Commencement 2025

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

Cover of Commencement Program 2025

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

Saint Mary's College Notre Dame IN Graduation 2025

Congratulations to the Class of 2025!