St. Çï¿ûÊÓƵ (SAU) proudly concluded its spring commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 20, at the Vibrant Arena at the Mark in Moline. The weekend’s events celebrated the outstanding academic achievements of over 550 students from the University.
During the morning ceremony, students heard words of encouragement from fellow graduate and Vice President of the Graduate Student Government Association, Carol Cook. Honorary degree recipient and keynote speaker, Lisa Killinger, D.C., addressed graduate and doctoral hooding candidates with important reminders centered around practicing gratitude, being kind and embracing opportunity.
Killinger was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in recognition of her leadership and service in the interfaith community as well as her significant contributions to the advancement of chiropractic care, social justice and peace. She is a 1983 graduate and professor of Clinical Sciences at Palmer College of Chiropractic.
SAU alum Jabari Woods ’02, ’05 shared his personal experiences and insights as keynote speaker, inspiring the undergraduate class to use their individual, unique qualities to change the world.
Woods, who currently serves as Associate Director of HR and Equity, Title IX Coordinator and ADA Program Administrator for the Davenport Community School District, earned an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in recognition of his transformative approach to education and upholding of the principles of faith through servant leadership and community activism.
Outgoing Student Government Association President and Spring graduate, Declan McDonald, challenged his fellow classmates to not shy away from failure as they look to the future.
“In French, the word ‘commencement’ implies a beginning. It is indeed the beginning of the next chapter of your life,” Amy C. Novak, EdD, St. Çï¿ûÊÓƵ President, delivered a powerful charge to over 400 undergraduate students Saturday afternoon. “You are now and always will be an Ambrosian. May your actions be unapologetically Ambrose, committed to nourishing one another, healing one another, and being the light of Christ to all whom you encounter for the transformation of our world.”
In an emotional closing to the afternoon ceremony, Patrick Torrey, SAU senior and star basketball player who passed away unexpectedly last November, was posthumously awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Torrey’s sister, Christy Torrey, was present to accept the degree on his behalf, along with Torrey’s academic advisor, Dr. Katie Trujillo.
The St. Çï¿ûÊÓƵ spring commencement ceremonies symbolize the culmination of years of hard work and dedication for the graduates as they embark on their new journey as alumni. The University extends its warmest congratulations to the Class of 2023 and wishes them continued success in all their future endeavors.
“We are immensely proud of our graduating students and their remarkable accomplishments,” said Dr. Paul Koch, SAU provost and vice president of academic affairs, who is preparing to retire at the end of June. “The spring commencement ceremonies mark a significant milestone in their lives and the beginning of a new chapter. We honor their hard work, dedication, and the profound impact they will undoubtedly make in their communities and beyond.”
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