John Carroll University is proud to announce that Dr. Lisa Damour, renowned psychologist, best-selling author, and leading expert on adolescent and young adult development, will serve as the 2025 Undergraduate Commencement Speaker.
Through her dedication to understanding and supporting the mental health and well-being of young people, she serves as an ideal voice to inspire the graduating class as they embark on their next journey.
Dr. Damour’s connection to John Carroll University runs deep. After earning her doctorate in clinical psychology at Yale University and serving on the faculty at the University of Michigan, she moved to Cleveland in 2000 and became an adjunct faculty member at John Carroll. During her tenure, she taught both undergraduate psychology courses and graduate courses in the counseling department, forging meaningful relationships with students and faculty alike.
“I immediately fell in love with the school,” Dr. Damour recalls. “I was blown away by how fantastic the students are and by how well the university functions as a community. John Carroll stands out for its kindness, efficiency, and strong sense of support—something I hadn’t experienced at other institutions.”
As a widely respected voice in psychology, her work is often featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Atlantic. She is also the author of three New York Times best selling books that offer invaluable guidance to parents, educators, and adolescents navigating the complexities of growing up. Through her clinical work, writing, and public speaking, she continues to provide helpful insights into the psychological challenges and milestones of adolescence and young adulthood.
Dr. Damour’s influence reaches far beyond academia. A sought-after speaker, she has appeared on CBS News, NPR, and served as a key consultant for Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2.” She also co-hosts the popular podcast “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting,” offering expert advice to parents navigating real-life challenges. Her dedication to helping young people thrive has made a lasting impact on families and institutions worldwide.
Reflecting on her time at John Carroll, she notes the university’s exceptional approach to undergraduate education. “When I compare the experiences of psychology majors at John Carroll to those at larger institutions, I see a stark difference. At larger research universities, competition for research opportunities is fierce, and many students struggle to find faculty mentorship. At John Carroll, undergraduates work closely with faculty, participate in significant research, and even see their names on publications early in their academic careers. The quality of education and mentorship here is outstanding.”
As she prepares to address the Class of 2025, Dr. Damour will explore a topic that resonates with everyone—happiness. “I think a lot about what it means to be happy, and I’m especially interested in the psychological science behind well-being,” she shares. “I’m looking forward to sharing some of our findings because they’re not always what people expect.” Her insights will challenge common assumptions about happiness and offer graduates a deeper understanding of what it truly means to thrive.
Dr. Damour is a fitting choice for commencement speaker because her work closely aligns with John Carroll’s mission to develop leaders who serve and advocate for others. For decades, she has helped families navigate the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood, offering thoughtful, research-based insights that resonate across generations.
“Adolescence is an extraordinary time of growth and transformation,” she says. “The choices young people make, the support they receive, and the challenges they overcome shape their futures in profound ways. I am honored to celebrate this milestone with John Carroll’s graduates as they step into their next chapter.”
John Carroll University’s undergraduate commencement ceremony will take place on May 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. on the Hamlin Quad. The university looks forward to welcoming Dr. Damour back to campus and sharing her wisdom with the Class of 2025, their families, and the broader community.
Further Resources:
- Listen to Dr. Damour’s “Ask Lisa” podcast here.
- Watch her latest appearance on CBS News here.
- Read her work in The New York Times here.