Saint Joseph’s Commencement Exercises Celebrate Class of 2016

Saint Joseph’s celebrated the Class of 2016 with commencement exercises held on campus Saturday, May 14. More than 2,300 degrees were conferred to undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students.

“There are a handful of days in each our lives that contain such tremendous excitement, pride and joy that they forever hold a singular place in our memories. Today is one of those days for me, as I’m sure it is for many of you,” President Mark C. Reed, Ed.D. told graduates. “Your class, the Class of 2016, will always be special to me as I celebrate my first commencement as President of Saint Joseph’s University.”

Daniel J. Hilferty III ’78, president and CEO of Independence Blue Cross, delivered the morning commencement address for SJU's undergraduate ceremony. Hilferty, a former member of the University’s Board of Trustees, also receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree, along with:

• Jane Golden, founder and executive director of the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program
• Paul J. ’70 and Margaret Hondros, founders of the SJU Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support
• Timothy R. Lannon, S.J., former SJU president (2003-11) and Creighton University president (2011-2015).

“Graduates, practice self-leadership. Allow yourself to embark on a deep introspective journey,” Hilferty urged in his remarks. “Be who you are. From that authentic you will emerge the best that you have to offer.”

At the afternoon doctoral, graduate and degree completion ceremony, Jim Gardner, longtime 6ABC “Action News” reporter and anchor, served as the speaker. He and Rev. William G. Donovan, Ph.D. ’81, pastor of St. Agnes Parish in West Chester, Pennsylvania, who recently served as the Archbishop of Philadelphia’s liaison to the Pontifical Council for Family for the 2015 World Meeting of Families, received Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degrees.

“I have read that when Jesuits talk about love, it is a love that shows itself more by deeds than by words,” Gardner shared with graduates. “Action is what counts, not talk and promises. This is why Jesuit education is incomplete unless it produces men and women who will do something with their gifts.”

Other highlights from the ceremonies included a salute to members of the Class of 1966, the Golden Hawks, and valedictory remarks offered by Cheryl Rozinski ’16 (B.S., Business Administration) and Eric Kindler ’14,’16 (M.S. Education).

In his remarks, Dr. Reed offered a farewell to the Class of 2016, “Now, go and embrace your futures. Be powerful forces for good and beacons of faith and optimism. The world needs your brand of brave, compassionate and able-minded leadership. May learning be a lifetime endeavor and justice a worthy pursuit. As you leave here, know that our prayers follow you. May God always bless you.”