^st Commencement ceremonies.

The ceremonies will be held on May 15 at MGM Music Hall at Fenway. These distinguished honorees reflect Simmons University’s enduring commitment to preparing leaders who make meaningful contributions in their professions and communities.

Bestselling author Gregory Maguire ‘78MA will serve as the morning Commencement speaker and Dr. Anthony Estreet as the afternoon Commencement speaker. In addition, Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll will offer special morning remarks recognizing the vital connection between education, economic opportunity and the important role graduates will play in shaping the future of the Commonwealth and beyond.

“Simmons University was founded on the belief that education can be a powerful force for advancing social and economic equity,” said University President Lynn Perry Wooten. “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.”

An internationally acclaimed author, Maguire has written extensively across genres, including novels for adults and children, as well as short stories, picture books, essays and reviews. His groundbreaking novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (1995), has captivated millions of readers worldwide, with combined sales exceeding ten million copies, and has inspired the globally celebrated Broadway musical and major motion picture adaptations. Maguire’s most recent novel, Elphie: A Wicked Childhood (2026), offers a new perspective on one of his most iconic characters, with a companion volume forthcoming. He is a graduate of Simmons’ Master of Arts in Children’s Literature, and later served as a professor and associate director of the Center for the Study of Children’s Literature. Maguire will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Arts degree.

Driscoll 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, she has helped advance key priorities including economic development, affordable housing, public education and support for communities across the state. Driscoll will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

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. A former professor and chair of the Master of Social Work program at Morgan State University, he has published more than 40 peer-reviewed articles and co-edited a breakthrough volume on African-centered clinical interventions in mental health practice. He is also the founding President of the National Association of Black Social Workers’ Baltimore Legacy Chapter. Estreet will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.