LATROBE, PA – More than 80 graduates were awarded bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees by Archabbot Martin de Porres Bartel, O.S.B., chancellor, and Father Paul R. Taylor, O.S.B., president, in a public ceremony that recognized the completion of their degree studies at the 19th annual December Commencement ceremony of Saint Vincent College on Saturday, Dec. 16, in the Performing Arts Center. Among those recognized were 31 students who received a doctorate of nurse anesthesia practice.
Click here to watch the 2023 December Commencement.
To view photos from the 2023 December Commencement, click here.
Graduates were presented by John T. Delaney, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs and academic dean, while the Honorable Kim L. Ward, president pro tempore of the Pennsylvania Senate, delivered the commencement address. The benediction was given by Reverend Maximilian Maxwell, O.S.B., Director of Campus Ministry.
“There have been many challenges along the way for you to get here today, but you did it,” began Senator Ward. “This is the beginning of an early chapter in many chapters of your life. It’s an opportunity for you to evaluate how far you have come in such a short timeframe and review the decisions that you have made that brought you here. It’s a really big deal today.
“As you move into this next exciting phase of your life, know that there is always a way. Never let anyone tell you ‘you can’t’,” Senator Ward continued. “No matter what career path you choose, set your goals, don’t take your eyes off of that goal, work hard, persevere, and go.”
Prior to delivering the address, Senator Ward received Saint Vincent College’s Presidential Medal of Honor, which was presented to her by Fr. Paul.
“Today, we honor an exceptional woman whose service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has improved the lives of many people across this state,” expressed Fr. Paul. “Through personal grit and determination, you rose from humble beginnings to become a force for meaningful change in our region and throughout the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
The Presidential Medal of Honor is presented to those who have demonstrated extraordinary service and leadership to their profession, community, family, church or education. The recipient may be an individual, group, corporation, foundation or other organization. The award is designed to provide an opportunity to honor those whose achievement is not strictly academic. Honorees are selected by the president of Saint Vincent College.
PHOTO 1: 2023 December Commencement graduates
PHOTO 2: Senator Ward delivers the commencement address at SVC’s 2023 December Commencement ceremony