Commencement 2022

Congratulations to all of our graduates and their families! A recording of the entire ceremony can be found below.

2020 Commencement Celebration

 

Senior Award Honorees

Outstanding Senior
Outstanding Senior
Lumen Christi
Lumen Christi
Madeleva
Madeleva

Order of Ceremony

Cover of Commencement Program 2022

Welcome to the 175th 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

Marina Staiger ’22

Invocation

Gretchen Flicker ’93
Chair, Board of Trustees

Welcome

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

Presentation of Valedictorian Medals

Sharon M. Meagher, Ph.D.
Interim Provost and Senior Vice President

Valedictorians 

Margaret Devitt 
Allyson Emmett 
Grace Floerchinger 
Lauren Honkamp 
Katherine O’Hara 
Emily Tobias

Valedictory Address

Allyson Rose Emmett

President’s Medal

Presented by
Katie Conboy, Ph.D.
 

Citations for Honorary Degrees

Presented by
Katie Conboy, Ph.D.

To read more about today’s honorees, click here.

Commencement Address

Presented by
M. Shawn Copeland, Ph.D.
American Catholic Theologian 

Citations for Graduate and Undergraduate Degrees in Course

Presented by
Sharon M. Meagher

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 2022

The Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice

Alexis Gibson Adamsick
Mercer, PA
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Sue Anderson

Desmond A. Atem
Kumba, Cameroon
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Sue Anderson

Amanda Cayo Bentley
Saint Joseph, MI
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Jennifer Bauer

Stephanie Marie Fulks
Indianapolis, IN
Adult Gerontology Acute Care
Director: Patricia Keresztes

Maura Kathleen Kimball
Pittsburgh, PA
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Jennifer Bauer

Vashtie Jo Leonard
Elkhart, IN
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Jennifer Bauer

Nathan Matthew Reardon
Alexandria, KY
Adult Gerontology Acute Care
Director: Patricia Keresztes

Katherine Jean Sollmann
South Bend, IN
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Jennifer Bauer

Kathryn Marie-Faris Vera
Saint Joseph, MI
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Sue Anderson

Kelly A. Woods
Wrightsville Beach, NC
Adult Gerontology Acute Care
Director: Patricia Keresztes

The Degree of Master of Autism Studies

Emily Eve Cavarretta
Tinley Park, IL
Autism Studies

Maria Elisa Gallegos
Layfayette, IN
Autism Studies

Anna Patience
Mullek Robertsdale, AL
Autism Studies

Kristina Richardson
Mishawaka, IN
Autism Studies

The Degree of Master of Science

Vianney Acosta
Chicago, IL
Data Science

Callie Elizabeth Bratten-Woerheide
Bridgeton, MO
Speech Language Pathology

Zoe Considine Bruni
South Bend, IN
Data Science

Kaysi Marie Bugda
Hazleton, PA
Speech Language Pathology

Tori Casaburo
Fort Wayne, IN
Speech Language Pathology

Emily Eve Cavarretta
Tinley Park, IL
Speech Language Pathology

Catelyn Elizabeth
Clark Corvallis, OR
Data Science

Sarah Marie Collier
Granger, IN
Speech Language Pathology

Krystal R. Coronado
McAllen, TX
Speech Language Pathology

Jessica Marie DeFrench
Fishers, IN
Data Science

Kiefer Robert Degener
Brighton, MI
Data Science

Emily Ann Espar
Michigan City, IN
Speech Language Pathology

Emma Suzanne Foley
Columbus, OH
Data Science

Simone Victoria Frame
Clarkston, MI
Speech Language Pathology

Rielly Janay Grooms
Logan, UT
Speech Language Pathology

Sara Hamoudah
Orland Hills, IL
Speech Language Pathology

Gabryell Rae Keller
Castalia, OH
Speech Language Pathology

Hannah Elizabeth Koning
Grand Rapids, MI
Speech Language Pathology

Isabella Mary Krockey
Homer Glen, IL
Speech Language Pathology

Emma Kathryn Lewis
Marietta, GA
Speech Language Pathology

Mary Elizabeth Lowery
La Porte, IN
Speech Language Pathology

Caroline Marie McAuley
Indianapolis, IN
Speech Language Pathology

Clare Elizabeth McCabe
Naperville, IL
Speech Language Pathology

Clare Margaret Meis
Simi Valley, CA
Speech Language Pathology

Madison D. Monroe
Aurora, IL
Speech Language Pathology

Anna Patience Mullek
Robertsdale, AL
Speech Language Pathology

Madison Pearl Nelson
Peoria, IL
Speech Language Pathology

Dakota Morgan Noble
Rockford, MI
Speech Language Pathology

Melana Paternoster
Downingtown, PA
Speech Language Pathology

Emily Noel Patton
Clarksville, TN
Speech Language Pathology

Emily Louise Peppers
South Bend, IN
Speech Language Pathology

Maribel Quiroz
Hartford, MI
Speech Language Pathology

Benjamin Jacob Skirvin
Mishawaka, IN
Speech Language Pathology

Emma Cecilia Spaulding
Indianapolis, IN
Speech Language Pathology

Elizabeth Angela Stockton
Minneapolis, MN
Data Science

Taylor Rachael Szabo
Granger, IN
Speech Language Pathology

Anna Kristine Visser
Grandville, MI
Speech Language Pathology

Sophia Marie Wittenberg
Rapid City, SD
Speech Language Pathology

The Degree of Bachelor of Arts

Amanda Acosta
Dayton, NV
Psychology
Magna Cum Laude

Neelofar Ahmad
Kabul, Afghanistan
Global Studies

Sheridan Elise Allen
Fenton, MI
Psychology

Megan Ashley Anderson
Winthrop Harbor, IL
Political Science/Philosophy
Cum Laude

Mohra Leigh Anderson
East Lansing, MI
Music
Summa Cum Laude

Vena Margaret Bakich
Dallas, TX
Elementary Education

Akpedze Vanessa Balo
Indianapolis, IN
Global Studies/
Gender and Women’s Studies

Mackenzie Bardol
Michigan City, IN
Communication Studies

Alyssa Jordan Batey
Cedar Lake, IN
Speech Language Pathology

Ambrosia Demetria Bell
Osceola, IN
Gender and Women’s Studies/
Communication Studies

Emma Kay Berges
Fairfield, CT
Communication Studies
Cum Laude

Isabella Bertrand
Glen Ellyn, IL
Speech Language Pathology
Magna Cum Laude

Cassandra Birkmeier
Fort Wayne, IN
Speech Language Pathology

Emily Blank
Naperville, IL
Elementary Education
Cum Laude

Sydney Jean Bleich
Muskegon, MI
Sociology

Alexandra Sonya Bradley
Pryor, MT
English Literature

Brooke Brewer
Mishawaka, IN
Environmental Studies/Mathematics

Niamh Catherine Brophy
La Grange Park, IL
Elementary Education

Payten Terese Bruni
Lockport, IL
Elementary Education

Sarah Elizabeth Bub
Saint Louis, MO
Mathematics/Secondary Education/Spanish
Summa Cum Laude

Jessica Campos-Tapia
South Bend, IN
Music

Daniela Sofia Cantos Mendoza
Boca Raton, FL
Speech Language Pathology

Meredith Claire Chapple
Alpharetta, GA
Communication Studies

Jennifer Estrella Chavez-Loera
Elkhart, IN
Global Studies

Maricella Maria Savanna Chavez
Albuquerque, NM
Communication Studies

Emily Chouinard
Atlanta, GA
Psychology
Cum Laude

Mary M. Corbett
Centerville, OH
Political Science/Spanish
Magna Cum Laude

Isabel Coyne
Bensenville, IL
Psychology
Cum Laude

Rachel Crawfis
Gaylord, MI
Elementary Education
Cum Laude

Hannah Paige Curl
South Bend, IN
Art/Mathematics

Sarah Elizabeth Cvitkovich
North Ridgeville, OH
Elementary Education
Magna Cum Laude

Macy Alexis Danko
Portage, IN
History

Maria Lupita Del Real
La Porte, IN
Spanish

MaryKatherine Dempsey
Yorkville, IL
Elementary Education
Cum Laude

Margaret Caroline Devitt
La Grange, IL
Speech Language Pathology
Summa Cum Laude
Co-Valedictorian

Emma Jeanne Diesing
Southampton, NY
Art

Nicolle Doolin-Willis
Bremen, IN
Psychology/Art

Allyson Rose Emmett
Fort Wayne, IN
Global Studies/Spanish
Summa Cum Laude
Co-Valedictorian

Olivia Emord
Boynton Beach, FL
Communication Studies

Elise Wilson Fahrenbach
Glenview, IL
Humanistic Studies/Philosophy
Summa Cum Laude

Sarah Ashley Fegan
Orland Park, IL
Art
Cum Laude

Laura Susan Fehr
Erie, PA
Elementary Education
Cum Laude

Hannah Elizabeth Finley
Kent, OH
Global Studies/Spanish
Magna Cum Laude

Grace Catherine Floerchinger
Rockford, MI
Economics/Environmental Studies
Summa Cum Laude
Co-Valedictorian

Alexia Serena Flores
Phoenix, AZ
Elementary Education
Cum Laude

Dorah Elizabeth Floyd
Park Forest, IL
Physics

Katerina Lee Flynn
Clearwater, FL
History/Secondary Education

Alissa Marie Ford
South Bend, IN
Sociology/Psychology

Reina Elise Galvan
Michigan City, IN
Psychology

Jamie Saroshra Gangwes
Ventura, CA
Environmental Studies

Rileigh K. Geelan
Canton, CT
Speech Language Pathology
Magna Cum Laude

Gabriella Gioiosa
Three Rivers, MI
English Literature and Creative Writing

Kaley Gresham
Naperville, IL
History/Secondary Education
Magna Cum Laude

Alyssa Marie Gulli
Warrenville, IL
Mathematics/Secondary Education
Cum Laude

Alexandria Elizabeth Gulotta
Lombard, IL
Humanistic Studies
Cum Laude

Catherine Rose Haas
Wexford, PA
Computing and Applied Mathematics

Eleanor Hanson
Atlanta, GA
Communication Studies

Kelly Harig
Des Plaines, IL
English Literature
Magna Cum Laude

Nadia Christina Hartman
Valparaiso, IN
Environmental Studies
Summa Cum Laude

Rowann Hatfield
Middlebury, IN
Philosophy/Global Studies

Molly Katherine Heath
Michigan City, IN
Psychology

Lindsey Allyse Herdsman
Rockford, MI
Speech Language Pathology

Mia Annalisa Hivick
Mishawaka, IN
Gender and Women’s Studies/
Humanistic Studies

Peyton Hoskins
South Bend, IN
Communication Studies
Magna Cum Laude

Sydney Kay Hutchinson
Fishers, IN
Political Science/Psychology
Magna Cum Laude

Ellie Jeffirs
South Bend, IN
Art

Alexis Michelle Jozwiak
South Bend, IN
Sociology/Gender and Women’s Studies
Cum Laude

Bridget Agnes Kane
Binghamton, NY
Elementary Education
Magna Cum Laude

Catherine Coley Kane
Evanston, IL
Elementary Education

Katherine Mae Kedzior
New Lenox, IL
Spanish
Cum Laude

Molly Kate Keenan
South Bend, IN
ISDM: Child Development

Anna D’Andrea Keller
Brentwood, TN
Creative Writing

Ava Elizabeth Kennedy
Fort Wayne, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Cum Laude

Abigail Josée Knopps
Perrysburg, OH
Environmental Studies
Magna Cum Laude

Julianna La Coco
Chicago, IL
Psychology/Gender and Women’s Studies
Cum Laude

Mikayla Sarai Lanzillo
Murrieta, CA
Psychology
Cum Laude

Ellen Christina Lebert
Orland Park, IL
Speech Language Pathology

McKenzie Lookebill
Swartz Creek, MI
Communication Studies
Magna Cum Laude

McKenzie Kathleen Looney
Clarkston, MI
Psychology
Cum Laude

Cadie Rose Lourigan
Oregon, WI
Political Science/Psychology
Cum Laude

Sarah MacKenzie Louth
Richmond, VA
Communication Studies/
Gender and Women’s Studies
Cum Laude

Kimberly Claire Madden
Indianapolis, IN
Speech Language Pathology

Caroline Mages
Indianapolis, IN
Elementary Education
Summa Cum Laude

Allyson Malin
South Bend, IN
Communication Studies
Cum Laude

Mary Catherine Mansfield
Saint Joseph, MI
Philosophy
Magna Cum Laude

Lea Bin Markowski
Harvard, IL
Psychology
Cum Laude

Hailey Louise Marshall
Grand Rapids, MI
Communication Studies

Ashley Maul
Naperville, IL
Economics/Global Studies
Cum Laude

Shannon Alyce McCloskey
East Lansing, MI
Environmental Studies
Magna Cum Laude

Morgen Elizabeth McCracken
Pittsburgh, PA
Philosophy

Mary Kaitlyn McEleney
Naperville, IL
Communication Studies

Grace Ann McNamara
Arlington Heights, IL
Communication Studies

Elizabeth Medina
Kenosha, WI
Computing and Applied Mathematics/Economics
Cum Laude

Hannah Justine Memmer
Plymouth, MI
Elementary Education
Summa Cum Laude

Liliana Mendez
East Chicago, IN
ISDM: Biological Liberal Studies

Samantha Elizabeth Miller
Gaithersburg, MD
English Literature/Secondary Education

Molly Elizabeth Mirabelli
Thousand Oaks, CA
Political Science/Psychology
Cum Laude

Olivia Morrissey
Hinsdale, IL
Speech Language Pathology
Cum Laude

Megan Lynn Mullins
Michigan City, IN
Psychology

Anna Christina Noone
Alexandria, VA
Creative Writing/Humanistic Studies

Haley Nicole Nunez
Fullerton, CA
Global Studies

Wynn Elizabeth O’Brien
Fort Wayne, IN
Communication Studies

Jacqueline Rose O’Kane
Chicago, IL
Communication Studies
Cum Laude

Sophia M. Olsen
Mishawaka, IN
Art
Cum Laude

Adriana Lucia Ortiz Abrego
San Salvador, El Salvador
Psychology
Cum Laude

Marirose Osborne
Wilmette, IL
Humanistic Studies/Philosophy
Summa Cum Laude

Claudia Nicole Patterson
Michigan City, IN
Economics

Linda Jennifer Payne
Ardèche, France
Art/English Literature
Magna Cum Laude

Cynthia Penaloza
Balch Springs, TX
Spanish/Communication Studies

Desiree Perez
Chicago, IL
Psychology
Magna Cum Laude

Lauren Rose Peterson
Granger, IN
Elementary Education

Abigail Anne Pinnow
Greenville, MS
Theatre/Humanistic Studies/
Gender and Women’s Studies
Summa Cum Laude

Lauren Elizabeth Plesha
Chicago, IL
Psychology
Cum Laude

Alicia May Ready
Franklin, MA
Elementary Education

Gabrielle Rhed
La Porte, IN
Elementary Education

Gabriella Marie Rivera
Temecula, CA
Global Studies
Magna Cum Laude

Lillie Jane Runnells
Franklin, OH
Elementary Education
Magna Cum Laude

Nicole Danielle Rust
Wilmette, IL
Communication Studies
Magna Cum Laude

Adriana Salgado
Indianapolis, IN
Communication Studies

Eliana Sanchez
Hammond, IN
Psychology/Environmental Studies
Magna Cum Laude

Julia Sanchez
Powder Springs, GA
Communication Studies/Spanish
Cum Laude

Sophia Maria Sanchez
San Antonio, TX
Gender and Women’s Studies/Sociology

Yvette Santos
South Bend, IN
Sociology/Gender and Women’s Studies
Magna Cum Laude

Megan Shanebrook
Fort Wayne, IN
Elementary Education
Summa Cum Laude

Lindsey Elizabeth Shank
Fullerton, CA
Environmental Studies
Magna Cum Laude

Taylor Sharpe
Mishawaka, IN
Art

Saydi Shaw
Granger, IN
Psychology

Jasmine Hasanna Joann Simpson
Indianapolis, IN
Psychology

Rebecca Lynn Sites
Pottsville, PA
Elementary Education

Kayla Smith
Elkhart, IN
Sociology
Cum Laude

Hannah Solarz
Roselle, IL
Elementary Education
Magna Cum Laude

Molly Francis Soper
Bakersfield, CA
Religious Studies

Natalia Speedon
Oceanside, CA
Communication Studies
Magna Cum Laude

Hannah Marie Stacy
New Lenox, IL
Environmental Studies/Political Science

Claudia Jean Stiglitz
Orange, CA
Elementary Education

Sydney Grace Stoeckle
Pittsburgh, PA
Psychology/Sociology
Summa Cum Laude

Hannah Sullivan
Naples, FL
Communication Studies

Riley E. Swope
Sussex, WI
Speech Language Pathology
Magna Cum Laude

Allison Katherine Thornton
South Bend, IN
Environmental Studies/Global Studies

Winifred Ellen Tomsheck
Glenview, IL
History/Secondary Education
Cum Laude

Gizelle Torres-Mendez
Hoopeston, IL
Neuroscience

Alexis Marie Trombly
Round Hill, VA
Psychology

Sarah Anne Tschida
South Bend, IN
Neuroscience
Magna Cum Laude

Katherine Theresa Underly
South Bend, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Cum Laude

Sydney Frances Vasile
Granger, IN
Art
Cum Laude

Sophia Rose Vlahos
Western Springs, IL
Communication Studies

Claire Walters
Trenton, MI
Communication Studies

Morgan Elizabeth Ward
Wanatah, IN
History

Campbell René Washer
Crawfordsville, IN
Art
Cum Laude

Rose Elizabeth Waslar
Toledo, OH
Psychology
Magna Cum Laude

Caitlin J. Wirtz
South Bend, IN
Art

The Degree of Bachelor of Business Administration

Gabriella Marie Belsito
San Diego, CA
Accounting

Brianna Bickel
South Bend, IN
Business Administration
Cum Laude

Jacklyn Elise Cunningham
Tinley Park, IL
Business Administration

Portia Kathrin Davis
South Bend, IN
Business Administration

Grace Elisabetta Dennis
Mishawaka, IN
Business Administration
Cum Laude

Lauren Grace Doriot
Muskegon, MI
Business Administration

Jacqueline Kathleen Drew
Chicago, IL
Business Administration

Alexis Marie Fady
Peoria, IL
Business Administration

Faith Morgan Geary
Tinley Park, IL
Marketing

Elinor Anne Gibney
Rumson, NJ
Business Administration

Josie Lauren Gibson
Naperville, IL
Marketing

Mollie E. Gniadek
Valparaiso, IN
Accounting
Summa Cum Laude

Alexys A. Granata
Lapeer, MI
Business Administration

Meredith Eileen Heckert
Lake Geneva, WI
Business Administration

Hailey Lynn Hisaw
Granger, IN
Business Administration
Cum Laude

Sydney Alyn Hruskoci
Fishers, IN
Business Administration

Yesenia Abigail Jacinto Castañeda
Granger, IN
Accounting/Spanish

Anne Therese Jandrain
Omaha, NE
Business Administration
Magna Cum Laude

Angelica Shari Knox
Merrillville, IN
Business Administration
Cum Laude

Margaret Koeppl
Naples, FL
Accounting

Nicole Del Carmen Leon
Rochester Hills, MI
Business Administration
Magna Cum Laude

Emily Ann Licygiewicz
Cleveland, OH
Accounting
Cum Laude

Meara Mahoney
Lakewood, OH
Business Administration/Economics
Summa Cum Laude

Bernadette Niehaus
Fort Myers, FL
Business Administration
Summa Cum Laude

Katherine Elizabeth O’Hara
New Lenox, IL
Business Administration
Summa Cum Laude
Co-Valedictorian

Shealyn Francis O’Leary
Naperville, IL
Accounting
Cum Laude

Damariz Olguin
Dallas, TX
Business Administration

Viviana Alina Penaloza
Phoenix, AZ
Accounting

Natalie Ann Quinlan
Oregon, OH
Business Administration
Cum Laude

Gabrielle Russell
Oklahoma City, OK
Accounting

Abigail Marie Schreck
Fort Wayne, IN
Accounting
Cum Laude

Claire Marie Schroeder
Fort Wayne, IN
Accounting
Magna Cum Laude

Margaret Elizabeth Sexton
Edina, MN
Business Administration

Mara Frances Slosar
Mount Prospect, IL
Accounting
Cum Laude

Olivia Kate Smagala
Hinsdale, IL
Accounting

Erin Smith
Long Valley, NJ
Business Administration

Rose Stackhouse
Saint Charles, IL
Business Administration
Magna Cum Laude

Rebecca Stella
Grand Rapids, MI
Business Administration
Magna Cum Laude

China Stockbarger
Baroda, MI
Business Administration

Alaina Christine Strafford
Granger, IN
Business Administration
Summa Cum Laude

Marianna Elizabeth Szukala
Heinsberg, Germany
Business Administration
Summa Cum Laude

Shelby Targgart
Kendallville, IN
Business Administration
Magna Cum Laude

Veronica Brazziel Terrell
Burr Ridge, IL
Business Administration
Summa Cum Laude

Abigail Tobias
Wheatfield, IN
Accounting
Summa Cum Laude

Marissa Torres
Wauseon, OH
Business Administration

Jenna Lynn VanCuren
Pierceton, IN
Accounting

Alina Jade Willhoite
Oak Park, IL
Marketing/Spanish

The Degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts

Elizabeth N. Ciupinski
South Bend, IN
Art

Caitlin Adair Prestage
Glen Ellyn, IL
Art
Cum Laude

Meagan Marie Schleifer
Traverse City, MI
Art
Magna Cum Laude

Hannah Frances Toepp
South Bend, IN
Art
Magna Cum Laude

The Degree of Bachelor of Music

McKailey Colin Bathurst
Ionia, MI
Music Education

Catherine O’Neill
Crystal Lake, IL
Music Education
Summa Cum Laude

Marina Rost Staiger
Northbrook, IL
Music Education

The Degree of Bachelor of Science

Catherine Alberts
Evergreen Park, IL
Biology
Magna Cum Laude

Claire Alonzo
Springfield, VA
Physics
Cum Laude

Mohra Leigh Anderson
East Lansing, MI
SDM: Performance Kinesiology
Summa Cum Laude

Lauren Elizabeth Bock
La Grange Park, IL
Chemistry
Magna Cum Laude

Tatiana Melanie Boehning
Vero Beach, FL
Mathematics
Cum Laude

Margaret Cicchiello
Fort Wayne, IN
Biology
Magna Cum Laude

Aileen Marie Dugan
Mount Laurel, NJ
Computing and Applied Mathematics

Isabella Dugas
Plymouth, MI
Computing and Applied Mathematics
Cum Laude

Valerie Mae Eddington
Cincinnati, OH
Biology

Emma T. Fredin
Ortonville, MI
Computing and Applied Mathematics

Satin Dezeree Garman
Mishawaka, IN
Biology

Kara Cronin Garvey
Bridgewater, NJ
Physics

Megan Marie Geiler
Washington, MO
Chemistry
Summa Cum Laude

Melanie Gonzalez
Dallas, TX
Chemistry

Grace Catherine Gulowski
Novi, MI
Biology

Alyssa Marie Harvey
New Lenox, IL
Mathematics/Secondary Education

Stephanie Donnay Heger
Fremont, MI
Neuroscience
Cum Laude

Claire Hennessy
Albuquerque, NM
Computing and Applied Mathematics
Magna Cum Laude

Miranda Nicole Hettinger
Winamac, IN
Computing and Applied Mathematics
Magna Cum Laude

Victoria Delene Hexamer
Greenfield, IN
Neuroscience
Magna Cum Laude

Kathryn A. Hund
Melbourne, FL
Computing and Applied Mathematics
Magna Cum Laude

Madison Paige Jurgovan
Glen Ellyn, IL
Chemistry
Summa Cum Laude

Megan King
Plainfield, IL
Neuroscience

Isabella LaFemina
Tinley Park, IL
Neuroscience

Eleanor Sullivan Lynch
Chicago, IL
Biology
Magna Cum Laude

Lea Bin Markowski
Harvard, IL
Physics
Cum Laude

Ariana Marquez
Dallas, TX
Neuroscience
Cum Laude

Alexa Mendoza
Maywood, IL
Computing and Applied Mathematics

Margaret Milligan
Monticello, IN
Chemistry

Hannah Kay Nichols
Niles, MI
Biology
Cum Laude

Kyra Anne Obert
Portsmouth, RI
Physics
Magna Cum Laude

Hannah O’Bryan
Peoria, IL
Biology
Summa Cum Laude

Irelyn Grace O’Shea
Cincinnati, OH
Chemistry
Magna Cum Laude

Marissa Powell
Cincinnati, OH
Biology

Caroline Patricia Riley
Mount Juliet, TN
Neuroscience

Sara Abigail Sandoval
Chicago, IL
Neuroscience
Cum Laude

Mary Grace Santschi
New Lenox, IL
Mathematics

Mary Schwitzer
Indianapolis, IN
Mathematics

Saomi Vianey Segura
Hoffman Estates, IL
Physics and Applied Mathematics

Emily Frances Tobias
Wheatfield, IN
Statistical and Actuarial Mathematics
Summa Cum Laude
Co-Valedictorian

Katelyn Anna Ullrich
Chicago, IL
Biology

Alexia Carolina Velazquez
Plano, TX
Biology

Campbell René Washer
Crawfordsville, IN
Biology
Cum Laude

Avarie Kirstin Willette
Harrison Township, MI
Neuroscience
Magna Cum Laude

Elizabeth Therese Zaczyk
Munster, IN
Neuroscience

The Degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Alexandria Baxter Arkwright
Plano, TX
Nursing

Sanela Begic
South Bend, IN
Nursing

Sophie Alice Bubnar
Fenton, MI
Nursing
Cum Laude

Maya Marie Cole
Ada, MI
Nursing

Brigid Eileen Conmy
Yardley, PA
Nursing

Emma Rose Deery
Indianapolis, IN
Nursing

Madison Elizabeth Drass
Fenton, MI
Nursing
Cum Laude

Madison Danielle Duncan
Bellefontaine, OH
Nursing

Madeleine Dyro
Jacksonville, FL
Nursing

Madeleine Louise Eckrich
Granger, IN
Nursing
Magna Cum Laude

Shelby Ashton Franken
Trivoli, IL
Nursing
Summa Cum Laude

Sarah Margaret Cerullo Frick
Hershey, PA
Nursing

Lily Elizabeth Golden
Chicago, IL
Nursing

Shannon Goyette
Naperville, IL
Nursing

Grace E. Graziano
Lake Forest, IL
Nursing

Tess Isabella Gresik
Brookfield, IL
Nursing

Molly Frances Griffin
Indianapolis, IN
Nursing
Cum Laude

Natalie Alysa Hall
Granger, IN
Nursing

Alexus M. Irwin
Niles, MI
Nursing

Madison E. Itzel
Gibsonia, PA
Nursing

Jenna Amy Jaskolka
Elkhart, IN
Nursing
Cum Laude

Hailey Joy Juricek
New Lenox, IL
Nursing

Katherine Mae Kedzior
New Lenox, IL
Nursing
Cum Laude

Emily M. Lieser
Palos Park, IL
Nursing

Margaret Anne Manning
Peoria, IL
Nursing

Elaina Mary Milani
Western Springs, IL
Nursing
Cum Laude

Taylor Leigh Murphy
Granger, IN
Nursing
Summa Cum Laude

Alma Merari Micol Nunez
South Bend, IN
Nursing
Cum Laude

Reagan Elsa Payson
Oshkosh, WI
Nursing

Anna Rose Petersen
Joliet, IL
Nursing

Zowie Autumn Genevev Powell
South Bend, IN
Nursing

Alexis Reid
South Bend, IN
Nursing

Reyna Kateri Reyes
Hammond, IN
Nursing

Kassandra Richmond
Niles, MI
Nursing

Valeria E. Rojas
El Paso, TX
Nursing

Taylor McKenna Ryan-Sizemore
South Bend, IN
Nursing
Magna Cum Laude

Aubrey Nichole Saros
Elkhart, IN
Nursing
Magna Cum Laude

Julianne M. Severyn
Naperville, IL
Nursing
Cum Laude

Haylee Calin Shahan
South Bend, IN
Nursing

Jadyn Elisabeth Simperman
Orangevale, CA
Nursing
Cum Laude

Kathleen Marie Soller
Greenwood, IN
Nursing
Cum Laude

Isabella Thompson-Davoli
Amelia Island, FL
Nursing

Briana Susan Tobin
Westmont, IL
Nursing

Rachel Weese
Charleston, WV
Nursing
Magna Cum Laude

Lauren Cecilia Wood
Indianapolis, IN
Nursing

Stamatia Carolyn Zembillas
Cedar Lake, IN
Nursing

The Degree of Bachelor of Social Work

Jani Lynn-Marie Bennett
Niles, MI
Social Work
Summa Cum Laude

Caroline Margaret Christian
Lake Saint Louis, MO
Social Work

Meghan M. Daly
La Porte, IN
Social Work/Global Studies
Cum Laude

Natalee Nicole Davidson
Kansas City, KS
Social Work

Brianna Marie Deitz
Chadds Ford, PA
Social Work

Serena Marie Fernandez
Chicago, IL
Social Work

Gabriella Goss
Elkhart, IN
Social Work

Vanessa Gunter
Fort Wayne, IN
Social Work

Vanessa Marie Hawkins
Wheaton, IL
Social Work
Cum Laude

Jenna Paige Henricks
Fort Wayne, IN
Social Work
Summa Cum Laude

Lauren Elizabeth Honkamp
Rockford, IL
Social Work
Summa Cum Laude
Co-Valedictorian

Alyson Marie Jeeves
Las Vegas, NV
Social Work

Emily Elizabeth Karalus
Manhattan, IL
Social Work
Cum Laude

Ciara Siobhan McAleer
Arlington Heights, IL
Social Work

Hannah Elizabeth McKercher
South Lyon, MI
Social Work
Magna Cum Laude

Jenifer Narvaez Melo
Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico
Social Work
Magna Cum Laude

Karime Sanchez
Waukegan, IL
Social Work

Zoe Shepherd
Harbor Springs, MI
Social Work/Spanish
Magna Cum Laude

*SDM- Student-Designed Major

Honors

Department Awards

Art

Saint Luke’s Medal – Linda (Lili) Payne and Hannah Toepp

Sister Edna Service Award – Hannah Curl

Biology

Mother M. Rose Elizabeth, CSC Award – Campbell Washer

Sister M. Rosaleen Dunleavy, CSC Award – Margaret Cicchiello

George and Juanda Bick Nature Award – Valerie Eddington

Business Administration and Economics

Frank A. Yeandel Service Award – Alaina Strafford

Jerome L. McElroy Outstanding Achievement Award – Bernadette Niehaus

Academic Achievement Award – Grace Floerchinger and Katherine O’Hara

Achievement Award (Accounting) – Mollie Gniadek

Achievement Award (Economics) – Grace Floerchinger

Achievement Award (Finance) – Katherine O’Hara

Achievement Award (Management) – Meara Mahoney

Academic Achievement Award (Management Information Systems) – Meredith Heckert

Academic Achievement Award (Marketing) – Bernadette Niehaus

Ernst & Young Award – Lillian Rumley

Deloitte Award – Mollie Gniadek

Crowe Horwath Award– Abigail Tobias

PricewaterhouseCoopers Award – Viviana Penaloza

Chemistry and Physics

Mother M. Rose Elizabeth, CSC Award – Megan Geiler and Madison Jurgovan

Richard Tarara Academic Excellence in Physics Award – Claire Alonzo

The F.Lee Benton Exceptional Service and Research in Physics Award – Kyra Obert

Communication Studies, Dance, and Theatre

Ann Plamondon Award for Excellence in Communication Studies – Natalia Speedon

Terpsichorean Award for Excellence in Dance – Meara Mahoney

Excellence in Theatre Award – Abigail Pinnow

Education

Mary A. McDermott Award – Rachel Crawfis and Megan Shanebrook

Mary (Mimi) Cabrini Doherty Junior Elementary Education Award – Peyton Buss ’23

IACTE Outstanding Future Educators Award – Sarah Bub, Alexia Flores, Hannah Memmer, and Winifred (Winnie) Tomsheck

Schmuhl Early Childhood Education Award – Isabella Bertrand and Magdiel Perez ’23

Grace Sullivan McGuire Award – Catherine (Kitty) O’Neill

English

Elisabeth A. Noel Literature Prize – Kelly Harig

The Laura Haigwood Literary Citizenship Prize – Anna Keller

The Laurie A. Lesniewski Creative Writing Award – Anna Noone

Environmental Studies

Environmental Studies Award – Abigail Knopps

Gender and Women’s Studies

Mary Frances Eder Halpin Award in Gender and Women’s Studies – Sophia Sanchez and Yvette Santos

Global Studies

Outstanding Achievement in Global Studies – Allyson Emmett

Outstanding Senior Comprehensive Award in Global Studies – Hannah Finley

History

Martha Montgomery Schurz Memorial Award for Excellence in History – Kaley Gresham

Martha Montgomery Schurz Memorial Award for Excellence in the Senior Seminar Research Paper – Kaley Gresham

Martha Montgomery Schurz Memorial Award for Excellence in Writing in the Women’s History Program – Winifred (Winnie) Tomscheck

Humanistic Studies

Thomas More Award – Elise Fahrenbach and Marirose Osborne

Mathematics

Milko Jeglic Award – Emily Tobias

Elizabeth Lin Lo Award – Abigail Houser ’23

Donald E. Miller Award – Sarah Bub, Claire Hennessy, and Miranda Hettinger

Modern Languages

Leonilda Francesca Acerra and Dominico Enrico Christofaro Award in Italian – Nadia Hartman and Alma Nunez

Anne Cashore Borjas Award in Spanish – Allyson Emmett

The Bayhouse-Marcy Award in French – Akpedze Balo

Music

Emma Krost Eder Award for Musical Excellence – Catherine (Kitty) O’Neill

Nursing Science

Evelyn McGuiness Award for Excellence in Nursing – Reagan Payson

Humanitarian in Nursing Award – Alma Nunez

DNP Daisy Award – Desmond Atem

Outstanding DNP Practice Innovation Project Award – Kathryn Vera

Political Science

Juliette Noone Lester Award – Molly Mirabelli

Psychology

Animating Spirit Award – Sydney Stoeckle

Joseph Miller Outstanding Scholarship Award – Molly Mirabelli and Eliana Sanchez

Religious Studies

Helen Carroll Award – Molly Soper 

Social Work and Gerontology

Academic Excellence Award – Lauren Honkamp

Leadership Award – Jenna Henricks and Zoe Shepherd

Josephine Murphy Kuhl Research Award – Jani Bennett, Serena Fernandez, and Jenifer Narvaez Melo

Kristi A. Morris Award – Vanessa Gunter

Sociology

Sociology Award – Alexis Jozwiak and Yvette Santos

Speech Language Pathology

Ancora Imparo Award – Margaret Devitt

Carolyn S. Langley Award (Graduate Program) – Krystal Coronado 

College Awards

Mary Ellen Smith Academic and Athletic Achievement Award Bridget Kane

Saint Mary’s College Alumnae Association 2022 Outstanding Senior Award Sophia Sanchez

Kappa Gamma Pi

National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society

Catherine Alberts

Claire Alonzo

Megan Anderson

Lauren Bock

Sarah Bub

Margaret Cicchiello

Margaret Devitt

Madison Drass

Allyson Emmett

Laura Fehr

Shelby Franken

Mollie Gniadek

Vanessa Hawkins

Emily Karalus

Katherine Kedzior

Emily Licygiewicz

Eleanor Lynch

Mary Mansfield

Lea Bin Markowski

Molly Mirabelli

Taylor Murphy

Katherine O’Hara

Eliana Sanchez

Julia Sanchez

Aubrey Saros

Zoe Shepherd

Kathleen Soller

Rose Stackhouse

Rebecca Stella

Riley Swope

Marianna Szukala

Emily Tobias

Campbell Washer

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.  

The Belles of Saint Mary's

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.

Visitor Info
Visitor Info
Class of 2022
Class of 2022
Speaker and Honorees
Speaker and Honorees
2022 Valedictorians
2022 Valedictorians

The Class of 2022

  • Amanda Acosta I will always cherish the memories I have had with my sister and new family I made here at SMC Amanda Acosta ’22 Psychology
  • Neelofar Ahmad I have been blessed to find another family here on campus. Saint Mary's has welcomed me with open arms and it has been a wonderful journey of discovering myself and finding a second family that I will always be grateful for. I am leaving a piece of my heart as I leave. Neelofar Ahmad ’22 Global Studies
  • Sheridan Allen I love the community at Saint Mary’s. I always run into someone I know and it brightens my day. The girls at Saint Mary’s have made my college experience so memorable and I’m so thankful! Sheridan Allen ’22 Psychology
  • Claire Alonzo Next year, I will be finishing my B.S. in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Notre Dame. Claire Alonzo ’22 Physics
  • Mohra Leigh Anderson I will be attending the ESTEEM program at the University of Notre Dame in June. Mohra Leigh Anderson ’22 Music and Interdisciplinary Self-Designed Major - ISDM
  • Megan Anderson After graduating from Saint Mary's College , I will be pursuing a J.D. Degree at Northern Illinois University College of Law. Megan Anderson ’22 Philosophy and Political Science
  • Alexandria Baxter Arkwright What I love most about Saint Mary's is the people it has brought into my life and the lessons I have learned that will stay with me long after I graduate. Saint Mary’s College will always be a home to me! Alexandria Baxter Arkwright ’22 Nursing
  • Desmond Atem My words of wisdom are: know your why, trust the process, stay disciplined. Desmond Atem ’22 DNP Family Nurse Practitioner
  • McKailey Colin Bathurst I have accepted a full-time teaching position at a private school in Whiting, IN. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and passion of music with the students. McKailey Colin Bathurst ’22 Music Education
  • Brianna Bickel My advice for others is when times feel tough, be at peace knowing that Saint Mary’s is on your team and there are many resources available to help you. Just reach out. Brianna Bickel ’22 Business Administration
  • Cassie Birkmeier Next up, I will be attending Indiana University to pursue my Doctorate in Audiology! Cassie Birkmeier ’22 Speech Language Pathology
  • Sydney Jean Bleich I want to say to others, don’t wait until you’ve reached your goal to be proud of yourself. Be proud of every step you take toward reaching that goal. Sydney Jean Bleich ’22 Sociology