Thank you for joining us for the Saint Mary's College 178th Commencement. Congratulations to all of our graduates and their families!

Welcome to the 178th 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
Julia Zusi ’25
Invocation
Maureen Karnatz Smith ’85
Chair, Board of Trustees
Welcome
Katie Conboy, Ph.D.
President
Lumen Christi Award
Katie Conboy
Madeleva Award
Colleen M. Hoover, Ph.D.
Associate Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies
Presentation of Valedictorian Medals
Megan Zwart, Ph.D.
Interim Provost and Vice President
Kathryn Clem
Molly Minick
Piper Ogden
Bridget Walicki
Valedictory Address
Kathryn Clem
Citations for Honorary Degrees
Megan Zwart
Commencement Address
Mary McAleese, Ph.D.
Citations for Graduate and Undergraduate Degrees in Course
Megan Zwart
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
Tenley Edvardsen ’25
Recession
Guests are asked to remain seated until the recession is complete.
Class of 2025
The Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice
Mary Therese Auber
Portage, MI
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Dr. Sue Anderson
Sandeep K. Bains
Indianapolis, IN
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Dr. Sue Anderson
Colleen Mary Bonser
Livonia, MI
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Dr. Nicole Mentag
Hannah Chenoweth
Hobe Sound, FL
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Dr. Lori Pajakowski
Danielle Renee Dobe
Crown Point, IN
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Dr. Nicole Mentag
Leigh Hannah Flegge-Schlie
Fort Wayne, IN
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Dr. Sue Anderson
Lauren Brianne Kinniry
Fort Wayne, IN
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Dr. Nicole Mentag
Antonia Marie McIntyre
Fernandina Beach, FL
Adult Gerontology Acute Care
Director: Dr. Daniela Edson
Kendra Elizabeth Osinski
Orange, CT
Adult Gerontology Acute Care
Director: Dr. Daniela Edson
Allison Thome Spruell
Valparaiso, IN
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Dr. Lori Pajakowski
Taylor Alexis Torres
Mishawaka, IN
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Dr. Lori Pajakowski
Kathleen Mary White
Chicago, IL
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director: Dr. Nicole Mentag
The Degree of Master of Science
Claire Delaney Bartz
Niles, MI
Speech Language Pathology
Rachel Borg
South Bend, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Yshel Brito Azcatl
Phoenix, AZ
Speech Language Pathology
Claire Marie Brogan
Valparaiso, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Lauren Elizabeth DeVries
Grand Rapids, MI
Speech Language Pathology
Grace Kelley Enright
Palos Heights, IL
Data Science
Sarah Hagen
Evansville, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Sarah Dorothy Harman
Mattawan, MI
Data Science
Luann Hernandez-Montaño
Elkhart, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Alyssa Paige Himschoot
South Bend, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Andie Larissa Kizer
Plymouth, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Elisabeth Anne Klinedinst
Grovertown, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Olivia Jean Mann
Indianapolis, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Anna Frances Martin
Iowa City, IA
Speech Language Pathology
Olivia Marie Miller
Stevensville, MI
Speech Language Pathology
Molly Kathryn Puglessi
Ada, MI
Speech Language Pathology
Britney Ann Rank
Elkhart, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Katrina Rose
Wolcottville, IN
Data Science
Bailey Lynne Siglow
Coloma, MI
Speech Language Pathology
Sofie Layne Stratton
South Bend, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Carly Lynn Tittle
Edwardsburg, MI
Speech Language Pathology
Hannah Mary Urbanski
Granger, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Jensen Weaver
Indianapolis, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Madeline Angela Yohon
Lexington, KY
Speech Language Pathology
The Degree of Master of Science in Nursing
Courtney Lauren Chookie
Warsaw, IN
Nursing
Annie Elizabeth Enrietto
Winnetka, IL
Nursing
Sadaf Iqbal
Granger, IN
Nursing
Brooke Elizabeth Montgomery
Godley, IL
Nursing
Skye Lynn Sharp
Granger, IN
Nursing
Anna T. Squires
Mishawaka, IN
Nursing
The Degree of Master of Social Work
Riley Kathryn Eviston
Peotone, IL
Clinical Social Work
Caroline Marie Jakalski
Schererville, IN
Clinical Social Work
Arianna Thelen Myler
Rockford, MI
Clinical Social Work
Mary Alessandra Noone
Alexandria, VA
Clinical Social Work
Isabela Kae Petitgout
Barrington, IL
Clinical Social Work
The Degree of Bachelor of Arts
Monica Belen Alvarez
Elkhart, IN
Art
Cum laude
Roseanne Elizabeth Androwich
Berwyn, IL
English Literature and Creative Writing
Emegdy Avila
Mesa, AZ
Psychology
Ana Victoria Baca
Plymouth, IN
Global Studies/Spanish
Summa Cum laude
Mary Margaret Bakke
Naperville, IL
Political Science/History
Cum laude
Jaida Beasley
Houston, TX
Physics
Maria Nicole Belcastro
Park Ridge, IL
English Literature
Grace Elizabeth Bennett
Ponte Vedra, FL
Communication Studies
Jessica Bickel
South Bend, IN
Sociology/Psychology
Cum laude
Claire Elizabeth Bossert
Cincinnati, OH
Speech Language Pathology
Cum laude
Rheanna Marie Brodbeck
Decatur, IN
Sociology
Julia Therese Bub
Saint Louis, MO
Speech Language Pathology
Magna Cum laude
Mary Lois Burke
Saint John, IN
Elementary Education
Cum laude
Jayda Andrea Capellan Velez
Glenview, IL
Communication Studies
Magna Cum laude
Emma Irene Caratini
Chesterton, IN
Elementary Education
Cum laude
Adare Daily Carmody
Canton, GA
Communication Studies
Ashley Bridget Chaveriat
Tinley Park, IL
Communication Studies
Cum laude
Sarah Olivia Clark
Shelbyville, IN
Humanistic Studies
Cum laude
Kathryn Dianne Clem
Fort Wayne, IN
Religious Studies/ISDM: Arts Innovation and Leadership
Summa Cum laude
Co-Valedictorian
Clare Elizabeth Clement
East Lansing, MI
Political Science
Magna Cum laude
Katelyn Margaret Clifford
Evergreen Park, IL
Elementary Education
Julia Sophia Colleran
Westfield, NJ
Humanistic Studies
Cum laude
Norah Elizabeth Como
Ipswich, MA
Religious Studies
Cum laude
Mary Therese Connelly
Grand Beach, MI
English Literature
Sydney Conway
Granger, IN
Elementary Education
Guadalupe Delgado
Chicago, IL
Speech Language Pathology/Spanish
Lily Michele DeYoung
Belmont, MI
Elementary Education
Magna Cum laude
Kylie Raine Downey
South Bend, IN
ISDM: Health and Human Services
Margaret Elise Dunn
Glastonbury, CT
Sociology/Statistical and Actuarial Mathematics
Summa Cum laude
Mary Caroline Dutton
Fort Collins, CO
History
Summa Cum laude
Tenley Edvardsen
Schererville, IN
Music
Katherine Enright
Chicago, IL
Creative Writing/Humanistic Studies
Magna Cum laude
Valentina Espinoza-Sanchez
Indianapolis, IN
ISDM: Performance and Social Behavior
Mary Therese Fean
Fort Wayne, IN
Elementary Education
Magna Cum laude
Chelsea Jeanne Fox
Shakopee, MN
ISDM: Entrepreneur
Lillian Rose Frey
Grand Rapids, MI
Speech Language Pathology
Magna Cum laude
Paige Lorainne Fuelling
Granger, IN
Economics
Summa Cum laude
Cassandra Galvan
South Bend, IN
Psychology
Cum laude
Habigail Lucia Garçon
Breinigsville, PA
Elementary Education
Cum laude
Olivia Gleason
Plainfield, IL
Psychology
Téa Audreanne Halamka
Watervliet, MI
Psychology
Elle Olivia Haney
Linden, MI
Communication Studies
Summa Cum laude
Margaret Mary Hansen
Palos Heights, IL
ISDM: Health and Human Services
Abigail Lee Harnisch
Oakton, VA
Elementary Education
Summa Cum laude
Katherine Harrington
Granger, IN
Elementary Education
Theresa Anne Hayes
Dallas, TX
Religious Studies/Communication Studies
Cum laude
Emma Heller
Park Ridge, IL
Elementary Education
Summa Cum laude
Ashley Helwig
Oak Forest, IL
Elementary Education
Makayla Lynn Hernandez
DeMotte, IN
ISDM: Horticultural Psychology
Maria F. Hernandez
Houston, TX
Sociology
Danielle Kalena Hongell
Fairfield, OH
Psychology
Elle Maxine Houin
Plymouth, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Magna Cum laude
Brigid Maria Hull
Mundelein, IL
English Literature/Humanistic Studies
Summa Cum laude
Joanna Maria James
Orland Park, IL
Psychology
Magna Cum laude
Sarah Elizabeth Jannings
Benton Harbor, MI
Communication Studies/Environmental Studies
Summa Cum laude
Leilani Alissa Jeffery
Redlands, CA
Psychology
Magna Cum laude
Mia Philomena Jenke
Broadview, IL
Communication Studies
Sophia Harper Johnson
Dayton, OH
History/Sociology
Summa Cum laude
Anaís Yasmine Juliano
Chesterton, IN
Economics/Spanish
Alexis Jurkowski
New Carlisle, IN
Psychology
Fiona Kathryn Kalsch
Arlington Heights, IL
Communication Studies
Cum laude
Abigail Anne Kawalec
Hammond, IN
Environmental Studies
Summa Cum laude
Samantha Parker Kazmierczak
Valparaiso, IN
Psychology
Michaela Noelle Key
Howell, NJ
Psychology
Adrianna Colette Koehler
Fort Wayne, IN
Political Science
Grace Elizabeth Leber
Westfield, IN
English Literature/Humanistic Studies/Philosophy
Summa Cum laude
Rebecca Renee Leith
Beaver, PA
Psychology
Cum laude
Jane Charlotte Linehan
Bay Village, OH
Speech Language Pathology
Cum laude
Isabell Mary Linus
Washington Crossing, PA
Environmental Studies
Marie Jane Lunne
Dayton, OH
Communication Studies
Magna Cum laude
Kaylen Joy Maat
Hudsonville, MI
Statistical and Actuarial Mathematics
Summa Cum laude
Kaitlyn Patricia Magoonaugh
Ottawa, IL
Gender and Women's Studies/Sociology
Magna Cum laude
Julia Maria Mammolenti
South Bend, IN
Psychology
Devyn Frances Mangin
Frankfort, IL
Psychology
Allison Kaleigh Martin
Chesapeake, VA
Psychology
Abigayle Elizabeth Martinez
Elkhart, IN
Creative Writing
Cum laude
Meghan Katherine Martinez
Middletown, OH
Sociology
Amanda Nicole Massa
Saint John, IN
English Literature and Creative Writing
Cum laude
Sydney Gabrielle May
Grand Rapids, MI
Psychology/Communication Studies
Summa Cum laude
Jenna Rose Mayden
Crown Point, IN
Elementary Education
Summa Cum laude
Phoenix McClellan
Fishers, IN
Gender and Women's Studies/History
Magna Cum laude
Grace Alanna McEvoy
Clinton, OH
Statistical and Actuarial Mathematics
Hannah McGillian
Philadelphia, PA
Psychology
Morgan Rose McGuire
Orland Park, IL
Speech Language Pathology
Summa Cum laude
Mary Catherine McKenna
Morristown, NJ
Psychology
Ruby Meza
East Chicago, IN
Speech Language Pathology/Spanish
Summa Cum laude
Jaylah Eyrie Mickle
Burr Ridge, IL
Psychology
Isabel Grace Migan
East Lansing, MI
Political Science
Summa Cum laude
Madison Nicole Minick
New Haven, IN
Elementary Education
Magna Cum laude
Molly Katherine Champney Minick
Juneau, AK
Political Science
Summa Cum laude
Co-Valedictorian
Morgan Alexis Montgomery
Godley, IL
Psychology
Sofia A. Monzon
West Chicago, IL
Political Science
Thalia Marie Mora
Nappanee, IN
Political Science/Economics
Summa Cum laude
Hannah Elizabeth Mortensen
Cadillac, MI
Elementary Education
Clare Nicole Mula
Kokomo, IN
Environmental Studies
Summa Cum laude
Kathleen Theresa Mundy
Mooresville, NC
Communication Studies
Delaney Olivia Nold
Mount Prospect, IL
Speech Language Pathology
Cum laude
Chloe Blair Nosal
Fort Worth, TX
Communication Studies
Emily Joline Nye
Fennville, MI
Environmental Studies
Fiona Lyn O’Byrne
Grosse Pointe, MI
History/Philosophy
Jeanett Ochoa Olivas
Calexico, CA
Political Science
Cum laude
Grace Marie O’Dell
Plymouth, MI
Economics
Piper Alyson Ogden
Reynoldsburg, OH
Elementary Education
Summa Cum laude
Co-Valedictorian
Taylor A. Palmer
Dowagiac, MI
Political Science
Chloe Rain Papaevangelou
North Judson, IN
ISDM: Integrated Social Media Marketing Communication
Vincenza Filomena Paradiso
Columbus, OH
Art
Magna Cum laude
Hannah Park
Granger, IN
Secondary Education
Magna Cum laude
Shaina Parks
Milford, MI
Creative Writing
Sarai Perez
Yuma, AZ
Sociology
Giana Markie Perns
Chicago, IL
Psychology
Cum laude
Molly Marie Perns
Mokena, IL
Communication Studies
Hannah Kathleen Phillips
Berlin Heights, OH
Art
Magna Cum laude
Elyssa Grace Pickett-Klimek
Lockport, IL
Speech Language Pathology
Summa Cum laude
Magdalena Pujals
Roswell, GA
Economics
Annalyn Pupke
Malverne, NY
Speech Language Pathology
Moira Renee Quinn
La Grange Park, IL
Communication Studies
Tiffany Ragsdale
Granger, IN
Elementary Education
Kayli Revett
Traverse City, MI
Psychology
Magna Cum laude
Catherine Reynoso
Bremen, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Summa Cum laude
Addison Jean Rivera
Tinley Park, IL
Speech Language Pathology/Psychology
Elizabeth A. Rogers
Peru, IN
Economics/Humanistic Studies
Magna Cum laude
Valentina A. Rubio
Wayland, MI
Psychology
Alexandrea Nicole Sanders
La Porte, IN
Creative Writing/History
Summa Cum laude
Brittney Madison Sanders
La Porte, IN
Creative Writing/History
Summa Cum laude
Leann Nicole Saul
Kokomo, IN
Sociology
Summa Cum laude
Kathleen Scheidler
Granger, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Cum laude
Madison Marie Sexton
New Buffalo, MI
Political Science/Spanish
Taylor Sharpe
Mishawaka, IN
Art
Leeanna Marie Silkworth
Battle Creek, MI
Psychology/Sociology/Humanistic Studies
Magna Cum laude
Julie A. Sims
Castaic, CA
English Literature and Creative Writing
Summa Cum laude
Katelyn Grace Sizemore
Michigan City, IN
Speech Language Pathology/Gender and Women's Studies
Summa Cum laude
Haley Elise Smith
Valparaiso, IN
Elementary Education
Morgan Isabella Springer
South Bend, IN
Elementary Education
Elizabeth Grace Stone
Winona Lake, IN
Philosophy/Psychology
Cum laude
Sierra Stone
Brentwood, CA
Sociology
Fionnuala Mary Sullivan
West Hartford, CT
Communication Studies
Cum laude
Marie Elizabeth Swain
South Bend, IN
Speech Language Pathology
Eleanor Marie Sweeney
Homer, AK
Psychology
Magna Cum laude
Mariana Taskey
Kokomo, IN
ISDM: Film
Magna Cum laude
Shay Rebecca Theile
Grand Rapids, MI
Communication Studies
Summa Cum laude
Katherine Clare Theriault
Perrysburg, OH
Speech Language Pathology
Magna Cum laude
Mary Elise Udani
Schererville, IN
English Literature and Creative Writing/Psychology
Sarah Elizabeth Vicari
Hobart, IN
Art
Shamira Araceli Villaverde Manzur
Charlotte, NC
Psychology/Spanish
Sarah Wardlow
Orland Park, IL
Mathematics/Secondary Education
Cum laude
Evelyn Weaver
Mishawaka, IN
Philosophy
Magna Cum laude
Hallie Marie Weaver
Davenport, IA
Speech Language Pathology
Summa Cum laude
Mairi Muir Macomber Weber-Hess
South Bend, IN
History
Chloe Westrate
Chicago, IL
Philosophy
Summa Cum laude
Breanna Wettergren
Westville, IN
History/Creative Writing
Catherine Mary-Grace Whittier
Elburn, IL
English Literature and Creative Writing
Cum laude
Hollie Tranae Williams
Chicago, IL
Psychology
Cum laude
Angelina Monjaes-Loryn Wright
Covington, LA
Political Science/Philosophy
Addison Nicole Wurster
Saint Joseph, MI
Art/Communication Studies
Elizabeth Jean Louise Wyatt
Mishawaka, IN
Sociology/Neuroscience
Cum laude
Evangelina Mae Yarber
Shelbyville, IN
English Literature/Humanistic Studies
Magna Cum laude
Emma Zmudzinski
Granger, IN
Art
The Degree of Bachelor of Business Administration
Anne Carolyn Adams
Libertyville, IL
Business Administration/Economics
Summa Cum laude
Cali Jordan Allen
Berrien Springs, MI
Business Administration
Magna Cum laude
Claire Bettag
Saint Charles, IL
Business Administration
Brooke Elizabeth Bierovic
Tinley Park, IL
Accounting
Cum laude
Lindsey Chaveriat
Tinley Park, IL
Marketing
Cum laude
Itavi Cruz-Hernandez
Niles, MI
Accounting
Shelby Lynn Dellasandro
Cranston, RI
Marketing
Catherine Suzanne Doherty
Olmsted Falls, OH
Marketing
Cum laude
Karina Duenas
Dallas, TX
Business Administration
Breanna Eafon
Dallas, TX
Business Administration
Isabella Marie Viola Fischer
Medina, OH
Business Administration/Economics
Summa Cum laude
Maureen Catherine Galvin
Lake Orion, MI
Marketing
Magna Cum laude
Laura Elizabeth Golubski
Niles, MI
Marketing
Paige Karena Hahn
Ada, MI
Accounting/Spanish
Magna Cum laude
Aubrey Anne Hoff
Orland Park, IL
Marketing
Cum laude
Megan Houlihan
Orland Park, IL
Marketing
Magna Cum laude
Abigail Elizabeth Houttekier
Elkhart, IN
Accounting
Sian Arielle Lis
McKinney, TX
Business Administration
Cum laude
Paige Lyons
Hinsdale, IL
Business Administration
Lauren Marie McIntyre
Troy, MI
Business Administration/Spanish
Summa Cum laude
Kathrine Lucille Meier
Greenwood, IN
Accounting
Cum laude
Kacie Louise Mohan
Elkhart, IN
Accounting
Summa Cum laude
Diana Moreno
Phoenix, AZ
Business Administration
Jennifer Neff
South Bend, IN
Accounting
Cum laude
Yoselin Susana Ochoa Zelaya
Elkhart, IN
Business Administration
Cum laude
Elizabeth Pahl
Fenton, MI
Business Administration
Cum laude
Jada June Pham
Grand Rapids, MI
Marketing
Summa Cum laude
Jocelyn Marie Porter
West Linn, OR
Business Administration/Environmental Studies
Magna Cum laude
Mari Elizabeth Pritulsky
Kure Beach, NC
Business Administration
Alexis Marie Rauch
Cassopolis, MI
Accounting
Cum laude
Cadyn Reger
Fenton, MI
Marketing
Magna Cum laude
Sheridan Kate Riva
Lancaster, PA
Marketing
Magna Cum laude
Shannon Mary Russell
Grand Rapids, MI
Accounting
Magna Cum laude
Sydney Skarbek
Niles, MI
Business Administration
Cum laude
Delaney Lee Spearing
Frankfort, IL
Accounting
Magna Cum laude
Andrea Vera Liévano
Mexico City, Mexico
Marketing/Global Studies
Magna Cum laude
Bridget Susan Walicki
Jackson, MI
Accounting
Summa Cum laude
Co-Valedictorian
Margaret Maureen Walsh
Grand Haven, MI
Accounting
Magna Cum laude
Hannah Josephine Weese
Charleston, WV
Business Administration
Molly Witkop
Massena, NY
Business Administration
Magna Cum laude
The Degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts
Christiana Sarah Singler
Louisville, KY
The Degree of Bachelor of Music
Emilia Watson
Columbia, TN
Music Education
Julia Zusi
South Bend, IN
Music Education
Summa Cum laude
The Degree of Bachelor of Science
Maria Jose Alas Diaz
Tampa, FL
Neuroscience
Emily Eileen Andrina
Cassopolis, MI
Biology
Magna Cum laude
Emegdy Avila
Mesa, AZ
Biology
Grace Barresi
South Elgin, IL
Biology
Susanna Joan Bernovich
South Milwaukee, WI
Neuroscience
Cum laude
Catherine Elizabeth Blum
Elmhurst, IL
Computing and Applied Mathematics
Cody Nicole Brown
Gloucester, VA
Physics and Applied Mathematics
Summa Cum laude
Julia Therese Bub
Saint Louis, MO
Chemistry
Magna Cum laude
Addisyn Brilynn Camadeca
Valparaiso, IN
Chemistry
Sarah Elizabeth Cimoch
South Bend, IN
Neuroscience
Olivia Grace Coyne
Plainfield, IL
Biology
Cum laude
Kathryn Chau Cruz
Northbrook, IL
Computing and Applied Mathematics
Cum laude
Megan Kay Dieckmann
Mishawaka, IN
Chemistry
Cum laude
Grace Christina Dillon
Indianapolis, IN
Mathematics
Cum laude
Bridget Mary Donovan
Grand Rapids, MI
Chemistry
Sarah Elizabeth Fitzgerald
Shelbyville, IN
Computing and Applied Mathematics
Nora A. Foley
Elmhurst, IL
Chemistry
Isabella Rose Gaborek
Johnstown, PA
Biology
Magna Cum laude
Angelina Grohovsky
Powell, OH
Biology
Magna Cum laude
Lauren Mariam Gumma
Troy, MI
Biology
Cum laude
Isabela Grace Guthrie Beckstrom
Houston, TX
Statistical and Actuarial Mathematics
Summa Cum laude
Cora Haddad
Holt, MI
Computing and Applied Mathematics
Abigail Elizabeth Hanson
Atlanta, GA
Biology
Kieran Sleight Hay
Hingham, MA
Physics
Miah Hudson
Rome City, IN
Mathematics
Kathleen Therese Hurley
Parker, CO
Computing and Applied Mathematics
Madeline Elaine James
Granger, IN
Biology
Cum laude
Grace DonnaDee Johnston
Corpus Christi, TX
Biology
Cum laude
Georgette Ann Kersman
North Muskegon, MI
Neuroscience
Magna Cum laude
Ellen Michaela Kevin
Chicago, IL
Statistical and Actuarial Mathematics
Magna Cum laude
Olivia Rose Lampani
Grand Rapids, MI
Biology
Cum laude
Teagan Bay Mattox
Angola, IN
Biology
Magna Cum laude
Alexis Rose Miller
Plymouth, MI
Chemistry
Natalie Grace Moore
Goshen, IN
Computing and Applied Mathematics
Magna Cum laude
Monique Morse
Goodrich, MI
Physics
Elizabeth Nelson
St. Joseph, MI
Neuroscience
Ashleigh Marie Niemczyk
O'Fallon, MO
Mathematics
Kayra Aisyah Nugroho
South Bend, IN
Computing and Applied Mathematics
Anna Orendain
Houston, TX
Chemistry
Erin Alanna O'Rourke
Tucson, AZ
Biology
Samantha Rose Pajak
Battle Creek, MI
Biology
Elizabeth S. Parker
Hastings, MI
Chemistry
Zoe A. Pfenning
Ligonier, IN
Biology
Grace Elizabeth Renschen
Saint John, IN
Neuroscience
Magna Cum laude
Madeline Rose Reynolds
Evergreen Park, IL
Biology
Cum laude
Aria Richards
Watervliet, MI
Chemistry
Sydney Marie Sanders
Granger, IN
Mathematics
Brooke Anne Schroeder
Findlay, OH
Neuroscience
Julia Christine Schutz
Dyer, IN
Chemistry
Summa Cum laude
Anna Marie Schwegel
Peoria, IL
Biology
Judith Guadalupe Sital
Fort Worth, TX
Chemistry
Mary Katherine Smith
Angola, IN
Chemistry
Magna Cum laude
Kara J. Stacey
Grand Rapids, MI
Biology
Magna Cum laude
Kennedy Nicole Szabo
Granger, IN
Biology
Eduarda Tartarella Nascimento
São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Biology
Summa Cum laude
Abigail Rose Tietema
Grand Rapids, MI
Biology
Katelyn Kristine Tokarz
Northville, MI
Mathematics
Magna Cum laude
Katherine Alexandria Valdez
Fort Wayne, IN
Biology
Raegan Jean Van Duyne
Wilmington, IL
Biology
Lucy Charlotte Wasserman
Northbrook, IL
Biology
Magna Cum laude
Meghan Ellise Westman
Belmont, MI
Biology
Magna Cum laude
Olivia Lauren Wright
Spring Lake, MI
Biology
Cum laude
The Degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Ciera Abner
Granger, IN
Nursing
Cum laude
Lydia Marguerite Alexander
Dayton, OH
Nursing
Cum laude
Riley A. Lindsey Bardol
Valparaiso, IN
Nursing
Lucy Elizabeth Brown
Louisville, KY
Nursing
Summa Cum laude
Megan Jennifer Brown
Battle Creek, MI
Nursing
Cum laude
Alayna Marie Campbell
Granger, IN
Nursing
Magna Cum laude
Andrea Grace Cannaday
Indianapolis, IN
Nursing
Cum laude
Sincere Arie Cannon
Gary, IN
Nursing
Magna Cum laude
Vanessa Celis
Elkhart, IN
Nursing
Magna Cum laude
Karina Nikole Cenkush
Osceola, IN
Nursing
Meghan Anne Chase
Chicago, IL
Nursing
Eileen Barbara Coyle
Evergreen Park, IL
Nursing
Fionnuala Ann Elisabeth Criswell-Carder
Columbus, OH
Nursing
Anna Grace Ebert
Fenton, MI
Nursing
Magna Cum laude
Erin Grace Fitzgerald
Chicago, IL
Nursing
Cum laude
Magdalen Grace France
Wabash, IN
Nursing
Ava Gante
Stuttgart, Germany
Nursing
Isabella Lena Gardini
South Bend, IN
Nursing
Caroline Patricia Gault
Verona, NJ
Nursing
Brooke Erin Geary
Mokena, IL
Nursing
Summa Cum laude
Nathaly Gonzalez
Mishawaka, IN
Nursing
Cum laude
Kaitlyn Gornik
Indianapolis, IN
Nursing
Cum laude
Emily Katherine Herman
Chicago, IL
Nursing
Cum laude
Briana Eileen Houpt
Portage, IN
Nursing
Summa Cum laude
Amy Elizabeth Johnson
Orland Park, IL
Nursing
Mary Grace Kaczynski
South Bend, IN
Nursing
Magna Cum laude
Molly Morgan Kearns
Los Angeles, CA
Nursing
Kaitlyn Grace King
Naperville, IL
Nursing
Cum laude
Fiona Claire Lanahan
Pittsford, NY
Nursing
Margaret Mary Lawler
Lemont, IL
Nursing
Francesca Davina Lio
Lemont, IL
Nursing
Kathryn Alise Lukas
Old Saybrook, CT
Nursing
Morgan Kathryn Mahaney
Grand Rapids, MI
Nursing
Magna Cum laude
McKenzie Lee McDaniel
Portage, MI
Nursing
Lydia Love Mencl
Lawton, MI
Nursing
Magna Cum laude
Alivia Marie Monaco
Monroe, CT
Nursing
Elena Renee Orians
Mishawaka, IN
Nursing
Magna Cum laude
Victoria Lynn Parent
Fort Wayne, IN
Nursing
Marissa Nicole Schneider
Dyer, IN
Nursing
Emma Nicole Schroeder
Osceola, IN
Nursing
Ava Lilly Schuldt
New Lenox, IL
Nursing
Summa Cum laude
Abigail Rose Seaton
Springfield, IL
Nursing
Allison Marie Shears
Valparaiso, IN
Nursing
Magna Cum laude
Katelyn Shelby
Bristol, IN
Nursing
Catherine Rita Speybroeck
South Bend, IN
Nursing
Carolyn Rose Steigmeyer
Fort Wayne, IN
Nursing
Magna Cum laude
Ellie Grace Stumpf
Greenwood, IN
Nursing
Cum laude
Anna Topping
Niles, MI
Nursing
Monica Joan Ugo
Indianapolis, IN
Nursing
Cum laude
Anna Maria Vasta
South Bend, IN
Nursing
Emma Cate Welstead
Marietta, GA
Nursing
The Degree of Bachelor of Social Work
Courtney Anne Bean
South Bend, IN
Social Work
Hailey Marie Casares
Morocco, IN
Social Work
Aaren Hope Chavez Fernandez
Clovis, CA
Social Work
Sydney Kay Madden
Geneva, IL
Social Work
Magna Cum laude
Jenna Christine Neeley
Lowell, IN
Social Work
Eliana Mae Oviedo
South Bend, IN
Social Work
Magna Cum laude
Jasmyne Jalyell Townsend
Hudsonville, MI
Social Work
Honors
Department Awards
Art
Saint Luke’s Medal – Monica Alvarez and Vincenza “Vinni” Paradiso
Sister Edna Service Award – Hannah Phillips
Biology
Mother M. Rose Elizabeth, CSC Award – Emegdy Avila and Grace Johnston
Sister M. Rosaleen Dunleavy, CSC Award – Kara Stacey and Eduarda Tartarella Nascimento
Business Administration and Economics
Frank A. Yeandel Service Award – Cadyn Reger
Jerome L. McElroy Outstanding Achievement Award – Kacie Mohan
Academic Achievement Award – Bridget Walicki
Achievement Award (Accounting) – Bridget Walicki
Achievement Award (Economics) – Anne Adams
Achievement Award (Finance) – Isabella Fischer
Achievement Award (Management) – Lauren McIntyre
Achievement Award (Management Information Systems) – Molly Witkop
Academic Achievement Award (Marketing) – Sheridan Riva
Chemistry and Physics
Mother M. Rose Elizabeth, CSC Award – Megan Dieckmann and Mary “Katie” Smith
American Institute of Chemists Award – Julia Schutz
Richard Tarara Academic Excellence in Physics Award – Monique Morse
The F.Lee Benton Exceptional Service and Research in Physics Award – Monique Morse
Communication Studies, Dance, and Theatre
Ann Plamondon Award for Excellence in Communication Studies – Elle Haney and Sarah Jannings
Communication Studies Service Award – Jayda Capellan
Terpsichorean Award for Excellence in Dance – Jayda Capellan
Education
Mary A. McDermott Award – Jenna Mayden and Madison Minick
Grace Sullivan McGuire Secondary Education Award - Julia Zusi
IACTE Outstanding Future Educators Award – Sarah Fairbank, Mary Fean, Abigail Harnisch and Sarah Wardlow
Schmuhl Early Childhood Education Award – Abigail “Abbie” Harnisch
English
Elisabeth A. Noel Literature Prize – Grace Leber
The Laura Haigwood Literary Citizenship Prize – Julie Sims and Catherine Whittier
The Laurie A. Lesniewski Creative Writing Award – Julie Sims
Environmental Studies
Environmental Studies Award – Abigail “Abbie” Kawalec and Clare Mula
Gender and Women’s Studies
Mary Frances Eder Halpin Award in Gender and Women’s Studies – Phoenix McClellan
Global Studies
Outstanding Achievement in Global Studies – Ana Baca
History
Martha Montgomery Schurz Memorial Award for Excellence in History – Sophia Johnson
Martha Montgomery Schurz Memorial Award for Excellence in the Senior Seminar Research Paper – Mary “Caroline” Dutton
Martha Montgomery Schurz Memorial Award for Excellence in Writing in the Women’s History Program – Phoenix McClellan
Humanistic Studies
Thomas More Award – Grace Leber
Mathematics
Milko Jeglic Award – Isabela Guthrie Beckstrom
Donald E. Miller Award – Katelyn Tokarz
Modern Languages
Leonilda Francesca Acerra and Dominico Enrico Christofaro Award in Italian – Alivia Monaco
Anne Cashore Borjas Award in Spanish – Ana Baca and Ruby Meza
The Bayhouse-Marcy Award in French – Mairi Weber-Hess and Chloe Westrate
Music
Emma Krost Eder Award for Musical Excellence – Julia Zusi
Nursing Science
Evelyn McGuiness Award for Excellence in Nursing – Sincere Cannon
Humanitarian in Nursing Award – Magdalen France
Sister Maureen Grady, CSC, Spirit of Nursing Award (MSN) – Brooke Montgomery
MSN Award for Academic Excellence – Annie Enrietto
DNP Daisy Award – Mary Auber
Outstanding DNP Practice Innovation Project Award – Leigh Flegge-Schlie
Philosophy
Award for Excellence in Philosophical Writing – Chloe Westrate
Political Science
Juliette Noone Lester Award – Thalia Mora
Psychology
Animating Spirit Award – Leeanna Silkworth and Eleanor Sweeney
Joseph Miller Outstanding Scholarship Award – Emegdy Avila, Joanna James, Sydney May and Kayli Revett
Religious Studies
Helen M. Carroll Award – Kathryn “Katie” Clem
Social Work and Gerontology
Academic Excellence Award – Eliana Oviedo
Leadership Award – Hailey Casares and Sydney Madden
Josephine Murphy Kuhl Research Award – Aaren Fernandez
Kristi A. Morris Award – Jenna Neeley
Gerontology Award – Caroline Gault
Gerontology Leadership Award – Sydney Madden
Gerontology Academic Award – Katherine Theriault
MSW Outstanding Student Leadership Award – Arianna Myler
Sociology
Donald N.M. Horning Award – Leann Saul
Sociology Award – Margaret “Maggie” Dunn
Speech Language Pathology
Ancora Imparo Award – Katelyn Sizemore
Carolyn S. Langley Award (Graduate Program) – Sarah Hagen
College Awards
Mary Ellen Smith Academic and
Athletic Achievement Award
Katelyn Tokarz
Saint Mary’s College Alumnae Association
2025 Outstanding Senior Award
Sincere Cannon
Kappa Gamma Pi
National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society
Monica Alvarez
Lucy Brown
Andrea Cannaday
Sincere Cannon
Jayda Capellan
Kathryn Clem
Lillian Frey
Nathaly Gonzalez
Kaitlyn Gornik
Angelina Grohovsky
Theresa Hayes
Emily Herman
Sarah Jannings
Georgette Kersman
Kaitlyn King
Kaitlyn Magoonaugh
Morgan McGuire
Jeanett Ochoa
Piper Ogden
Elena Orians
Elizabeth Pahl
Jocelyn Porter
Grace Renschen
Madeline Reynolds
Leann Saul
Allison Shears
Katelyn Sizemore
Kara Stacey
Eduarda Tartarella
Nascimento Andrea
Vera Liévano
Lucy Wasserman
Hallie Weaver
Meghan Westman
Chloe Westrate
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
Lorraine Sheehan Wilson ’85
Vice Chair
Colleen Flynn Roohan ’85
Secretary
Mary McEnery Harding ’84
Treasurer
Katie Conboy
Sister Veronica A. Fajardo, CSC
Sister Vanessa Cruz Ferreira, CSC
Donald R. Fischer
Jessica Brinker Foster ’08
Gregoire Gallant
Sister Taposi Gomes, CSC
Sister Judith Hallock, CSC ’65
Anaís Y. Juliano ’25
Fr. Stephen Katsouros, SJ
Reverend Paul V. Kollman, CSC
Susan Olney Latham ’91
Jacqueline Leskovec ’74
Michael J. Mathile
Theresa Sullivan Norton ’92
Tina M. Patton
Jennifer Mathile Prikkel ’95
Linda Schultz Salvi ’79
William J. Schmuhl Jr.*
Amy C. Shelly ’91
Christine Ashford Swanson
Jill Tiefenthaler ’87
Kimberlyn Martin Troy ’00
Kathleen Murphy Villano ’79
Sister Sharlet Ann Wagner, CSC
Sister Veronique Wiedower, CSC ’70
*Trustee Emeritus
Officers of the College
Katie Conboy, Ph.D.
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
Megan Zwart, Ph.D.
Interim Provost and Vice President
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
Erin Connelly
Susan Good
Susan Kletka
Lisa Knox
Mark Kubacki
Nicole Labadie
Grace Maher ’21
Thalia Mora ’25
Dan Patterson
Lisa Reed Peppers ’87
Adriana Petty ’01
Marc Poklinkowski
Sarah Pressey ’08
Melissa Rodriguez
H. Shay Jolly Schneider ’05
Jesse Vogel
Christine Weiler ’06
Juls White
Tracy P. White
Eli Williams
