The class of 2013 was given a proper sendoff at each of the four U.S. Province colleges and universities during commencement ceremonies May 5 and 19.
University of Portland, May 5, 2013
University president Rev. E. William Beauchamp, C.S.C., conferred 646 bachelor’s degrees, including 98 students who expect to be awarded bachelor’s degrees at the end of the summer, for a total of 744 undergraduate students, one of the largest classes in the University’s history.
U.S. Province Assistant Provincial Br. Donald Stabrowski, C.S.C.,a scholar and political science professorandthe University’s longtime Provost, received an honorary degree from the University and served as the keynote speaker for the graduate student commencement on May 4, 2013, at Portland’s Chiles Center. There were 160 graduate students who earned degrees.
Br. Stabrowski served as Dean, Vice President and much-admired teacher in his 25 years on The Bluff. A masterful guide to the American political system, he is also a scholar of his beloved Holy Cross Brothers in America and of the Polish diaspora in Indiana.
Read more on the University of Portland’s graduation on the UP website.
University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Ind., May 19, 2013
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York and President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, was given an honorary Doctor of Laws Degree and also delivered the keynote address at Notre Dame’s 168th Commencement.
Cardinal Dolan told graduates that the secret to Notre Dame greatness is the Virgin Mary. “You, the class of 2013, have sensed Mary’s maternal presence, ‘rising, sizing and sympathizing’ these blessed years on a campus wrapped in her mantle, and as you praise God that Father Sorin and that pioneer band of priests and brothers of the Congregation of the Holy Cross placed this most noble endeavor under her patronage from day one 171 years ago. So may I propose to you, my new classmates, that she’s not just our patroness; she’s our model.”
Notre Dame graduated 2,078 undergraduates and presented 396 master’s and doctoral degrees; another 422 master’s degrees in the business school; and 197 law degrees.
Read more about Notre Dame’s commencement on its website. You can also read the full text of Cardinal Dolan’s speech.
King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., May 19, 2013
The King’s Class of 2013 included 498 graduates. Anne Thompson, a 16-year veteran of NBC News and the network’s chief environmental affairs correspondent, gave the commencement address and received an honorary doctor of humanities degree at Sunday’s 64th commencement.
She talked to the students about the power of faith. “I want you to look at your diploma and have faith. That diploma is the result of your parents’ belief in you. It is the result of Father (James W.) Connerton’s belief in all those years ago that this school was the right thing to do, so have faith.”
In addition, Bishop Joseph Bambera of the Diocese of Scranton, Pa., told the graduates to remember the values set by the Congregation of Holy Cross when the College was formed in 1946. “Whatever path in life you pursue, always look beyond yourself, and serve your brothers and sisters generously,” Bambera said. “In doing so, your life will be a success and filled with purpose and meaning.”
Read more about the King’s commencement online at Citizens Voice and the Times Leader. You can listen to Anne Thompson’s speech on the King’s website.
Stonehill College, Easton, Mass., May 19, 2013
A record number of students graduated from Stonehill Sunday – a total of 633, the largest of the College’s 62 graduating classes.
Rev. Mark Cregan, President of Stonehill, gave his final address to the graduates. He announced in September that he was stepping down effective July 1. Rev. John Denning, C.S.C., was elected to the post Friday by Stonehill’s Board of Trustees.
In his closing remarks, Fr. Cregan spoke of love and gratitude. “I am grateful to all of you and in a special way to the Class of 2013. You have taught me much in your time here and have energized me in so many ways. … As you and I both go forth from this place we all love so much, we go with a knowledge that this institution will continue to prepare young men and women for great futures.”
“I salute you the Class of 2013. My prayers will be with you, … And let us all continue to support the work of Fr. Denning and all here at Stonehill as it continues to be a place of light and hope for all who are a part of this community,” Cregan concluded.
During his 13-year tenure, Fr. Cregan has given degrees to more than 7,360 students, which represents about 30 percent of all Stonehill graduates
Read more about Stonehill’s commencement on its website.
