Order of Ceremony
![Cover of Commencement Program 2021](http://www.saintmarys.edu/files/2021/05/2021CommencementCover.png)
The program for the 174th Commencement ceremony is available in a scrollable format below. A pdf version is available to download by clicking here.
Academic Procession
National Anthem
Invocation
Gretchen Flicker ’93
Chair, Board of Trustees
Welcome
Katie Conboy, Ph.D.
President
Saint Catherine Medal
Presented by
Katie Conboy, Ph.D.
President
Lumen Christi Award
Presented by
Margaret M. Gower, Ph.D.
Interim Vice President for Mission
Madeleva Award
Presented by
Colleen M. Hoover, Ph.D.
Associate Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies
Valedictories
Kelly Harris
Katie Jackson
Stefanie Winnicki
President’s Medal
Presented by
Katie Conboy, Ph.D.
President
Citations for Honorary Degrees
Presented by
Titilayo Ufomata, Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
To read more about today’s honorees, click here.
Commencement Address
Presented by
Nancy P. Nekvasil, Ph.D.
Former Interim President
To read more about Nancy Nekvasil, click here.
Citations for Graduate and Undergraduate Degrees in Course
Presented by
Titilayo Ufomata
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Presentation of Graduates
Tracy P. White
Senior Academic Advisor
Conferral of Degrees and Charge to the Class
Katie Conboy, Ph.D.
President
The Bells of Saint Mary’s
Recession
Class of 2021
The Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice
Jacquelyn D. Adams
Richland, OR
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Sue Anderson
Megan Bontrager
Shipshewana, IN
Adult Gerontology Acute Care
Director: Trish Keresztes
Jannet Carol Everson
Great Falls, MT
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Linda Paskiewicz
Oluwatoyin Alaba Fadeyi
Lewisville, NC
Adult Gerontology Acute Care
Director: Trish Keresztes
Luci Colleen Gouin
Minneapolis, MN
Adult Gerontology Acute Care
Director: Trish Keresztes
Noris Edith Larkin
South San Francisco, CA
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Linda Paskiewicz
Kelly Anne Leard
Fishers, IN
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Sue Anderson
Molly Elizabeth Matthews
Indianapolis, IN
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Sue Anderson
Dorcas Muiru
Mishawaka, IN
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Linda Paskiewicz
Cassandra Marie Raymond
Chicago, IL
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Sue Anderson
Kaitlyn Elizabeth Williams
Concord, NC
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Sue Anderson
Megan Lorraine Wright
Cumberland, MD
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Linda Paskiewicz
The Degree of Master of Autism Studies
Emily Bednar
Shelby Township, MI
Autism Studies
Austin Brooks
Hudsonville, MI
Autism Studies
Alyssa Ann Marie Gutierrez
South Bend, IN
Autism Studies
Madyson Reed Moyer
Munster, IN
Autism Studies
The Degree of Master of Science
Alicia Marie Arnold
Washington, MI
Speech Language Pathology
Sarah Joy Banasiak
Dyer, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Kasey Lynn Bounds
Mishawaka, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Rachael Nicole Brots
Loudon, TN
Speech Language Pathology
Hannah Elizabeth Choutka
Timnath, CO
Speech Language Pathology
Miranda Cofer
Crown Point, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Chelsea Faith Copley
Bidwell, OH
Speech Language Pathology
Delilah Coronado
Wyoming, MI
Speech Language Pathology
Katherine Brogan DePorter
Valparaiso, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Isabelle Ann Dombrowski
Random Lake, WI
Speech Language Pathology
Sabrina Anne Hollis
Fort Wayne, IN
Data Science
Elizabeth Paige Howard
Knox, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Iyana Dorothy Hughes
Manteca, CA
Speech Language Pathology
Kelly Ann Inman
Indianapolis, IN
Data Science
Alyssa Nicole Kamide
Macedon, NY
Speech Language Pathology
Alexa Karbin
Arlington Heights, IL
Speech Language Pathology
Kerry Mae Kenley
Mesa, AZ
Speech Language Pathology
Lauren Kusbel
Valparaiso, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Jodie Lynn LaFollette
Warsaw, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Sara Kaytlin Metcalf
Russiaville, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Abigail Peppin
Schererville, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Jessica Lynne Purvis
Shorewood, IL
Speech Language Pathology
Sabryna Marie Roman
Norridge, IL
Speech Language Pathology
Alexandra Jo Smock
Brownsburg, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Kaitlyn Mary Soderstrom
Darien, IL
Speech Language Pathology
Kathryn Paige Stallion
Minooka, IL
Speech Language Pathology
Sydney Nicole Susaraba
Warsaw, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Audrey Anna Szabo
Elkhart, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Mackenzie Lee Tussey
Fayetteville, OH
Speech Language Pathology
Isabel Wood
New Palestine, IN
Speech Language Pathology
The Degree of Bachelor of Arts
Kylee Kageha Abwavo
Grand Rapids, MI
Speech Language Pathology
Raigan Alyse Althouse
Noblesville, IN
Art
Alexis Marie Andrie
San Pedro, CA
Political Science
Cum Laude
Danielle Mariah Armenta
San Diego, CA
Psychology
Emma Valeria Ault
Valparaiso, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Magna Cum Laude
Marissa Danielle Baldonado
Phoenix, AZ
Gender and Women's Studies
Megan Elizabeth Lauren Baumann
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Speech Language Pathology
LeeAnn Kaylen Beaty
Westfield, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Magna Cum Laude
Brittany Blagburn
Fishers, IN
English Literature/Humanistic Studies
Summa Cum Laude
Theresa Hoa Grace Bridge
Indianapolis, IN
Sociology
Madison Rae Brooks
Cassopolis, MI
Physics
Hannah R. Bueno
South Bend, IN
Environmental Studies
Jill Ann Buettner
Belleville, IL
Elementary Education
Magna Cum Laude
Eleanor Frost Burling
Alexandria, VA
Political Science
Gwendolyn Sipos Butler
South Bend, IN
Philosophy
Magna Cum Laude
Sarah Catherine Caldwell
Bay Minette, AL
Communication Studies/Humanistic Studies
Alexandra Adriana Elisa Calleros
Notre Dame, IN
Creative Writing
Emma Rose Cassidy
Pittsburgh, PA
Elementary Education
Vanessa Cervera
South Bend, IN
Psychology/Sociology
Cum Laude
Gracie Clucas
Galva, IL
Political Science/History
Magna Cum Laude
Tia Lauren Cross
Richmond, CA
Creative Writing
Bea Carmelle Durban Cuasay
Gurnee, IL
Philosophy
Molly Elizabeth Cutter
Dowagiac, MI
Communication Studies
Magna Cum Laude
Emma Nicole Daggy
Osceola, IN
Art
Magna Cum Laude
Isabella D'Aquila
Saint Paul, MN
Humanistic Studies/Communication Studies
Magna Cum Laude
Tyler A. Davis
Chicago, IL
Art
Elizabeth Lauren Day
Peoria, IL
Communication Studies/History
Magna Cum Laude
Eden Descoteaux
Rochester, IN
English Literature and Creative Writing/Gender and Women's Studies
Cum Laude
Bridget Donnelly
Winchester, CA
Music
Deirdre Lee Drinkall
Lake Mary, FL
Philosophy/Economics
Magna Cum Laude
Ellen Elizabeth Duda
New Lenox, IL
Speech Language Pathology/Spanish
Cum Laude
Fiona Anne Eggen
Chesterton, IN
Global Studies/History
Cum Laude
Alyssa Christine Esposito
Chicago, IL
Elementary Education
Amy Colleen Fatora
Countryside, IL
Statistical and Actuarial Mathematics
Magna Cum Laude
Alexandra Nicole Fegan
Orland Park, IL
Speech Language Pathology
Magna Cum Laude
Maeve Kathleen Filbin
La Grange Park, IL
Political Science/Economics
Magna Cum Laude
Colleen Rose Fischer
Milwaukee, WI
Political Science/History
Cum Laude
Hannah Elise Fisher
Mishawaka, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Sarah Marguerite Fletcher
Indianapolis, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Julia Angeline Fonder
Middleton, WI
Creative Writing
Meghan Dolan Fors
Jackson, MI
Psychology/Communication Studies
Elizabeth Anne Forton
Petoskey, MI
Psychology
Gwendolyn Elizabeth Fourman
South Bend, IN
Psychology
Cum Laude
Ivol Rose Frasier
Quincy, MI
Psychology/Gender and Women's Studies
Summa Cum Laude
Moira K. Fulton
Roxbury, NJ
Communication Studies
Magna Cum Laude
Maria Elisa Gallegos
Lafayette, IN
Psychology/Sociology
Alejandra G. Gamboa Valenzuela
Mishawaka, IN
Psychology/Sociology
Gabriella Garcia
Taos, NM
Sociology
Ashley Garren
Mishawaka, IN
Creative Writing/Communication Studies
Magna Cum Laude
Carina Garza
Detroit, MI
History/Humanistic Studies
Zoe Gatzimos
Osceola, IN
Psychology
Magna Cum Laude
Erin Grimes
Chesterton, IN
Sociology/Humanistic Studies
Summa Cum Laude
Grace Eileen Grueninger
Mequon, WI
History/Communication Studies
Cum Laude
Susana Maria Guerrero
Sanford, FL
Sociology/Spanish
Summa Cum Laude
Nicole Hartsburg
La Porte, IN
Sociology/Psychology
Katherine Quinn Haseley
Mount Prospect, IL
Speech Language Pathology
Magna Cum Laude
Alexis Nicole Hernandez
Granger, IN
Political Science
Ashley Hernandez
West Covina, CA
Psychology
Jordyn Jacqueline Hertzing
Waite Hill Village, OH
Psychology
Sydney Hnat
Pittsburgh, PA
Computing and Applied Mathematics
Katherine Elizabeth Hollman
Fort Wayne, IN
Art
Magna Cum Laude
Katie Elizabeth Jackson
Tucson, AZ
Speech Language Pathology
Summa Cum Laude
Co-Valedictorian
Sara Katherine Jackson
Akron, OH
Global Studies
Carin Elizabeth Kaminski
Valparaiso, IN
Elementary Education
Cum Laude
Madison Jewel Kaple
Shelby, OH
Psychology
Healy Keenan
Drummonds, TN
History
Grace Marie Kelly
Wichita, KS
Psychology
Bridget Lillian Kenney
Livonia, MI
History
Mackenzie Morgan Kersten
Bettendorf, IA
Speech Language Pathology
Lillyanne Daisy King
LaCrosse, IN
Environmental Studies
Brianna Shiru Kinyanjui
Culver, IN
Music
Kaitlyn Ann Kittinger
Albion, MI
Political Science/History
Sophie Koeppl
Edina, MN
History
Magna Cum Laude
Kelsey Kroning
New Lenox, IL
Speech Language Pathology
Cum Laude
Mary Margaret O'Connor Kunz
Carmel, IN
Spanish
Cum Laude
Danielle Lamb
Dowagiac, MI
Theatre/History
Cum Laude
Abigail R. LaPlace
South Bend, IN
Music
Ashanti Latifah Leach
Chicago, IL
Communication Studies/Humanistic Studies
Alexandria Marie Leonardo
Frankfort, IL
Speech Language Pathology
Maria Katerina Leontaras
Crown Point, IN
*SDM - Interactive Journalism
Magna Cum Laude
Ana Marie Liu
Algonquin, IL
Psychology
Daisy Marie Loza
Lake Station, IN
Psychology
Grace Angela Maher
South Bend, IN
Gender and Women's Studies/Humanistic Studies
Magna Cum Laude
Mia Marroquin
Holland, MI
Communication Studies
Cum Laude
Karly Ann Marth
Mokena, IL
Elementary Education
Magna Cum Laude
Elizabeth Martinez
Goshen, IN
Sociology
Mackenzie Colleen Mas
West Bend, WI
Religious Studies/History
Summa Cum Laude
Rebecca Caroline Mason
Monroe, MI
Psychology/Spanish
Cum Laude
Kelsey Patricia Matyi
Avon, OH
Elementary Education
Reyna Elizabeth McComish
Elkhart, IN
Psychology/Communication Studies
Emma Cate McGahan
Atlanta, GA
Psychology
Julianna M. McKenna
Morristown, NJ
Creative Writing/Psychology
Summa Cum Laude
Caitlyn Elizabeth McKevitt
Orland Park, IL
Speech Language Pathology
Cum Laude
Meghan Marie McNamara
Harrison Township, MI
Speech Language Pathology/Psychology
Cassidy Jean Miller
Bloomington, IL
Psychology
Greta Catherine Minnema
East Grand Rapids, MI
English Literature and Creative Writing
Francesca Juliana Monsisvais
New Braunfels, TX
Art/Communication Studies
Anne Elizabeth Mundy
Mooresville, NC
Sociology
MaryCatherine Elizabeth Muzzy
Trabuco Canyon, CA
Elementary Education
Cum Laude
Grace Louise Nolan
Noblesville, IN
Communication Studies/Political Science
Magna Cum Laude
Mary Grace Noteman
Glenview, IL
Elementary Education
Regina Novy
Garrett, IN
Statistical and Actuarial Mathematics
Kelsey Grace O'Connor
New Lenox, IL
Communication Studies
Shayla O'Connor
Charlotte, NC
English Literature and Creative Writing
Magna Cum Laude
Carly Elizabeth O'Loughlin
Dayton, OH
Neuroscience
Magna Cum Laude
Riley Ann O'Mearns
Lakeland, TN
Creative Writing
Megan Frances Orzolek
Burnsville, MN
Music
Magna Cum Laude
Giavanna Carmella Paradiso
Columbus, OH
Sociology/Political Science
Summa Cum Laude
Lindsey Michelle Pelletier
Mishawaka, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Summa Cum Laude
Rachel Victoria Perez
Oswego, IL
Psychology
Kayleen Pinkham
Walkerton, IN
Creative Writing
Elizabeth Polstra
Plymouth, IN
History
Jessica Lynn Potter
Chicago, IL
Speech Language Pathology
Cum Laude
Miranda Teresa Proto
Old Tappan, NJ
Communication Studies
Cum Laude
Natalie Elaine Ramirez
Chicago, IL
Global Studies
Maria Reyes
Chicago, IL
Psychology/Spanish
Katherine Richerson
Atlanta, GA
Psychology
Zoe Kathryn-Miller Ricker
South Bend, IN
Art
Frida Paola Rodriguez
Chicago, IL
Speech Language Pathology/Psychology
Katelynn Cecilia Rogers
Crown Point, IN
Psychology/Political Science
Jaqueline Lizbeth Rojas
El Paso, TX
Religious Studies
Cum Laude
Jane Marie Rudloff
Washington, MO
Art
Monica Theresa Rzepka
Walled Lake, MI
Global Studies/Spanish
Magna Cum Laude
Anna E. Sartori
Royal Oak, MI
Elementary Education
Cum Laude
Alison May Schibi
Hays, KS
Psychology
Summa Cum Laude
Sara Jane Schlecht
Ninnekah, OK
History/Creative Writing
Magna Cum Laude
Emily Anne Scott
Gurnee, IL
Elementary Education
Cum Laude
Corrinne Nickole Shaw
Three Rivers, MI
Elementary Education
Cum Laude
Margaret Rose Shereck
Riverside, IL
History/Secondary Education
Magna Cum Laude
Jordan Lynn Smallwood
Fort Wayne, IN
Political Science/Psychology
Brianna Louise Smith
Sussex, NJ
Speech Language Pathology
Caroline Aislinn Smith
Boca Raton, FL
Communication Studies
Kacie Marie Snyder
South Bend, IN
Psychology
Joan Kathleen Stephens
Indianapolis, IN
Elementary Education
Molly Catherine Stickell
Olney, MD
Speech Language Pathology
Cum Laude
Sydney Marie Swartz
South Bend, IN
Psychology/Sociology
Cum Laude
Brittney Kay Tarkanyi
Lake Orion, MI
Political Science/History
Cum Laude
Hannah Norma Thomas
South Bend, IN
Communication Studies
Summa Cum Laude
Annastacia Thompson
Middletown, CT
Political Science/Gender and Women's Studies
Olivia A. Thorson
Edina, MN
Speech Language Pathology
Mary Isabela Tibbits
Napa, CA
Environmental Studies
Magna Cum Laude
Victoria Marie Tippmann
Fort Wayne, IN
Psychology
Magna Cum Laude
Isabella Velazquez
Chicago, IL
Psychology
Brynne Elise Volpe
Louisville, KY
Humanistic Studies/English Literature
Magna Cum Laude
Johannah Delphine Ward
Cincinnati, OH
Creative Writing/Humanistic Studies
Emily Wasoski
South Bend, IN
Creative Writing
Tori Elizabeth Weston
Houston, TX
Political Science
Cum Laude
Kathleen Maura Williams
Traverse City, MI
Religious Studies/Political Science
Stefanie Marie Winnicki
New Carlisle, IN
Global Studies
Summa Cum Laude
Co-Valedictorian
Xinrui Yu
Wuhan, Hubei, China
Psychology
Grace Margaret Zablocki
Naperville, IL
Gender and Women's Studies
Cum Laude
Alexis Nichole Zachary
South Bend, IN
Art
The Degree of Bachelor of Business Administration
Sara Jane Aubry
Toledo, OH
Accounting
Summa Cum Laude
Addie Magdalene Bobosky
Batavia, IL
Business Administration
Magna Cum Laude
Lizbeth Celis
Elkhart, IN
Accounting
Cum Laude
Rebecca Anne Cesario
Petoskey, MI
Business Administration
Lillian Antoinette Chamberlin
Harbor Springs, MI
Business Administration
Elle Christian
Duluth, MN
Business Administration
Rebecca Helen Corn
Lakewood, IL
Accounting
Claire Marie Doyle
Livonia, MI
Business Administration
Cum Laude
Allison Rose Driscoll
East Grand Rapids, MI
Business Administration/Economics
Summa Cum Laude
Hailey Nichole Figert
Mishawaka, IN
Business Administration
Madelaine Gelesko
Bridgman, MI
Business Administration/Statistical and Actuarial Mathematics
Magna Cum Laude
Alexandra Nicole Gumz
Portage, WI
Business Administration
Jessica Anne Hardig
South Bend, IN
Business Administration
Cum Laude
Kelly Elizabeth Harris
Bloomington, IL
Business Administration
Summa Cum Laude
Co-Valedictorian
Margaret Mary Hemmert
Dayton, OH
Business Administration/Economics
Summa Cum Laude
Olivia Hope Heppeler
Frankfort, IL
Business Administration
Madelyn Hopek
North Riverside, IL
Accounting
Cum Laude
Kennedy T.J. Hunt
South Bend, IN
Business Administration
Claire Elizabeth Kavanaugh
Portage, MI
Business Administration/Spanish
Magna Cum Laude
Laura Keating
Naperville, IL
Accounting
Magna Cum Laude
Hunter Caitlin Kehoe
Traverse City, MI
Business Administration
JoAnna L. Keilman
South Bend, IN
Business Administration
Gabriella Kimes
Valparaiso, IN
Accounting
Katherine Lee Krecek
LaGrange, IL
Accounting
Summa Cum Laude
Jazzlyn Kwapong
Norfolk, VA
Business Administration
Cum Laude
Meghan Elizabeth Lang
Phoenix, AZ
Business Administration
Magna Cum Laude
Claire Kathryn Linginfelter
Richmond, IN
Business Administration
Magna Cum Laude
Melainey Lowe
Cape Coral, FL
Business Administration
Audrina Nicole Massey
East Peoria, IL
Business Administration
Alexis Nicole Mattea
Joliet, IL
Business Administration
Natalie McKee
Naperville, IL
Business Administration
Devyn Miller
South Bend, IN
Business Administration
Magna Cum Laude
Mary E. Murphy
Hinsdale, IL
Business Administration
Cum Laude
Katherine Susan Nash
Kenilworth, IL
Accounting
Magna Cum Laude
Allison Marie Okeley
Crown Point, IN
Business Administration/Communication Studies
Cum Laude
Aurora Citlalli Picon
South Bend, IN
Business Administration
Natalie Kristine Platon
Lancaster, PA
Accounting
Lillian Rumley
Hartford, MI
Accounting
Summa Cum Laude
Emma Schramko
Hinsdale, IL
Business Administration
Elizabeth Lauren Schulte
Okeana, OH
Business Administration
Summa Cum Laude
Hannah Louise Skrypkun
Chicago, IL
Business Administration
Cum Laude
Summer Stillson
Nappanee, IN
Business Administration
Magna Cum Laude
Makayla Ann Sullivan
Saint John, IN
Accounting
Cum Laude
Molly Rose Walkowski
Palos Park, IL
Business Administration
Emily Renee' Wenglarz
San Pierre, IN
Business Administration
Anna Joy Wessel
Berkeley Heights, NJ
Business Administration
Cum Laude
Julia K. Wilson
Milford, MI
Business Administration/Economics
Magna Cum Laude
The Degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts
Emma Louise Panowicz
Granger, IN
Art
Cum Laude
The Degree of Bachelor of Music
Emily Claire Pantelleria
Fennville, MI
Music Education
The Degree of Bachelor of Science
Vianney Acosta
Chicago, IL
Statistical and Actuarial Mathematics
Sarah Elisabeth Austin
Riverside, IL
Biology
Valeria Badilla
Edwardsburg, MI
Biology
Emma Baldwin
Indianapolis, IN
Biology
Cum Laude
Nicole Alane Becker
Tupelo, MS
Mathematics
Cum Laude
Savannah Rose Bedford
Portland, OR
Mathematics
Kaelyn Bender
Albion, IN
Biology
Mary Elizabeth Blake
Plymouth, IN
Statistical and Actuarial Mathematics
Summa Cum Laude
Katelyn Mariann Boyer
Edwardsburg, MI
Biology
Alyssa Chong
San Diego, CA
Physics and Applied Mathematics
Riley Ann Clarey
Frankfort, IL
Physics
Catelyn Clark
Corvallis, OR
Biology
Cum Laude
Taylor Colgan
Arlington Heights, IL
Biology
Alexis Grace Crandall
Sackets Harbor, NY
Biology
Cum Laude
Erin Elizabeth Doyle
Niskayuna, NY
Mathematics
Cum Laude
Emily Emerson
Batavia, IL
Biology
Magna Cum Laude
Micaela Enright
Portage, IN
Biology
Cum Laude
Paige Patricia Finley
Cincinnati, OH
Physics
Joy Angelica Fullerton
Lake Orion, MI
Biology
Morgan Elizabeth Greene
Orland Park, IL
Mathematics
Megan Marie Grush
Grabill, IN
Biology
Magna Cum Laude
Alexandra Guevara Stevens
San Antonio, TX
Computing and Applied Mathematics
Sarah Catherine Harouse
Pittsburgh, PA
Biology
Natilyn Danielle Hasty
Brandon, MS
Biology
Magna Cum Laude
Olivia Ryanne-Alene Hershberger
South Bend, IN
Biology
Katherine Mary Elizabeth Hill
Fort Wayne, IN
Biology
Olivia Lorri Hoff
Tampa, FL
Biology
Aubrey Houser
North Liberty, IN
Physics/Spanish
Cum Laude
Tatum Lujan Johnson
Spring Lake, MI
Biology
Rhiannon Maria Jones
Indianapolis, IN
Biology
Magna Cum Laude
Claire Marie Kearns
Juno Beach, FL
Chemistry
Madalyn Anne King
South Bend, IN
Mathematics
Cecelia Klimek
South Bend, IN
Chemistry
Cum Laude
Chloe Jane Klosinski
Osceola, IN
Biology
Kerrie A. Koller
Bethlehem, PA
Physics
Summa Cum Laude
Grace Katherine Kulin
Shelby Township, MI
Physics and Applied Mathematics
Magna Cum Laude
Mary Margaret O'Connor Kunz
Carmel, IN
Biology
Cum Laude
Christina Lombardi
Coto de Caza, CA
Biology
Katelynn Rose Lyons
Oviedo, FL
Physics and Applied Mathematics
Cum Laude
Ana Elizabeth Martinez
Elkhart, IN
Chemistry
Magna Cum Laude
Shannon M. May
Catoosa, OK
Physics and Applied Mathematics
Mila Annais Zaderej Medich
South Bend, IN
Chemistry
Kaytlyn Michelle Metz
Niles, MI
Biology
Chido Dorothy Moyo
Traverse City, MI
Biology
Caroline Thomas Nist
Boise, ID
Physics
Kailey M. Novack
Aurora, IL
Chemistry
Emily Ann Oppman
Niles, MI
Biology
Summa Cum Laude
McKenna O'Shea
Clarklake, MI
Biology
Magna Cum Laude
Sarah Jessica Palmer
Larwill, IN
Physics
Dora Anne Riddick
Fayetteville, NC
Physics and Applied Mathematics
Cum Laude
Natasha Robinson
Chicago, IL
Chemistry
Magna Cum Laude
Jaqueline Lizbeth Rojas
El Paso, TX
Chemistry
Cum Laude
Marisabel M. Sanchez
Fort Wayne, IN
Biology/Spanish
Magna Cum Laude
Megan Saunders
Jackson, MI
Biology
Magna Cum Laude
Chloe Schmalz
Indianapolis, IN
Biology
Magna Cum Laude
Kailey Ann Schramm
South Bend, IN
Biology
Magna Cum Laude
Bridget Nicole Slandzicki
Franklin, TN
Biology/Psychology
Shaylee Kaye Smith
New Carlisle, IN
Biology
Summa Cum Laude
Samantha Tijerina
South Bend, IN
Biology
Angel True-McGinnis
Milwaukee, WI
Biology
Veronica Renae Vanoverbeke
Girard, OH
Biology
Summa Cum Laude
Marisa Jane Ventura
Spring Lake, NJ
Neuroscience
Emily Ann Wieczorek
New Carlisle, IN
Biology
Summa Cum Laude
The Degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Anna Marie Abel
Mokena, IL
Nursing
Taylor Barnard
Osceola, IN
Nursing
Cum Laude
Marybeth Barnes
Scottsdale, AZ
Nursing
Shannon Bhullar
La Porte, IN
Nursing
Magna Cum Laude
Karley Bounds
Mishawaka, IN
Nursing
Magna Cum Laude
Kaelyn Marie Brecevic
Colorado Springs, CO
Nursing
Magna Cum Laude
Cedella Rose Breitenstein
Columbus, OH
Nursing
Cum Laude
Emma Catherine Brownsberger
Saline, MI
Nursing
Maria Grace Bruno
Saint Paul, MN
Nursing
Cum Laude
Morgan Marie Burnett
Rolling Prairie, IN
Nursing
Hannah Marie Chenoweth
Hobe Sound, FL
Nursing
Karis Nicole Cochrane
Elkhart, IN
Nursing
Pamela Elizabeth Condly
Notre Dame, IN
Nursing
Cum Laude
Megan Marie Davy
Morris, IL
Nursing
Mary Kaitlin Connelly Devine
Lisle, IL
Nursing
Katelyn June Edwards
Brownsburg, IN
Nursing
Kayla Renee Ericksen
Crown Point, IN
Nursing
Elise Nicole Gerken
Western Springs, IL
Nursing
Jordan Marie Gilchrist
Ellwood City, PA
Nursing
Delaney Rose Goggins
Flushing, MI
Nursing
Angela Hagen
Saint Paul, MN
Nursing
Clare Marie Harding
Granger, IN
Nursing
Cum Laude
Kylee Brigid Hillmann
Kalamazoo, MI
Nursing
Madelynne Nicole Keller
Three Oaks, MI
Nursing
Kirstin Marie Kinniry
Fort Wayne, IN
Nursing
Lauren Brianne Kinniry
Fort Wayne, IN
Nursing
Emily Patricia Kraker
Westerville, OH
Nursing
Magna Cum Laude
Colleen Mary Lynch
Livonia, MI
Nursing
Magna Cum Laude
Maria Theresa Marcopoli
Macomb Township, MI
Nursing
Cum Laude
Kennedy Grace Minko
Valparaiso, IN
Nursing
Alex Marin Nemer
Fenton, MI
Nursing
Bridget Ann Puetz
Traverse City, MI
Nursing
Magna Cum Laude
Megan Marie Riba
South Bend, IN
Nursing
Taylor Diane Roach
Nashville, TN
Nursing
Haley Christine Roecker
Monroe, MI
Nursing
Gianna Nicole Rumoro
North Riverside, IL
Nursing
Patricia Lorraine Scheltens
Clarendon Hills, IL
Nursing
Holland Rose Sebastian
New Lenox, IL
Nursing
Meredith Anne Solari
Mount Prospect, IL
Nursing
Elizabeth K. Speybroeck
South Bend, IN
Nursing
Magna Cum Laude
Jenna Bartley Stengle
Toledo, OH
Nursing
Cum Laude
Abigail Vandemark
Woodstock, GA
Nursing
Morgan VanderWey
Tinley Park, IL
Nursing
Summa Cum Laude
Allison Nicole VanTornhout
South Bend, IN
Nursing
Lexis Mackensi White
South Bend, IN
Nursing
Megan Elizabeth Will
Aurora, IL
Nursing
Magna Cum Laude
Grace Margaret Zablocki
Naperville, IL
Nursing
Cum Laude
The Degree of Bachelor of Social Work
Katerina Gonzales Esguerra
Zion, IL
Social Work/Psychology
Kaitlyn Heiss
Grand Rapids, MI
Social Work/Sociology
Summa Cum Laude
Rebecca Elizabeth Klaybor
South Bend, IN
Social Work
Cum Laude
Jane Frances Korson
Fort Wayne, IN
Social Work
Cailey Rose Muldoon
La Grange, IL
Social Work/Psychology
Rita May Sushmitha Pillai
South Bend, IN
Social Work
Mia Williams
Elmwood Park, IL
Social Work
Cum Laude
Lauren Ellen Wood
Naperville, IL
Social Work
Faith Simmone' Young
South Bend, IN
Social Work
*SDM- Student-Designed Major
Honors
Department Awards
Art
Saint Luke’s Medal – Alexis Zachary
Sister Edna Service Award – KatieBeth Hollman and Emma Panowicz
Biology
Mother M. Rose Elizabeth, CSC Award – Veronica Vanoverbeke
Sister M. Rosaleen Dunleavy, CSC Award – McKenna O’Shea and Megan Saunders
George and Juanda Bick Nature Award – Shaylee Smith
Business Administration and Economics
Frank A. Yeandel Service Award – Sara Aubry
Jerome L. McElroy Outstanding Achievement Award – Kelly Harris
Academic Achievement Award – Kelly Harris
Achievement Award (Accounting) – Lillian Rumley
Achievement Award (Economics) – Julia Wilson
Achievement Award (Finance) – Kelly Harris
Achievement Award (Management) – Addie Bobosky
Academic Achievement Award (Marketing) – Allison Driscoll
Ernst & Young Award – Katherine Krecek
Deloitte Award – Sara Aubry
Crowe Horwath Award– Lillian Rumley
PricewaterhouseCoopers Award – Madelyn Hopek
Chemistry and Physics
Mother M. Rose Elizabeth, CSC Award – Natasha Robinson
American Institute of Chemists Award – Ana Martinez
Richard Tarara Academic Excellence in Physics Award – Kerrie Koller
The F. Lee Benton Exceptional Service and Research in Physics Award – Aubrey Houser
Communication Studies, Dance, and Theatre
Ann Plamondon Award for Excellence in Communication Studies – Hannah Thomas
Communication Studies Service Award – Elizabeth Day
Terpsichorean Award for Excellence in Dance – Elisabeth Lasecki (ND) and Emily Wenglarz
Education
Mary A. McDermott Award – Karly Marth
Mimi Doherty Junior Elementary Education Award – MaryKatherine Dempsey
IACTE Outstanding Future Educators Award – Andrew Liftka (ND), Mary Muzzy, and Anna Sartori
Schmuhl Early Education Award – Alicia Ready and Brianna Smith
Grace Sullivan McGuire Award – Emma Daggy and KatieBeth Hollman
English
Elisabeth A. Noel English Prize – Brittany Blagburn
Laurie A. Lesniewski Creative Writing Award – Alexandra Calleros and Riley O’Mearns
Environmental Studies
Environmental Studies Award – Isabela Tibbits
Gender and Women’s Studies
Mary Frances Eder Halpin Award in Gender and Women’s Studies – Amory Descoteaux and Grace Maher
Global Studies
Outstanding Achievement in Global Studies – Stefanie Winnicki
Outstanding Senior Comprehensive Award in Global Studies – Monica Rzepka
History
Martha Montgomery Schurz Memorial Award for Excellence in History – Elizabeth Day and Mackenzie Mas
Martha Montgomery Schurz Memorial Award for Excellence in the Senior Seminar Research Paper – Sophie Koeppl
Martha Montgomery Schurz Memorial Award for Excellence in Writing in the Women’s History Program – Grace Grueninger and Sara Schlecht
Humanistic Studies
Thomas More Award – Erin Grimes and Grace Maher
Mathematics
Milko Jeglic Award – Mary Blake
Elizabeth Lin Lo Award – Sarah Bub and Emily Tobias
Donald E. Miller Award – Nicole Becker
Modern Languages
Leonilda Francesca Acerra and Dominico Enrico Christofaro Award in Italian – Jaqueline Rojas
Anne Cashore Borjas Award in Spanish – Susana Guerrero, Mary Margaret Kunz, and Marisabel Sanchez
Spanish Service Award – Susana Guerrero and Marisabel Sanchez
Music
Emma Krost Eder Award for Musical Excellence – Megan Orzolek
Nursing Science
Evelyn McGuiness Award for Excellence in Nursing – Grace Zablocki
Humanitarian in Nursing Award – Kaelyn Brecevic
Political Science
Juliette Noone Lester Award – Maeve Filbin
Psychology
Animating Spirit Award – Ivol Frasier and Zoe Gatzimos
Joseph Miller Outstanding Scholarship Award – Julianna McKenna and Alison Schibi
Religious Studies
Helen Carroll Award – Mackenzie Mas
David J. Murphy Carmelite Award – Molly Soper
Social Work and Gerontology
Academic Excellence Award – Kaitlyn Heiss
Leadership Award – Rebecca Klaybor and Cailey Muldoon
Josephine Murphy Kuhl Research Award – Katerina Esguerra, Kaitlyn Heiss, Lauren Wood, and Faith Young
Kristi A. Morris Award – Faith Young
Sociology
Donald N. M. Horning Award – Susana Guerrero
Speech Language Pathology
Ancora Imparo Award – Lindsey Pelletier
Carolyn S. Langley Award (Graduate Program) – Sydney Susaraba
College Awards
Mary Ellen Smith Academic and Athletic Achievement Award
Morgan VanderWey
Saint Mary’s College Alumnae Association
2021 Outstanding Senior Award
Addie Bobosky
Sigma Xi Excellence in Undergraduate Research Award
Biology – Veronica Vanoverbeke
Chemistry – Ana Martinez
Mathematics – Erin Doyle
Physics – Kerrie Koller
Maryjeanne R. Burke and Daughters Pre-tenure Faculty SISTAR (Student Independent Study and Research) Awards
Libbey Detcher '23 and Assistant Professor Susan Mancino
Transgenerational Impacts of Children's Media: The Fred Rogers Company
Kappa Gamma Pi
National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society
Emma Baldwin
Nicole Becker
Mary Blake
Maria Bruno
Lizbeth Celis
Deirdre Drinkall
Alexandra Fegan
Susana Guerrero
Kelly Harris
Katherine Haseley
Margaret Hemmert
Katie Jackson
Rhiannon Jones
Claire Kavanaugh
Sophie Koeppl
Katherine Krecek
Meghan Lang
Colleen Lynch
Shayla O’Connor
Emma Panowicz
Giavanna Paradiso
Lindsey Pelletier
Jaqueline Rojas
Alison Schibi
Jenna Stengle
Morgan VanderWey
Tori Weston
Formal Academic Regalia
The formal academic regalia worn by today’s graduates and faculty have their origin in the clerical costumes of medieval Europe and have evolved into a great variety of patterns and styles. Late in the last century, American colleges and universities agreed to standardize their regalia; however, there is now a movement to return to individual designs for each institution.
The gown worn by those holding or receiving the bachelor’s degree is plain black with pointed sleeves. The master’s gown is characterized by a uniquely long, closed sleeve with a slit at the elbow, through which the arm protruded; this peculiarity is now being replaced by a sleeve more like that of a bachelor’s. The doctoral gown has very full bell sleeves and is trimmed with velvet in panels down the front and stripes across the sleeves.
The familiar mortarboard cap bears only a faint resemblance to its close relative, the clerical biretta. Some institutions now specify that a soft cap somewhat like a tam o’shanter is worn. The cap worn by those with a bachelor’s degree is decorated with a black tassel or a color indicative of the area of study. Those earning a master’s degree wear black tassels. Those earning a doctorate wear either black or metallic gold.
Most symbolic and informative of the regalia is the hood, which is no longer raised over the head but is hung down the back just as a cleric wore it when baring the head in church. The bachelor’s hood is three feet long, the master’s is three-and-one-half feet, and the doctoral’s is four feet long with a rectangular panel which once served as a shoulder cape when the hood was raised. All of the hoods have a velvet border in the color of the degree according to the same system used for the trim of the doctoral gown (see below).
Degree colors (tassels and hood trim)
*Arts and Humanities White
*Science Yellow
*Fine Arts Brown
*Music Pink
*Business Drab Light Brown
*Social Work Citron
*Nursing Apricot
Philosophy Dark Blue
Education Light Blue
Theology Scarlet
Library Science Lemon
Engineering Orange
Law Purple
*Saint Mary’s College degrees
Other colors may be found on faculty hoods, although most hold a PhD or doctorate of philosophy, so their hoods will have dark blue trim.
The colors and patterns of the satin lining of the hood identify the college or university conferring the degree; most prominent in the procession today is the light blue background and white chevron of Saint Mary’s College.
Richard C. Pilger Jr.
Marshal Emeritus
Sister Madeleva Walking Stick
The walking stick of Sister Madeleva Wolff, CSC serves as a reminder of College’s founders and sponsors, the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross. As one of the College’s longest serving presidents, Sister Madeleva guided Saint Mary’s to its status as the country’s premiere Catholic liberal arts college for women, and it is appropriate that an artifact from her life serves as a link to the College’s history.
Sister Madeleva associated walking sticks with the pilgrim’s staff used to traverse the Camino de Santiago in Spain. So this walking stick also serves as a symbol of both the path our students will tread as they leave the College as pilgrims in life and the support they will need on the way.
Each new President chooses which, of the many walking sticks that Sister Madeleva collected over her life, is to be used during that President’s tenure. The selected symbol leads the processions at academic ceremonies, much as a ceremonial mace does at other colleges. The one used in the procession today is a brightly colored cane attributed to southern Mexico. It contains images of a flying eagle with a snake in its mouth in the upper area near the shepherd’s crook shaped handle.
Board of Trustees
Gretchen A. Flicker ’93
Chair
Maureen Karnatz Smith ’85
Vice Chair
Angela M. McDonald-Fisher ’91
Secretary
Michael J. Mathile
Treasurer
Sister Alma Mary Anderson ’65, CSC
Thomas E. Black, Jr.
Mary L. Burke ’85*
Katie Conboy Ph.D.
Ann Kearns Davoren ’98
Deirdre L. Drinkall '21
Sister Veronica A. Fajardo, CSC
Sister Vanessa Cruz Ferreira, CSC
Donald R. Fischer
Sister Mary Louise Full ’65, CSC
Gregoire Gallant
Delia Garcia ’93
Sister Taposi Gomes, CSC
Sister Judith Hallock ’65, CSC
Mary McEnery Harding ’84
Father Stephen Katsouros, SJ
Reverend Paul V. Kollman, CSC
Susan Olney Latham ’91
Theresa Sullivan Norton ’92
Mary Ann Pajakowski ’69, CSC
Jennifer Mathile Prikkel ’95
Colleen Flynn Roohan ’85
Michael Schmitt
William J. Schmuhl, Jr.**
Renee R. Schultz ’92
Jill Tiefenthaler ’87
Monsignor Kenneth Velo
Sister Veronique Wiedower ’70, CSC
*Chair Emerita
**Trustee Emeritus
Officers of the College
Katie Conboy, PhD
President
Titilayo Ufomata, PhD
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dana Strait, PhD
Vice President for Strategy and Finance
Mona C. Bowe
Vice President for Enrollment Management
Margaret M. Gower, PhD
Interim Vice President for Mission
Gloria Roldan Jenkins
Interim Vice President for Student Affairs
Marty McCampbell, JD
General Counsel
Elizabeth Gray Koultourides
Interim Vice President for College Relations
Commencement Committee
Michelle P. Egan ’93
Chair
Christopher Dunlap
Marshal
James “Phil” Bambenek
Phillip Batalis
Richard Baxter
Dawn Bell
Donna Botka DeFrees
Ben Bowman
Kathleen Carlson
Nadia Ewing
Pat Gibson
Morgan Greene ’21
Lexi Grady Haitsma ’17
Sandy Harmacinski
Meg Hemmert ’21
Nicole Hundt
Susan Kletka
Mark Kubacki
Susan Olney Latham ’91
Ariel Leary
Dan Patterson
Lisa Peppers ’87
Adriana Petty ’01
Mark Polkinkowski
Art Wager
Tracy P. White
Regina Wilson
In Memoriam
Cheryl Stillson
Cheryl Stillson was a familiar face during Saint Mary’s Commencement weekend, providing sign language services for more than 25 years at both Baccalaureate Mass and the Commencement ceremony. She also taught American Sign Language as a part time faculty member in the Speech Language Pathology Department from 1992–2019. Cheryl was the ultimate professional and took great pride in her work. Students loved her passion and how she actively engaged them in class. Her kind and loving presence will be missed this weekend. Cheryl passed away on November 10, 2020.
The Belles of Saint Mary's
Mission Statement
Founded by the Sisters of the Holy Cross in 1844, Saint Mary’s College promotes a life of intellectual vigor, aesthetic appreciation, religious sensibility, and social responsibility. Saint Mary’s is a Catholic, residential, women’s, liberal arts college offering undergraduate degrees and co-educational graduate programs.
A pioneer in the education of women, the College fosters an inclusive, academic community where students discover and develop their talents as they prepare to make a difference in the world. All members of the College contribute to this mission in their response to the complex needs and challenges of contemporary life.
Statement of Philosophy and Purpose
As a center of higher education, Saint Mary’s fosters an academic climate of scholarship and learning for faculty and students alike. Through excellence in teaching and the example of its own active scholarship, the faculty challenge students to expand their horizons and support them in their intellectual pursuits. A broad-based course of study invites students to think critically and creatively about the natural world and human culture. Acknowledging the need to prepare women for an array of careers, the College provides a liberal arts foundation for all students. Through their years at Saint Mary’s, students acquire depth and breadth of knowledge, competence in quantitative skills and modern languages, the ability to think clearly about complex problems, and the capacity to communicate with precision and style.
As a Catholic college, Saint Mary’s cultivates a community of intellectual inquiry, liturgical prayer, and social action. The College creates an open forum in which students freely and critically study the rich heritage of the Catholic tradition, raising the questions necessary to develop a mature religious life. The celebration of liturgy encourages students to explore the fullness of life and its mysteries. The College nurtures awareness and compassion for a troubled world and challenges students to promote human dignity throughout their lives. In preparing women for roles of leadership and action, Saint Mary’s pays particular attention to the rights and responsibilities of women in the worlds of work, church, community, and family.
Dedicated to the personal and social growth of its students, Saint Mary’s cultivates a community of students, faculty, and staff, which responds to the needs of women. In order to offer the richest educational experience possible, the College strives to bring together women of different nations, cultures, and races. It provides a residential environment where women grow in their appreciation of the strengths and needs of others. Through a host of co-curricular programs on campus and in the local community, Saint Mary’s initiates students in the habits of civic responsibility. Engaging in all aspects of the college experience, students acquire the hallmarks of a liberally educated woman: keen self-knowledge, lively imagination, lifelong intellectual and cultural interests, and the ability to make socially responsible choices about the future.
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I will be heading to the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the fall to work in the Plasma Physics lab and will be starting graduate school there the following fall. Aubrey Houser ’21 Physics and Spanish
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After receiving my degree, I will be working as an SLP at Knox schools. My husband and I are also expecting our first child in September. Elizabeth Paige Howard ’21 MS Speech Language Pathology
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My advice is to never stress any one moment; there will be 1 million more. Kennedy Hunt ’21 Business Administration
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As an alumna, returning to SMC for my graduate degree felt like coming home. I've learned that I'm capable–even later in life–of so much more than I ever imagined. Our faculty and staff are second-to-none and do a tremendous job of helping students grow, learn and succeed. In addition to my studies, I had the opportunity to be part of "Hope Springs" on campus this semester, a beautiful and unforgettable experience. I felt so accepted by the cast and crew, and part of the campus community once again. Kelly Ann Inman ’21 MS Data Science
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Following Commencement, I will be attending Ithaca College (Ithaca, NY) to pursue a masters degree in speech language pathology. Katie Elizabeth Jackson ’21 Speech Language Pathology
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I can confidently say that I am the woman I am today because of the experiences I’ve had as an undergraduate and graduate student and Saint Mary’s. I truly feel that I have discovered myself and my place in this world, and am ready to conquer my career as a Speech Language Pathologist! Alyssa Kamide ’21 MS Speech Language Pathology
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Studying abroad is one of my favorite memories from my time at Saint Mary’s. I loved visiting new places, learning about different cultures, and trying some amazing food. Laura Keating ’21 Accounting
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Next up for me, I am going get my Master's degree in History at George Mason University! Healy Keenan ’21 History
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Saint Mary’s was the best place for me to grow as a student, friend, daughter, and athlete. For underclassman Belles, i advise you to take every moment in. Enjoy the good and the hard times, do not lose yourself along the way of your college journey. Remember when you leave, you will always have a home to come back to. The next four years will fly by, so use every chance you get to grow as a person and as a Belle. Hunter Caitlin Kehoe ’21 Business Administration
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The amazing people I have met is what I love most about Saint Mary's. From mentors to friends and teammates, I have met some incredible people who have impacted my time at this school and will continue to influence me after graduation. JoAnna Keilman ’21 Business Administration
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After graduation I will be working as an oncology nurse at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center. Madelynne Keller ’21 Nursing
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After Saint Mary's, I’ll be attending Wichita State University for my specialist in dducation degree in school psychology. In addition to graduate school, I will confine to work for the Wichita YMCA as a Latchkey Program Leader and have applied to work as a paraprofessional at a local elementary school. Grace Kelly ’21 Psychology