WATERVILLE — Thomas College is pleased to announce its 2026 Commencement honorary degree recipients: Kim Lindlof, longtime president and CEO of the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce; Bill Burke, a New York Times bestselling author and media and sports executive who was recently named Commencement speaker; and Conrad Ayotte, a longtime member of the College’s board of trustees and former board chair.
The 2026 honorary degree recipients have transformed their industries and the state of Maine through their contributions and their leadership. They are being honored for their care for the state of Maine, their success in their respective fields and their commitment to give back to their communities.
Lindof will receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters for her impactful leadership in regional economic and community development. A 1991 graduate of Thomas College, Lindlof has led the Chamber for 25 years, supporting more than 650 businesses and working across 24 municipalities to promote economic growth. She also serves as executive director of the Central Maine Growth Council and oversees the Central Maine Community Betterment Collaborative, advancing workforce development and regional planning initiatives. Deeply engaged in civic life, she serves on numerous boards and has received widespread recognition, including multiple statewide and local awards for leadership and community service. Lindlof resides in Fairfield with her husband.
Ayotte, a 1977 Thomas College graduate and longtime business leader, will receive his second honorary doctorate of humane letters for his extraordinary professional success and decades of service to the College and community. Raised in Sidney by a single mother who emphasized education and perseverance, Ayotte graduated at the top of his class from Thomas and became its first graduate to pass the CPA exam on his first attempt. After earning an MBA from Notre Dame and beginning his career with Price Waterhouse, he returned to Maine, where he built a distinguished career as an entrepreneur and financial leader, including ownership roles in Benton Plastics and J.S. McCarthy Printers. Beyond business, Ayotte has played key roles in strengthening numerous community organizations and institutions. Most notably, he served on the Thomas College Board for nearly four decades, including 34 years as chair, guiding the institution’s transformation and growth.
Burke, founder of The Optimism Institute and this year’s Commencement speaker, will receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters in recognition of his career in media, leadership and public engagement. After early success at Turner Broadcasting — where he helped launch Turner Classic Movies and later led TBS Superstation — he went on to serve as CEO of The Weather Channel. In 2022, following a fellowship at Harvard, he founded The Optimism Institute and the Blue Sky podcast to counter the negative effects of media on mental health and promote a more hopeful view of the future. Bestselling co-author of “Call Me Ted” and creator of the documentary “Live Another Day”, Burke has also been deeply engaged in Maine’s civic life, including leadership roles with MaineHealth and the Portland Sea Dogs. He holds degrees from Amherst College and Harvard University.
To read more about the honorary degree recipients, visit our website. Thomas College’s 132nd Commencement ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 16 at 1 p.m. in the Harold Alfond Athletic Center at Thomas College in Waterville.
