Thank you for joining us for the Saint Mary's College 177th Commencement. Congratulations to all of our graduates and their families!
Welcome to the 177th Commencement at Saint Mary's College. Below is the program for today's ceremony. A pdf version is available to download by clicking here.
Academic Procession
National Anthem
Camryn Hurley ’24
Invocation
Maureen Karnatz Smith ’85
Chair, Board of Trustees
Welcome
Katie Conboy, Ph.D.
President
Lumen Christi Award
Julianne E. Wallace, D.Min.
Vice President for Mission
Madeleva Award
Colleen M. Hoover, Ph.D.
Associate Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies
Presentation of Valedictorian Medals
Barbara May, Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President
Margaret McNabb
Nadia Muniz
Valedictories
Conferral of Honorary Degrees
Barbara May
Commencement Address
Patti Phillips
Citations for Graduate and Undergraduate Degrees in Course
Barbara May
Presentation of Graduates
Tracy P. White
Director of Advising
Conferral of Degrees and Charge to the Class
Katie Conboy
The Bells of Saint Mary’s
Georgia Sigler ’24
Recession
Guests are asked to remain seated until the recession is complete.
Class of 2024
The Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice
Molly Ann Fagan
Chardon, OH
Adult Gerontology Acute Care
Director: Dr. Dani Edson DNP, AGACNP-BC, CCRN
Jessica Ann Greene
Jenison, MI
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Dr. Jennifer Bauer DNP, FNP-C
Jessica Pauline Hiler
South Bend, IN
Adult Gerontology Primary Care
Director: Dr. Jennifer Bauer DNP, FNP-C
Kayla Rose Hoeffel
Fort Wayne, IN
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Dr. Sue Anderson Ph.D., RN, FNP-BC
Madeline Johnson-Ellis
Wadsworth, IL
Adult Gerontology Acute Care
Director: Dr. Dani Edson DNP, AGACNP-BC, CCRN
Kelsey Anne Keilman
South Bend, IN
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Dr. Sue Anderson Ph.D., RN, FNP-BC
Katherine Elizabeth Liu
Chicago, IL
Adult Gerontology Acute Care
Director: Dr. Dani Edson DNP, AGACNP-BC, CCRN
Caitlin Elizabeth Sayers
Fishers, IN
Adult Gerontology Acute Care
Director: Dr. Dani Edson DNP, AGACNP-BC, CCRN
The Degree of Master of Autism Studies
Payton Field Gennett
Henderson, NV
Autism Studies
Megan Marie Johnson
Ames, IA
Autism Studies
Candace Marie Todd
Atlanta, GA
Autism Studies
The Degree of Master of Science
Anita Achea
Louisville, KY
Speech Language Pathology
Kendall Jane Carnes
Argos, IN
Data Science
Maxwell Harrison Cherioli
South Bend, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Anna Christine Elliott
Greenwood, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Rileigh K. Geelan
Canton, CT
Speech Language Pathology
Payton Field Gennett
Henderson, NV
Speech Language Pathology
Sydney Nicole Haislip
Munster, IN
Data Science
Emma Rebecca Harmon
Indianapolis, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Lindsey Allyse Herdsman
Rockford, MI
Speech Language Pathology
Summer F. Herzog
Jasper, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Megan Marie Johnson
Ames, IA
Speech Language Pathology
Ava Elizabeth Kennedy
Fort Wayne, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Ellen Christina Lebert
Orland Park, IL
Speech Language Pathology
Mary Olivia Lynskey
Chattanooga, TN
Speech Language Pathology
Grace Deanna Maher
Greenwood, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Olivia Bernadette Morrissey
Hinsdale, IL
Speech Language Pathology
Sydney Shea Mullin
Benito, Manitoba, Canada
Speech Language Pathology
Kelsey Marlaine Pettrone
La Grange, IL
Data Science
Sophia Alexandra Roman
Chicago, IL
Speech Language Pathology
Michael Edward Schrand
Dayton, OH
Data Science
Sophia Martine Schwartz
Fort Wayne, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Sarah Ann Teed
Naperville, IL
Speech Language Pathology
Candace Marie Todd
Atlanta, GA
Speech Language Pathology
Katherine Theresa Underly
South Bend, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Natalie Elizabeth Volling
Crystal Lake, IL
Data Science
The Degree of Master of Science in Nursing
Sierra Faith Broadstreet
South Bend, IN
Nursing
Madison E. Gonzales
South Bend, IN
Nursing
An Mi Luu
South Bend, IN
Nursing
Marissa Anne Okeley
Crown Point, IN
Nursing
Iona Marie Popa
San Francisco, CA
Nursing
Sarah Elizabeth Walters
South Bend, IN
Nursing
The Degree of Master of Social Work
Vanessa Mae Gunter
Fort Wayne, IN
Clinical Social Work Accelerated
Faith Simmone’ Young
Mishawaka, IN
Clinical Social Work Accelerated
The Degree of Bachelor of Arts
Lindsey Lucille Adent
Saint Joseph, MI
Elementary Education
Cum Laude
Lillian Althouse
Noblesville, IN
Psychology
Maeve Catherine Andrews
Daphne, AL
Psychology
Viviana Alejandra Antimo
Chicago, IL
Neuroscience
Katryn Babe
Oxford, MI
Speech Language Pathology
Magna Cum Laude
Emma Marguerite Bacon
Columbus, OH
Communication Studies
Paige Advlone Barrier
South Bend, IN
History/Humanistic Studies/Gender
and Women’s Studies
Magna Cum Laude
Claire Delaney Bartz
Niles, MI
Speech Language Pathology
Summa Cum Laude
Reese Bauer
Garden City, NY
Political Science/Economics
Magna Cum Laude
Abigail Rose Beck
Northridge, CA
Communication Studies
Megan Elizabeth Berry
Pleasant Prairie, WI
Psychology
Magna Cum Laude
Natalie Clare Biegel
Mundelein, IL
Sociology/Theatre
Elizabeth Morgan Bierbaum
Fort Wayne, IN
Psychology
Magna Cum Laude
Kaitlyn Leigh Bishop
La Porte, IN
Elementary Education
Cum Laude
Elizabeth Kae Bourassa
New Brighton, MN
Mathematics/Secondary Education
Cum Laude
Margot Boyer
Granger, IN
Elementary Education
Gretchen Jane Brauer
Arlington Heights, IL
Elementary Education
Ashley Nicole Brewster
Goshen, IN
Psychology
Summa Cum Laude
Yshel Brito Azcatl
Phoenix, AZ
Speech Language Pathology
Magna Cum Laude
Amelia Brookshire
South Bend, IN
Art
Molly Kathleen Brown
Crete, IL
Communication Studies
Summa Cum Laude
Hannah Lynn Bruckman
Pewaukee, WI
Communication Studies
Magna Cum Laude
Riley Dawn Burdge
Bryan, OH
Gender and Women’s Studies
Mary Castillo
Cape Coral, FL
ISDM: Health and Human Services
Anastasia Quinn Chambers
South Bend, IN
Computing and Applied Mathematics
Magna Cum Laude
Chloe Elizabeth Coddington
Wesley Chapel, FL
Political Science
Catherine Elizabeth Cushwa
Hudson, OH
Theatre
Gabriele Michele Dennis
Mishawaka, IN
ISDM: Health and Human Services
Carmen Terese DeStazio
Stevensville, MI
Environmental Studies/Political Science
Lauren Elizabeth DeVries
Grand Rapids, MI
Speech Language Pathology
Magna Cum Laude
Grace Kelley Enright
Palos Heights, IL
Statistical & Actuarial Mathematics
Cum Laude
Marie Claire Ferretti
Dallas, TX
Global Studies
Summa Cum Laude
Carmen Anneliese Feucht
Maitland, FL
Communication Studies/Political Science
Magna Cum Laude
Jennifer Flores
Indianapolis, IN
Communication Studies/Spanish
Magna Cum Laude
Erin Riley Fors
Jackson, MI
Communication Studies
Dakota Freel
Elkhart, IN
Environmental Studies
Abigail Joyce Fruk
Niles, MI
Religious Studies and Theology/Philosophy
Magna Cum Laude
Mary Kathleen Gareau
Manassas, VA
Psychology/Humanistic Studies
Magna Cum Laude
Anne Preston Goralczyk
South Bend, IN
Elementary Education
Summa Cum Laude
Anne Wallace Green
Saint Paul, MN
Psychology
Cum Laude
Haley Marie Greene
Saline, MI
Neuroscience
Cum Laude
Eliza Caroline Grimm
Pittsburgh, PA
History/Global Studies
Cum Laude
Anna Louise Gruber
South Bend, IN
Elementary Education
Cum Laude
Kimberly Guijosa-Torres
Goshen, IN
Psychology/Spanish
Magna Cum Laude
Meara Kathleen Haggerty
Chicago, IL
Speech Language Pathology
Summa Cum Laude
Sophia Ann Hall
South Bend, IN
Art
Kathleen Evelyn Hannon
Franklin, MA
Religious Studies and Theology
Summa Cum Laude
Hayley Anne Helt
Westerville, OH
Elementary Education
Cum Laude
Emerson Cate Henry
Danville, CA
Elementary Education
Cum Laude
Caroline Della Henzel
Plainfield, IL
Communication Studies
Luann Hernandez-Montano
Elkhart, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Magna Cum Laude
Isel Guadalupe Herrera
Ligonier, IN
Global Studies/Spanish
Magna Cum Laude
Alyssa Paige Himschoot
South Bend, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Summa Cum Laude
Isla Brooke Hofmann
Indianapolis, IN
Humanistic Studies/Theatre
Cum Laude
Katelyn Marie Hopper
Algonquin, IL
Sociology/Political Science
Cum Laude
Madison Hornak
Grand Haven, MI
Gender and Women’s Studies
Ariana Lynea Howe
Elkhart, IN
English Literature and Creative Writing/Religious Studies and Theology
Cum Laude
Kathleen Rose Hughes
Riverview, FL
Environmental Studies
Camryn Anne Paige Hurley
Tulsa, OK
Mathematics/Music
Magna Cum Laude
Isabelle Grace Jaworski
Rapid City, MI
Music
Kaylee Hannah Jensen
Lowell, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Hannah Louise Kaczor
Temperance, MI
Global Studies/Political Science
Magna Cum Laude
Andie Larissa Kizer
Plymouth, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Magna Cum Laude
Riley Erin Kostic
Warrington, PA
Communication Studies
Summa Cum Laude
Katherine Rose Kratschmer
Lake Ozark, MO
Communication Studies
Grace Elizabeth Kruse
Granger, IN
ISDM: Health and Human Services and Management
Meghan Lucia Lange
Chicago, IL
Communication Studies
Tsuki Levelle Larkins
Birmingham, AL
Speech Language Pathology
Grace Layman
Granger, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Summa Cum Laude
S. Leiter
New Carlisle, IN
Art
Jane Linehan
Bay Village, OH
Elementary Education
Cum Laude
Liliana Olivia Lomeli
Nappanee, IN
Economics
Magna Cum Laude
Kassidy Kay Nicolette Longenecker
South Bend, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Emily Christine Malak
Aurora, IL
Psychology/Sociology
Magna Cum Laude
Olivia Mann
Indianapolis, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Magna Cum Laude
Bridget E. Mark
Michigan City, IN
Environmental Studies
Brianna Markley
Broomall, PA
Art
Magna Cum Laude
Manila Marion Martin
Chicago, IL
Elementary Education
Cum Laude
Madison Capri Mata
San Antonio, TX
Political Science/Gender and
Women’s Studies
Madison Kay McCaherty
Grass Lake, MI
Psychology
Kali Kay McCoige
Mishawaka, IN
ISDM: Health and Human Services
Anna Clare McMahon
Mokena, IL
Sociology
Rachel Ella McMillen
South Bend, IN
Music
Cum Laude
Margaret Jessie McNabb
Chicago, IL
Religious Studies and Theology/Spanish
Summa Cum Laude
Co-Valedictorian
Catherine Sara Francesca Menge
Hammond, IN
Environmental Studies
Cum Laude
Nia Frankie Merriweather
Muskegon Heights, MI
Communication Studies
Kaitlyn Anne Meyer
Henderson, NV
Sociology
Magna Cum Laude
Mary Katherine Miller
Mishawaka, IN
Global Studies/Environmental Studies
Cum Laude
Olivia Marie Miller
Stevensville, MI
Speech Language Pathology
Magna Cum Laude
Whytnie B. Miller
Bourbon, IN
Political Science/Economics
Magna Cum Laude
Anna Rose Milz
Philadelphia, PA
English Literature/Theatre
Makayla Maria Minnaar
Nunica, MI
Psychology
Summa Cum Laude
Melanie Paola Montesinos
Waukegan, IL
Economics
Jayla Montgomery
Cleveland, OH
History
Zahraa Ali Mozan
Elkhart, IN
Communication Studies
Cum Laude
Diana Neri
Atlanta, GA
ISDM: Health and Human Services/Gender and Women’s Studies
Olivia Ann Nitchoff
Lemont, IL
Sociology
Jacqueline Grace O’Callaghan
Wheaton, IL
ISDM: Biomedical Science and Business Analytics
Emily Christine O’Donoghue
Barrington, IL
Political Science/Secondary Education
Magna Cum Laude
Olivia Anne Pandolfi
Joliet, IL
Speech Language Pathology
Mary Margaret Panzica
South Bend, IN
Theatre/Communication Studies
Cum Laude
Paige Haven Parker
Crete, IL
English Literature
Summa Cum Laude
Scarlet Estrella Peters
Scottsdale, AZ
Political Science/Spanish
Cum Laude
Meghan K. Ping
Mishawaka, IN
Gender and Women’s Studies/Philosophy
Magna Cum Laude
Nyah Faith Ja’Neice Porter
South Bend, IN
Sociology
Alexandra Prus
Jenison, MI
Philosophy/Political Science
Molly Kathryn Puglessi
Ada, MI
Speech Language Pathology
Magna Cum Laude
Chelsea Quintana
Chicago, IL
Art
Ana Clare Raciti
Granger, IN
English Literature/Global Studies
Cum Laude
Olivia V. Rice
Walkerton, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Abigail Mae Rigazio
Clarendon Hills, IL
ISDM: Health and Human Services
Grace Rubye Rightley
Fishers, IN
Philosophy/Political Science
Magna Cum Laude
Maris Sophia Robinson
Chesterton, IN
Art
Kylie Deverieux Rose
Mundelein, IL
Art
Athena Samson
Troy, MI
Psychology
Summa Cum Laude
Elizabeth Leann Sheets
Martinsville, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Cum Laude
Kathleen Mary Kelly Shereck
Riverside, IL
Speech Language Pathology
Cum Laude
Madeleine Anne Shwatal
West Chicago, IL
ISDM: Health and Human Services
Georgia Anne Sigler
Plainfield, IL
Music/Communication Studies
Cum Laude
Bailey Lynne Siglow
Coloma, MI
Speech Language Pathology
Magna Cum Laude
Elena Soto
South Bend, IN
Psychology/Art
Summa Cum Laude
Jordan Marie Specht
Chicago, IL
Psychology
Magna Cum Laude
Hanna Margaret Stronczek
Fort Wayne, IN
Communication Studies
Cum Laude
Valerie Nicole Stutesman
Hobart, IN
Psychology/Sociology
Cum Laude
Morgan Lynn Suchecki
Kingston, MA
ISDM: Health and Human Services
Anna Marissa Sullivan
North Muskegon, MI
Neuroscience
Margaret Mary Sullivan
Naples, FL
Psychology
Alexandria Swift Breton
Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico
Communication Studies/Art
Summa Cum Laude
Laura Catherine Tenney
Sherburne, NY
Communication Studies
Magna Cum Laude
Maureen Ann Tessmer
Byron Center, MI
English Literature/Secondary Education
Magna Cum Laude
Teagan Grace Thomas
Fenton, MI
Communication Studies
Cum Laude
Amanda Patricia Tracy
Orland Park, IL
Elementary Education
Summa Cum Laude
Caitlin Nicole Traxler
Osceola, IN
Elementary Education
Cum Laude
Olivia Traxler
Midland, MI
Communication Studies/English Literature
Cum Laude
Carole June Twomey
Brookfield, IL
Spanish
Magna Cum Laude
Hannah Mary Urbanski
Granger, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Cum Laude
Tara Marie Valentino
Elk Grove Village, IL
Communication Studies
Madison Olivia VanDress
Cape Coral, FL
Sociology
Adrianne Verstraete
Mishawaka, IN
Neuroscience
Zuzu Aria Vidourek
Fayetteville, GA
Music
Cum Laude
Katelyn Elizabeth Waldschmidt
Dowagiac, MI
English Literature and Creative Writing
Magna Cum Laude
Ja’Leah Naomi Walker
Merrillville, IN
Psychology
Annalise Weinschrott
Noblesville, IN
Psychology
Cum Laude
Shannon Mary Williams
Lombard, IL
English Literature/Secondary Education
Cum Laude
Sierra Marie Williams
Dixon, IL
ISDM: Health and Human Services
Madeleine Jenks Winston
Springfield, VA
Psychology
Magna Cum Laude
Madeline Yohon
Lexington, KY
Speech Language Pathology
Cum Laude
Eleanor Anna Zahorick
Romeoville, IL
Elementary Education
Summa Cum Laude
Colleen Zdunek
Aurora, IL
Elementary Education
Cum Laude
Angelica Ella Zitto
Granger, IN
Environmental Studies
The Degree of Bachelor of Business Administration
Madison Bergelle Aiello
Arlington Heights, IL
Accounting
Caitlin Mary Bonnesen
Stirling, NJ
Marketing
Cum Laude
Lily Anne Buck
Cape Coral, FL
Business Administration
Hannah Frances Chartier
Mantua, OH
Business Administration
Cum Laude
Cecelia Ann Damilano
Westville, IL
Accounting
Cum Laude
Kaitlyn Marie Day
Erie, CO
Business Administration
Magna Cum Laude
Shallon Marie Doncer
Palos Heights, IL
Accounting
Cum Laude
Maria Dyro
Jacksonville, FL
Accounting
Cum Laude
Anna Christina Eckelkamp
Washington, MO
Business Administration
Bianca Ann Faso
Homewood, IL
Business Administration
Morgan Elish Flynn
Orland Park, IL
Marketing
Kathleen D. Gerth
Hinsdale, IL
Business Administration
Cum Laude
Emily Golbeck
Crystal Lake, IL
Business Administration
Julia Jean Gorski
Indianapolis, IN
Business Administration
Savanah Michelle Gray
Constantine, MI
Business Administration
Bailee Marie Grove
Mishawaka, IN
Business Administration
Analiese Faith Hohman
Frankfort, IL
Marketing
Summa Cum Laude
Aaliyah Elizabeth Jones
Mount Carroll, IL
Business Administration
Brenna Marie Kieft
Muskegon, MI
Business Administration
Gianna Joyce Macino
Homer Glen, IL
Business Administration
Cum Laude
Morgan Markowicz
Evergreen Park, IL
Marketing
Summa Cum Laude
Allison Flanigan Matthys
Walkerton, IN
Business Administration
Cum Laude
Colleen Britton McCarthy
Onekama, MI
Business Administration
Cum Laude
Emily Mikitka
Naperville, IL
Business Administration
Magna Cum Laude
Elizabeth Mae Miller
North Liberty, IN
Business Administration
Megan Elizabeth Moran
Glen Ellyn, IL
Business Administration
Magna Cum Laude
McKenna Danielle Myers
Bremen, IN
Business Administration
Makayla Lynn Perry
Rochester, NY
Accounting
Summa Cum Laude
Abrielle Nicole Plantz
Frankfort, IL
Business Administration
Jane Meeson Price
Wayne, IL
Business Administration
Karla Rigan
Chicago, IL
Business Administration
Carolinna Robles
San Antonio, TX
Business Administration
Rachel Grace Ryan
Naperville, IL
Business Administration
Cum Laude
Elizabeth Marie Schutter
Union, MI
Business Administration/Communication Studies
Magna Cum Laude
Sophia Rose Senese
Orland Park, IL
Business Administration
Gabrielle Renee Shipman
Saint Louis, MO
Business Administration
McKenna Shoupe
Edwardsburg, MI
Accounting
Bryce Mackenzie Spearing
Frankfort, IL
Accounting
Peyton Amelia Stearns
Murrieta, CA
Marketing
Cum Laude
Chloe Kathlyn Stoler
Cassopolis, MI
Accounting
Cum Laude
Jennifer Carrie Utterback
Columbus, IN
Marketing
Nina Patrice Zulanas
Manhattan, IL
Accounting
Magna Cum Laude
The Degree of Bachelor of Music
Maeve Helen Kearney
Philadelphia, PA
Music Education
Cum Laude
Cecilia Rose O’Neill
Crystal Lake, IL
Music Education
Cum Laude
Grace Catherine Verdun
Belding, MI
Music Education
Summa Cum Laude
The Degree of Bachelor of Science
Selina Alcantar
South Bend, IN
Biology
Claire Janette Appell
Plainfield, IN
Biology
Magna Cum Laude
Emma Rae Archbold
Angola, IN
Biology
Mehrael Farag Atkins
South Bend, IN
Neuroscience
Aileen E. Benitez
Justice, IL
Biology
Rose Marie Brienza
Pittsburgh, PA
Physics/Secondary Education
Magna Cum Laude
Mia Brown
Pittsburgh, PA
Biology
Katherine Joy Campbell
Fishers, IN
Neuroscience
Cum Laude
Alexandra Castronovo
Mount Prospect, IL
Chemistry
Cum Laude
Ana Grace Corcoran
Elgin, IL
Chemistry
Nayeli Elizabeth Cruz
Phoenix, AZ
Biology
Lauren E. Davis
Fort Wayne, IN
Chemistry/Spanish
Magna Cum Laude
Brianna Morgan Dewey
Highland, IN
Physics
Annemarie Elizabeth Edmonds
Oklahoma City, OK
Biology
Summa Cum Laude
Lucia Elizabeth Hadsall
Mount Airy, MD
Biology
Aisling Hanly
Frankfort, IL
Chemistry
Sarah Dorothy Harman
Mattawan, MI
Computing and Applied Mathematics
Anne Cecilia Howard
Franksville, WI
Computing and Applied Mathematics
Summa Cum Laude
Kathleen Hunter
Muncie, IN
Biology
Giselle Jimenez
Bremen, IN
Neuroscience
Anna Kathleen Keating
Naperville, IL
Biology
Cum Laude
Sarah A. Leddy
Cary, NC
Chemistry/Biology
Magna Cum Laude
Natalia Victoria Luna
West Bloomfield, MI
Mathematics
Katherine E. Matustik
Algonquin, IL
Physics
Megan Elizabeth Maurer
Granger, IN
Chemistry
Cum Laude
Kaitlyn Nacole Mayo
New Carlisle, IN
Biology
Molly Clare McCann
Clarendon Hills, IL
Computing and Applied Mathematics
Magna Cum Laude
Lily Marie McClafferty
Highland, MI
Biology
Jesse Ann Miller
Martinsville, IN
Biology
Amanda Grace Miloserny
Queen Creek, AZ
Physics
Nadia Rebecca Muniz
Saint Joseph, MI
Neuroscience
Summa Cum Laude
Co-Valedictorian
Rachel Nicole Nimtz
South Bend, IN
Neuroscience
Susanna Denise Noonan
Schererville, IN
Biology
Olivia Grace Pasinski
Oak Lawn, IL
Chemistry
Madeline Noelle Pooler
Elkhart, IN
Computing and Applied Mathematics
Magna Cum Laude
Makaya Robinson
Logansport, IN
Chemistry
Magna Cum Laude
Katrina Rose
Wolcottville, IN
Computing and Applied Mathematics
Rachel Taylor Rowe
Elkhart, IN
Biology
Magna Cum Laude
Stephanie Lauren Rowe
Elkhart, IN
Biology
Cum Laude
Julia E. Safford
Lihue, HI
Mathematics
Molly Elizabeth Schneider
Westfield, IN
Biology/Gender and Women’s Studies
Emily Sierakowski
Jackson, MI
Biology
Allison Patricia Skly
Palos Park, IL
Computing and Applied Mathematics
Magna Cum Laude
Holly Frances Skrip
Chicago, IL
Neuroscience
Delaney Margaret Smith
Chicago, IL
Biology
Magna Cum Laude
Vien Elena Sturm
Fenton, MI
Biology
Summa Cum Laude
Alexandra Patricia Szukala
San Antonio, TX
Mathematics
Cum Laude
Abigail Rose Trout
Kalamazoo, MI
Neuroscience
Carole June Twomey
Brookfield, IL
Biology
Magna Cum Laude
Heidi Abel Vanden Bosche
Pittsburgh, PA
Neuroscience
Cum Laude
Emily Catherine Volpe
Louisville, KY
Biology
Sarah Natalie Watson
Pittsburgh, PA
Chemistry
Summa Cum Laude
Joan Novak Whittier
Elburn, IL
Biology/History
Magna Cum Laude
Zoë Grace Wilkeson
South Bend, IN
Biology
Magna Cum Laude
Alison Marie Woodward
Oakfield, NY
Biology
The Degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Monica Ann Agnoni
Doylestown, OH
Nursing
Haley Rose Angel
Tampa, FL
Nursing
Cum Laude
Mckenna Marie Bandyk
Mokena, IL
Nursing
Morgan Elyse Baumgart
South Bend, IN
Nursing
Magna Cum Laude
Sierra Rachelle Bickel
South Bend, IN
Nursing
Magna Cum Laude
Ashley Elizabeth Blankenship
Ashtabula, OH
Nursing
Bailey Joan Butler
Chicago, IL
Nursing
Madalyn Elyse Buxbaum
Hobart, IN
Nursing
Kaitlynn Josephine Chestovich
Chesterton, IN
Nursing
Magna Cum Laude
Emily Rose Cummings
Oak Forest, IL
Nursing
Cum Laude
Madison Ann Day
Erie, CO
Nursing
Magna Cum Laude
Elle Nicole Deardorff
Logansport, IN
Nursing
Cum Laude
Madison Paige Emigh
Knox, IN
Nursing
Cum Laude
Maria Grace Everett
South Bend, IN
Nursing
Erin Margaret Gaynor
Rockford, MI
Nursing
Cum Laude
Annalisa Dawn Gentile
Chapin, SC
Nursing
Alyssandra Ethel Ann Gunter
Fort Wayne, IN
Nursing
Magna Cum Laude
Victoria Lauren Hardt
Wilmette, IL
Nursing
Julia Lynn Hauger
Belton, TX
Nursing
Selena Lynn Hoffman
Demotte, IN
Nursing
Ella Katherine Holst
Boulder, CO
Nursing
Sarah Rose Kersten
Jacksonville, FL
Nursing
Magna Cum Laude
Caroline Margaret Kiefer
Midlothian, VA
Nursing
Alyssa Starr Kinyanjui
Culver, IN
Nursing
Cum Laude
Caroline Mae Kirchner
Homer Glen, IL
Nursing
Leah Elizabeth Kissane
Portland, MI
Nursing
Maeve Aileen Kozicki
Chicago, IL
Nursing
Cum Laude
Kathryn Judith Kramer
Lansing, MI
Nursing
Cindy Maily Lam
South Bend, IN
Nursing
Kassidy Leonard
South Bend, IN
Nursing
Noreen Elizabeth Martin
Chicago, IL
Nursing
Cum Laude
Molly Marie Martis
Glen Ellyn, IL
Nursing
Summa Cum Laude
Grace Ann Maxwell
Evergreen Park, IL
Nursing
Magna Cum Laude
Emma Mary McAllen
Indianapolis, IN
Nursing
Abigail Rose Morin
Richmond, VA
Nursing
Sophia Maria Morrissey
Hinsdale, IL
Nursing
Caroline Reese O’Keefe
Saint Louis, MO
Nursing
Cum Laude
Grace K. Paciga
Orland Park, IL
Nursing
Eva Cecilia Perme
Homer Glen, IL
Nursing
Spencer Elizabeth Rutherford
Fenton, MI
Nursing
Hannah Josephine Stewart
Chesterton, IN
Nursing
Magna Cum Laude
Kathleen Therese Verhiley
Granger, IN
Nursing
Kailey Elizabeth Voltz
Mokena, IL
Nursing
Magna Cum Laude
The Degree of Bachelor of Social Work
Ashley Nicole Brewster
Goshen, IN
Social Work
Summa Cum Laude
Caroline Marie Burnham
Fort Wayne, IN
Social Work
Maeve Elisabeth Donaher
Charlotte, NC
Social Work
Cum Laude
Mary Alessandra Noone
Alexandria, VA
Social Work
Cum Laude
Samantha Morea O’Brien
Fort Wayne, IN
Social Work
Magna Cum Laude
Isabela Kae Petitgout
Barrington, IL
Social Work
Susan Elizabeth Pingel
South Bend, IN
Social Work
Magna Cum Laude
Honors
Department Awards
Art
Saint Luke’s Medal – Brianna Markley
Sister Edna Service Award – Elena ("El") Soto
Biology
Mother M. Rose Elizabeth, CSC Award – Claire Appell and Lily McClafferty
Sister M. Rosaleen Dunleavy, CSC Award – Delaney Smith and Carole ("CJ") Twomey
George and Juanda Bick Nature Award – Selina Alcantar
Business Administration and Economics
Frank A. Yeandel Service Award – Peyton Stearns
Jerome L. McElroy Outstanding Achievement Award – Liliana Lomeli
Academic Achievement Award – Makayla Perry
Achievement Award (Accounting) – Makayla Perry
Achievement Award (Economics) – Liliana Lomeli
Achievement Award (Finance) – Nina Zulanas
Achievement Award (Management) – Elizabeth Schutter
Academic Achievement Award (Marketing) – Morgan Markowicz
Ernst & Young Award – Makayla Perry
Deloitte Award – Makayla Perry
PricewaterhouseCoopers Award – Maria Dyro
Chemistry and Physics
Mother M. Rose Elizabeth, CSC Award – Sarah Watson
American Institute of Chemists Award – Makaya Robinson
Richard Tarara Academic Excellence in Physics Award – Rose Brienza
The F.Lee Benton Exceptional Service and Research in Physics Award – Brianna Dewey
Communication Studies, Dance, and Theatre
Ann Plamondon Award for Excellence in Communication Studies – Molly Brown and Alexandria Swift
Communication Studies Service Award – Riley Kostic
Terpsichorean Award for Excellence in Dance – Grace Maxwell
Excellence in Theatre Award – Natalie Biegel
Katie Sullivan Passion in Theatre Award – Isla Hofmann
Theatre Service Award – Mary ("Mimi") Panzica
Education
Mary A. McDermott Award – Amanda Tracy
IACTE Outstanding Future Educators Award – Manila Martin, Eleanor Zahorick, and Colleen Zdunek
Schmuhl Early Childhood Education Award – Amanda Tracy
English
Elisabeth A. Noel Literature Prize – Maureen Tessmer
The Laura Haigwood Literary Citizenship Prize – Ariana Howe
The Laurie A. Lesniewski Creative Writing Award – Katelyn Waldschmidt
Environmental Studies
Environmental Studies Award – Dakota Freel
Gender and Women’s Studies
Mary Frances Eder Halpin Award in Gender and Women’s Studies – Nicole Stutesman
Global Studies
Outstanding Achievement in Global Studies – Marie Claire Ferretti and Mary Miller
Outstanding Senior Comprehensive Award in Global Studies – Isel Herrera
History
Martha Montgomery Schurz Memorial Award for Excellence in History – Paige Barrier
Martha Montgomery Schurz Memorial Award for Excellence in the Senior Seminar Research Paper – Eliza Grimm
Martha Montgomery Schurz Memorial Award for Excellence in Writing in the Women’s History Program – Jayla Montgomery
Humanistic Studies
Thomas More Award – Isla Hofmann
Mathematics
Milko Jeglic Award – Anne Howard
Donald E. Miller Award – Molly McCann and Madeline Pooler
Modern Languages
Leonilda Francesca Acerra and Dominico Enrico Christofaro Award in Italian – Laura Tenney, Sarah Watson, and Zoë Wilkeson
Anne Cashore Borjas Award in Spanish – Margaret McNabb and Carole ("CJ") Twomey
Spanish Service Award – Kimberly Guijosa-Torres
The Bayhouse-Marcy Award in French – Marie Claire Ferretti and Madeleine Winston
Music
Emma Krost Eder Award for Musical Excellence – Grace Verdun
Nursing Science
Evelyn McGuiness Award for Excellence in Nursing – Molly Martis
Humanitarian in Nursing Award – Emma McAllen
Sister Maureen Grady, CSC, Spirit of Nursing Award (MSN) – MiAn Luu
MSN Award for Academic Excellence – Iona Popa
DNP Daisy Award – Molly Fagan
Outstanding DNP Practice Innovation Project Award – Caitlin Sayers
Philosophy
Award for Excellence in Philosophical Writing – Grace Rightley
Political Science
Juliette Noone Lester Award – Reese Bauer and Grace Rightley
Psychology
Animating Spirit Award – Kimberly Guijosa-Torres
Joseph Miller Outstanding Scholarship Award – Makayla Minnaar, Athena Samson, and Elena ("El") Soto
Religious Studies
Helen M. Carroll Award – Abigail Fruk, Kathleen Hannon, and Margaret McNabb
Social Work and Gerontology
Academic Excellence Award – Ashley Brewster
Leadership Award – Samantha O'Brien
Josephine Murphy Kuhl Research Award – Caroline Burnham and Susan Pingel
Kristi A. Morris Award – Mary Noone
MSW Outstanding Student Leadership Award – Vanessa Mae Gunter and Faith Simmone’ Young
Sociology
Sociology Award – Anna McMahon
Speech Language Pathology
Ancora Imparo Award – Claire Bartz
Carolyn S. Langley Award (Graduate Program) – Candace Todd
College Awards
Mary Ellen Smith Academic and
Athletic Achievement Award
Elle Deardorff
Saint Mary’s College Alumnae Association
2024 Outstanding Senior Award
Amanda Tracy
Kappa Gamma Pi
National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society
Caitlin Bonnesen
Cecelia Damilano
Elle Deardorff
Maria Dyro
Kathleen Gerth
Meara Haggerty
Margaret McNabb
Whytnie Miller
Samantha O'Brien
Rachel Rowe
Stephanie Rowe
Rachel Ryan
Elizabeth Schutter
Delaney Smith
Jordan Specht
Chloe Stoler
Vien Sturm
Amanda Tracy
Carole Twomey
Sarah Watson
Shannon Williams
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 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 Golden 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 Ph.D. 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’s Walking Stick
The walking stick of Sister Madeleva Wolff, CSC serves as a reminder of the 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 stick used in the procession today is a brightly colored cane attributed to southern Mexico. It contains a series of carvings and paintings celebrating some of the cultures that melded over the years to create today’s Mexico, including Aztec and Spanish images.
Board of Trustees
Maureen Karnatz Smith ’85
Chair, Board of Trustees
Jill Tiefenthaler ’87
Vice Chair
Colleen Flynn Roohan ’85
Secretary
Mary McEnery Harding ’84
Treasurer
Katie Conboy
Sister Esther Adjoa Entsiwah, CSC
Sister Veronica A. Fajardo, CSC
Sister Vanessa Cruz Ferreira, CSC
Donald R. Fischer
Gregoire Gallant
Sister Taposi Gomes, CSC
Sister Judith Hallock, CSC ’65
Fr. Stephen Katsouros, SJ
Reverend Paul V. Kollman, CSC
Susan Olney Latham ’91
Jacqueline Leskovec ’74
Eileen Gallagher Loranger ’90
Michael J. Mathile
Joseph A. Miller
Whytnie Miller ’24
Theresa Sullivan Norton ’92
Tina M. Patton
Jennifer Mathile Prikkel ’95
Linda Schultz Salvi ’79
Michael Schmitt
William J. Schmuhl Jr.*
Amy C. Shelly ’91
Christine Ashford Swanson
Kimberlyn Martin Troy ’00
Kathleen Murphy Villano ’79
Sister Veronique Wiedower, CSC ’70
Lorraine Sheehan Wilson ’85
*Trustee Emeritus
Officers of the College
Katie Conboy, Ph.D.
President
Barbara May, Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President
Peter Christensen
Vice President for Strategy and Finance
Redgina Hill, Ph.D.
Vice President for Inclusion and Equity
Holly C. Johnson
Vice President for Advancement
Lori E. Johnson ’91
Vice President for Student Enrollment and Engagement
Julianne E. Wallace, D.Min.
Vice President for Mission
Commencement Committee
Michelle Poeppe Egan ’93
Chair
Christopher Dunlap, Ph.D.
Marshal
James “Phil” Bambenek
Phillip Batalis
Dawn Bell
Benjamin Bowman
Kathleen Carlson
Amelia Carpenter
Susan Good
Caroline Kiefer ’24
Susan Kletka
Mark Kubacki
Nicole Labadie
Susan Olney Latham ’91
Grace Maher ’21
Dan Patterson
Lisa Reed Peppers ’87
Adriana Petty ’01
Marc Poklinkowski
Sarah Pressey ’08
Melissa Rodriguez
H. Shay Jolly Schneider ’05
Jesse Vogel
Art Wager
Juls White
Tracy P. White
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After graduation, I will be working at Memorial Hospital as a Cardiac Step-Down Nurse! Sierra Bickel ’24 Nursing -
Enjoy every moment. Some of my best memories come from spontaneous moments with my friends. Natalie Biegel ’24 Sociology, Theatre -
I am starting graduate school at SMC in the fall to earn my MSW! Elizabeth Bierbaum ’24 Psychology -
What I love most about Saint Mary’s is the lifelong friendships I have gained over these past 4 years. Kaitlyn Bishop ’24 Elementary Education -
Saint Mary’s brought me friendships that will last a lifetime! Margot Boyer ’24 Elementary Education -
After graduation, I will be a 3rd grade teacher at Sacred Heart School in Winnetka, Illinois Gretchen Brauer ’24 Elementary Education -
My words of wisdom? Don't be afraid to fail. Failure is simply one of the steps toward success. No matter what, if you believe in yourself and keep picking yourself back up, you will accomplish great things! Rose Marie Brienza ’24 Physics, Secondary Education -
Late nights working in the studio in Moreau! Amelia Brookshire ’24 Art -
Saint Mary's is a special place that allows you to not only discover your passions, but also allows you to discover yourself. I will forever be grateful for the 4 years I had at Saint Mary's and the endless lessons I learned along the way! Soak up every second you can because graduation will be here before you know it! Go Belles! Molly Kathleen Brown ’24 Communication Studies -
Getting the opportunity to study abroad in South Korea. An experience I highly recommend to everyone. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try scary, new things! Riley Burdge ’24 Gender and Women's Studies -
Some of my favorite memories at Saint Mary’s include sitting at the dining hall for hours and hours with my best friends and having the best laughs ever! Caroline Burnham ’24 Social Work -
After graduation, I will be relocating to Chicago to be a general medicine registered nurse at Northwestern Memorial Hospital! Madalyn Buxbaum ’24 Nursing