Congratulations, Class of 2023!

It was an exciting week at Saint Joseph’s University as graduates and their loved ones converged on Hawk Hill to celebrate the culmination of many years of hard work. Nearly 3,000 degrees were conferred for the Class of 2023 this graduation season, including more than 1,500 undergraduate degrees, nearly 2,000 graduate degrees and 239 doctoral degrees.

After last year’s historic merger with University of the Sciences, Saint Joseph’s now grants more doctoral degrees than ever, calling for the University’s first standalone doctoral ceremony, which took place on May 18.

Kathleen Villarama ’23 (PharmD), the graduating speaker at the doctoral ceremony, called attention to the hard work accomplished by those commencing with doctoral degrees.

“The value of our education extends far beyond our own personal gain,” Villarama shared. “Success is not just about what we know or what we can do. It is also about how well we can work with others . . . The learning does not stop here. There is always more to discover and more to experience.”

Honorary degree recipient and ceremony speaker Andrew C. von Eschenbach, MD ’63, the long-time president of Samaritan Health Initiatives, spoke to the doctoral graduates about the greater meaning behind the prestige, honor, responsibility and duty that a doctoral degree holds

“This degree from a Jesuit University marks you as a person for others,” von Eschenbach said. “It is now your responsibility to immerse yourself in transforming and advancing your field. It is your duty to use your knowledge and skills to improve society and better the lives you will touch.“

On May 20, Saint Joseph’s celebrated the Commencement of its undergraduate and graduate classes of 2023.

In the morning, student speaker Emily Ash ‘23, an Early Childhood and Elementary Education major, urged students not to close any doors and always welcome new opportunities for growth and understanding.

"We have learned how to be leaders in our own ways. A true leader is focused on their responsibility to not only advance themselves, but advance a group, walking together.” Ash said. “Let’s walk together into this world, as leaders who hold the door open for the people behind us.”

Honorary degree recipient and speaker at the undergraduate ceremony, Marlene Sánchez Dooner ’83, former executive vice president for Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, spoke to the graduates on growth and seeking help from others as you find the path meant for you.

“Be open to opportunity. There will be people who will see something in you that you can’t see yourself,” Sánchez Dooner said. “Listen to them. And don’t take anything for granted, or assume that only you are responsible for your good fortune.”

In the afternoon, Jacqueline Pochadt ’23 (MS), who earned her degree in educational leadership and administration, spoke to her peers about the importance of taking chances.

“It is essential to remember that the journey is more important than the destination,” Pochadt insisted. “I challenge you to take risks, dream big and embrace failure as a chance to learn, grow and try again.”

Students at the graduate ceremony also heard from honorary degree recipient Bryan H. Carter, president and CEO of Gesu School, who closed out the ceremony urging graduates and guests to reach for the stars.

“There is no limit to how high you can climb or what you can be in life,” Carter said. “And, if a room is without a roof, then God’s light can always shine through to guide your steps.”