Commencement 2024: Being Bold, Thinking Big

On May 18, under the warm sun and with a slight breeze, the Class of 2024 celebrations began for the 330 graduates at the 177th Commencement. Families and friends gathered on Le Mans Green. In her remarks to the class, President Katie Conboy invited graduates to “be bold, think big, raise your voices… and keep the faith.” 

Speaker Patti Phillips, chief executive officer of Women Leaders in Sports, highlighted a handful of trail blazers 
who have graduated from Saint Mary’s and serve as a testament to the transformational power of women’s intelligent and impactful leadership. “To the Class of 2024, these leadership qualities that you now embody because of your Saint Mary’s education are exactly what the world needs right now.” 

Commencement Honorees

The College bestowed three honorary degrees during the two-hour ceremony. Commencement speaker Patti Phillips (center) was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for her work supporting women in sports. For over 14 years, Phillips has developed, connected, and championed women as powerful voices in the sports industry. 

Frances Bardello Craig ’64 (right) was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Science for pioneering the technology industry. She founded Computer Strategies—now Unanet—a software product company connecting people, projects, and finances. Craig’s visionary leadership positioned the company to be a key player in the male-dominated world of computer science and mathematics. Now on Unanet’s Board of Directors, Craig is focused on increasing the number of women in the industry.
 
The College also celebrated Sister Norma Pimentel, MJ, (left) a licensed professional counselor and the executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley in San Juan, Texas. Sister Norma was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for her humanitarian efforts along the U.S./Mexico border.

Top of Their Class

In recognition of the highest academic achievement, two seniors were named valedictorians for the Class of 2024. Nadia Rebecca Muniz earned a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with a concentration in neuropsychology and a minor in biology. Margaret (Maggie) McNabb earned a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in religious studies & theology and Spanish, and a minor in social work.