Commencement Message
Today is a day of great rejoicing. The faculty, staff, a proud of our graduates. We have had the privilege of our students on a portion of their journey. They now Francis University alumni family. We look forward wit to learning of their contributions to their profession and Saint Francis graduates are called to bring light into d respect, courage, and peace all flow from the Francisca these attributes that will set our graduates apart from o profession. Saint Francis graduates, no matter their career path, are each called to make good moral and eth
A Saint Francis University graduate brings his or her entire self to their profession, which includes faith in Jesus Christ. Each is called to be a witness of God’s love. Each is called to bring hope to those in need of hope. A fellow friar stated it quite well:
"Our desire to serve the Lord faithfully should be our motivation. Too often people act out of fear, fear of what might happen, fear of letting go, fear of what other people might think of them. Fear should not be our motivator. Today, we are confronted by a secular society with distorted views. Any number of so-called societal norms run contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church."
Preserving the faith in a hostile culture is no easy task As Christians, we are no stranger to such a challenge I am reminded of the words Pope John Paul II spoke as a continual refrain, “Be not afraid ” With Christ beside us, we have nothing to fear It is ours to speak boldly and truthfully It is ours to bring light into darkness As Christians, we do not make the journey alone “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith.” (Heb 12:1-2)
As our graduates go forth, I call to mind the words of one with a Franciscan spirit, our Holy Father Pope Francis, “We must restore hope to young people, help the old, be open to the future, spread love. Be poor among the poor. We need to include the excluded and preach peace.”
Join me in asking God’s blessings on our graduates. May they bring hope to those in need of hope, be light to those in darkness, and make disciples of all nations. May the Lord bless them and give them peace.
Sincerely,
Very Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D. PresidentStudent, Faculty and Staff Awards
The Mr. and Ms. Frankie Awards, presented annually to the top male and female students of the senior class, are based on scholastic achievement; commitment to Franciscan values; volunteer service to the University and the community; personal character and demeanor; and diverse membership and leadership in campus activities and programs.
Mr. Frankie - Isaac Johnsen
Ms. Frankie - Isabella Tuttoilmondo
Academic Achievement:
The Saint Francis University Alumni Association presents this award to the graduating senior with the highest QPA over his or her entire college career
Brynn Hershbine and Kaitlyn Maxwell
E.G. “Bud” Shuster Memorial Scholarship and Government Internship: This scholarship and internship is intended to support summer internships in the U S Congress or the Pennsylvania General Assembly The student should have a strong academic background, possess good communication and research skills and have a genuine interest in legislative processes and serving the public
Awardees:
Isaac Johnsen and Matthew Kearney
Ursula Pawlowski Memorial/Dr. Vincent and Joyce Remillard International Scholars Award:
Awarded to a sophomore, junior or first semester senior to enhance his or her undergraduate education with advanced language study abroad The award is intended to defray costs associated with study abroad
Awardees:
Bailey Garver, Kaylin Peters, and Gavin Ross Awardees:
Presidents of Saint Francis College / University
President Tenure
1850 1860 1880 1889-1891, 1895-1896 1870, 1881-1882 1882-1884, 1897-1900, 1904-1906, 1909-1910
1891-1893
Bro Joseph Conway, O S F
Bro. Aloysius Gilmartin, O.S.F.
Fr. Victor Brown, T.O.R.
Fr. Cyril Murphy, T.O.R.
Fr Linus Lynch, T O R
Fr. John Doyle, T.O.R.
Fr. Damian J. Segourn, T.O.R.
Fr. Louis Donahue, T.O.R.
Fr. Benedict English, T.O.R.
Fr DeSales Dwerlkotte, T O R
Fr. Raphael E. Breheny, T.O.R.
Fr. John P.J. Sullivan, T.O.R.
Fr. Edward P. Caraher, T.O.R.
Fr John Bocella, T O R
Fr. Adrian J. Veigle, T.O.R.
Fr. Xavier T. Crowley, T.O.R.
Fr. Kevin R. Keelan, T.O.R.
Fr. Columba J. Devlin, T.O.R.
Fr Gabriel J Loncosky, T O R
Fr. Vincent R. Negherbon, T.O.R.
Fr. James P. Long, T.O.R.
Fr. Sean M. Sullivan, T.O.R., Ph.D.
Fr Christian R Oravec, T O R , Ph D
Fr. Gabriel J. Zeis, T.O.R.
Fr. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D.
1901-1902
1907-1908
1910-1911
1911-1912
1912-1914 1914-1916, 1921-1924
1916-1917
1917-1918
1918-1921
1924-1926
1926-1933 1933-1937, 1940-1945 1937-1940
1945-1946
1946-1953
1953-1956
1956-1959 1959-1962
1962-1966
1966-1972 1972
1973-1977
1977-2004 2004-2014 2014-
Professors Emeriti / Emeritae
The University Mace
The mace has been used as a symbol of authority for centuries Official emblems were carried before ancient Roman magistrates, and in the Middle Ages, ceremonial maces were borne by bodyguards of French and English monarchs Later, the mace became an important symbol of office in both civil and academic processions One of the oldest traditions in academia, dating from 1385 at the University of Vienna, the university mace is meant to reflect the character and values of an institution. The mace precedes the University President in academic processions as a symbol of order and authority, responsibility and service.
The re-designed Saint Francis University mace was first used in 2001 to celebrate the 150th Commencement at Saint Francis and our first as a University. The mace is topped with a Celtic cross, signifying the preeminence of Jesus Christ in the University's life, the institution's Catholic identity, and the Irish heritage of the six Franciscan friars who established Saint Francis Academy in 1847.
The cross rests atop an orb, which symbolizes the global vision and universal mission of Franciscan higher education and represents the many countries of the world from which Saint Francis students, staff, and alumni have come. A band of brass carries the three names by which our institution has been known while spanning three centuries: Saint Francis Academy, Saint Francis College, and Saint Francis University.
The orb rests upon an octagon, its eight sides symbolizing the eight Articles of the first Charter written by the Franciscan founders for their friary and academy in 1848 and the eight Goals of Franciscan Higher Education at Saint Francis developed in 1991. The octagon incorporates eight symbolic elements on its lateral faces.
On four sides of the octagon, institutional seals are engraved: the seal of Saint Francis Academy, which is also the seal of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis (T.O.R.), the Franciscan Order to which the friars of Saint Francis University belong; the seal of the Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, that portion of the Third Order Regular in the United States which sponsors the University; the seal of Saint Francis College, the name of the institution for over one hundred years; and the seal of Saint Francis University The same four seals are represented on the Presidential Chain of Office, worn by the University President for Commencement and other special institutional functions
The other four sides have: Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron of the University, as he is depicted on the fountain sculpture in the center of the campus mall; the rose window from the University Chapel, portraying “The Canticle of the Creatures” of Saint Francis of Assisi; the Bell Tower, one of the oldest structures on campus and the only remnant of Old Main, once the primary building for the Academy and the College; a pine cone and branch, symbolizing both the newness of life and the evergreen trees that have graced the school “among the pines” from its beginning.
Below the octagon, the staff of the mace is decorated with fluting, common to classical columns. The entire mace is constructed from the wood of pine, maple, and black walnut trees, all of which are found on the University campus.
The Saint Francis University mace was designed by Dr. Stephen Rombouts, retired Registrar, from a concept proposed by the Very Rev. Christian R. Oravec, T.O.R., Minister Provincial, Sacred Heart Province, and was constructed by Leonard Siedlarczyk, former master carpenter at Saint Francis. The cross and brass elements were crafted by Servinsky Jewelers of Cresson, Pennsylvania.
Academic Attire
The academic attire worn today originated in the universities of the Middle Ages, when a warm gown and hood were useful for scholars and clerics in unheated buildings the distinctive gown served to set students apart from fellow citizens. The cap, or mortarboard, usually has a black tassel, though doctoral tassels may be of gold.
The cap is worn throughout the entire ceremony. Gentlemen remove their caps during prayer, the national anthem, and the alma mater Degree candidates wear their tassels on the right, shifting them to the left when diplomas are received
Although academic gowns may appear similar, there are differences that denote the wearer’s educational degree Sleeves are pointed for the bachelor’s degree, oblong for the master’s, and full, round, and bell-shaped for the doctor’s. The doctoral gown may also be faced with velvet.
The hoods worn with the gowns also vary according to academic degree, the bachelor’s hood being 36 inches long, the master’s hood 42 inches long, and the doctor’s hood 48 inches long. The colored inner lining of the academic hood is the official color of the institution granting the degree. The velvet edging of the hood, the width of which varies from two inches to five inches according to the degree, represents the academic field for which the degree was granted.
The colors of the edging on the hoods and the banners on display represent various academic disciplines, including the following:
Arts, Letters, and Humanities: White
Business Administration: Drab
Economics: Copper
Education: Light Blue
Engineering: Orange
Fine Arts: Brown
Human Resources: Drab
Journalism: Crimson
Law: Purple
Library Science: Lemon
Medicine: Green
Music: Pink
Nursing: Apricot
Occupational Therapy: Slate Blue
Philosophy: Dark Blue
Physical Therapy: Teal
Physician Assistant: Green
Science: Golden Yellow
Social Science: Cream
Social Work: Citron
Theology: Scarlet
The University Seal
The official seal of the University bears the University’s name in Latin, date of founding, coat of arms, and motto.
Academic Honors
Degrees with honors are conferred by the University for exceptional scholastic achievement. Graduates are presented with bronze, silver, and gold medallions to be worn around their necks to designate these honors
The left side of the shield contains symbols of the Franciscans who founded Saint Francis Academy in 1847 and the friars of the Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis
On the upper left are the cross among clouds and the Franciscan symbol of the crossed arms of Jesus and Saint Francis of Assisi In the center a crown of thorns and three nails reflect the passion of Christ and signify sacrifice, conversion and reconciliation. On the lower left, flames issue from the Sacred Heart of Jesus, symbolizing love. The crescent moon symbolizes Mary, the Mother of Jesus.
The right side of the shield bears symbols reflecting the University. On the top right, the open book symbolizes wisdom and knowledge. The left page of the book bears a circle, a sign of eternal truth, while the right page shows a straight vertical line, a sign of finite truth. The ray emanating from the book expresses the Franciscan spirit of teaching truth, knowing truth, and loving truth. The ray of light begins as a narrow burst and widens to suggest that truth originates from and is imbued with the divine
On the bottom right, the evergreen tree is a sign of the Irish heritage of the founding Franciscan friars as well as the school’s designation for many years as “the College among the Pines ”
Atop the shield rests a crown to represent Saint Louis, King of France, and Saint Elizabeth, Queen of Hungary, patron and patroness of the Third Order of Saint Francis. Below the shield is the Latin motto Virtus, Veritas, Virtus (Valor, Truth, Honor). The entire University community is called to embrace truth with valor and honor.
The degrees with honors are as follows:
Cum Laude for a general Q.P.A. of 3.5
Magna Cum Laude for a general Q.P.A. of 3.7
Those receiving the Honors Program diploma have maintained a minimum cumulative Q P A of 3 25 and have completed the Honors Program curriculum, including a thesis requirement. To qualify for Departmental Honors, a student must have department approval and must complete an independent study of at least six credits that earns an “A.”
Anthem to Saint Francis University
O Saint Francis University you crown the Laurel hills, gracious bounty of the Friars, who have led us where God wills we recall the days of friendship and we cherish olden times, that we shared with each other among the ancient pines. There we searched for truth and virtue and sought God’s love to know, as we carried forth his message as our Francis, long ago.
Interlude
And when all has passed and we have gone to meet beyond the pall; we will greet each other in embrace and praise “My God My All.”
Alma Mater
Hail, Saint Francis, ever true we stand and sing of love for thee from the halls of inspiration onward move in dignity
Chorus:
Praise thee ever, Alma Mater virtue with love combines proudly now we hail to thee Alma Mater among the pines.
When our college days are through we will ever loyal be to the memories that we cherish and the love of friends we knew.
Chorus:
Praise thee ever, Alma Mater virtue with love combines proudly now we hail to thee Alma Mater among the pines.
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Rev Christopher Dobson, T O R , organist
Division III: Master and Doctoral Degree Candidates Marshals
Mark Boland, DPT, Clinical Associate Professor, Physical Therapy
Amy Hudkins, DHSc, Clinical Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy
Division II: Faculty Marshals
Jill Cavalet, DHSc, Clinical Professor, Physician Assistant Science
Thomas Woods, DHSc, Professor, Physician Assistant Science
Division I: Platform Party Grand Marshal
Pedro Muíño, Ph D , Professor, Physical Chemistry
The Hon. Judith Ference Olson ’79, Vice Chair, Board of Trustees
Rev. Dominic Sameera, T.O.R., Graduate Student, Master of Education Program
Isabella Tuttoilmondo, Physician Assistant Science Major, Senior
Very Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D. President, Saint Francis University
Very Rev Malachi Van Tassell, T O R , Ph D
Dr Cynthia A Zane (Doctor of Humane Letters)
Dr. Cynthia A. Zane
Anthem to Saint Francis University
Isabella Tuttoilmondo, vocalist
Rev Christopher Dobson, T O R , organist
Michael McGinnis, Ph.D. Vice President for Academic Affairs
Kerri Golden, Ed D Interim Dean, School of Health Sciences & Education
Very Rev Malachi Van Tassell, T O R , Ph D
Eric Horell ’13, M B A ’17, Assistant Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement
Isabella Tuttoilmondo, vocalist
Br Matt Aubin, T O R , Dorothy Day Outreach Center Assistant
Rev. Christopher Dobson, T.O.R., organist
t u s g p a p g a at C aug a y a Hospital, she promised her father, George Zane, that she would continue her education and earn a college degree in nursing. Little did she know that commitment would lead to her being named the president of Hilbert, a Catholic Franciscan College, in 2006, thirtyseven years later, where she served until her retirement in 2018.
She previously was the chief academic officer and dean of the faculty at the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati. Prior to this, she spent ten years (1991-2001) at the University of Detroit Mercy, where she was Dean of the McAuley School of Nursing and the College of Health Professions While at her alma mater, Saint Xavier University in Chicago, Zane was on the School of Nursing faculty (1979-1991) and was later named assistant dean of continuing studies and director of the institution’s weekend college (1988- 91).
In retirement Zane is currently serving as a volunteer at Champions for Learning located in Naples, Florida. As a mentor and member of the Grant Review Council, she actively supports the successful transition of high school students to higher education. She earned a doctorate in education from Northern Illinois University, a master’s degree in nursing from Rush University, and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Saint Xavier University.
Zane is the mother of three sons and Nana to 12 grandchildren.
Oliver Allen
Jackelyn Bracken
Brittany Dancha
Meghan N. DeFrancesco
Emily Eamigh
Stephen J Gresh
Amy Kurtz
Jacob Lieb
Haley Myers
Seth Osborne
Theresa Wilkinson
Amber Cook
Laura Musser
Sylvia Immel
Tamara Mishkel
Katrina Munoz
Olga Roman
Caroline Mee Bero
Timothy J. Bodenschatz*
Madelyn M. Butters
Alexandra R. Cilia
Emily G Claar
Grace A Cooney
Ava Dettore
Rose A. Duncan
Elyssa M Enrique
Anita Esmi
Abigail A. Ewing
Noah Figgins
Alyssa Kathleen Greer
Lauren Hardner
Julie A Hart
Lilyan K. Hawbecker
Laura E. Hoag Schneider
Gabrielle Hocker
Jaela M House
Emily Huff
Meghan P. Hughes
McKenzie Rae Johnson
Joshua A. Jones
Olivia D Kissell
Bryce E. Kurpiel
Sarah M. Lamont
Rachel L Langsdorf
Elisabeth L Layton
Paige E. Lepowsky
Lisa R. McCarthy
Mia F. McCarthy
Bailey M McCormick
Karolyn R Miller
Reegan P. Miller
Anderson Murphy
Gabrielle Nebiker
Preya H Patel
Abigail Robinson
Julia Lee Scagline
Joshua M. Schrock
Sydney F. Scott
Jennifer C Skow
Justin M Sliwoski
Lindsey Smith
Madison Thrasher
Mikayla Vachon
Sierra K Vogel
Lindsay M Ward
Emily M. Wolfe
Nicole A Addis
Cara E Ash
Abigail M. Clayton
Chloe M. Csikos
Ashley L. Deetscreek
Megan Freidhof
Camryn N Gates
Lindsey M. Hallinan
Hannah Horvath
Julea J. Jamison
Faith Keller
Abbigail L Kirsch
Karena G. Klabunde
Kelsey R. Krug
Mamie Luck
Allyson K McKenzie
Louis R Mihota
Caitlin Miller
Lauren Morano
Elizabeth T. Nguyen
Mary K Norcross
Kelsey E Ober
Zoe C. Panaro
Sydney N. Pastorek
Karly Patton
Elizabeth R Quattrone
Tori N. Ramsey
Allison S. Resetar
Chloe Ryan
Jenna M Sabia
Erin Sterner
Grace A. Vesco
Taya L. Whitfield
Daniel J Wimer
Hannah G Wiseman*
Ashley Janet Wruble
Elizabeth A. Yahner
Nicol Bates
Courtney A. Caldwell
Caleb Frein
Cecilia A Groman
Amy C. Kunko
Destiny Oliganga
Christina Scarangella
Alexis Bradfield
Jacqueline H. Broehl*
Marie-Therese Jacinta Cooper*
Kristina Faupel*
Julianna Giarrusso*
Laken O. Hill
Shannon G. Novello*
Tara Cropsey
Angela Daniels
Kristina Harry
Tina Henry
Sarah Hoover
Kristyn L Kegerreis
Jordan L. Myers
Katelyn Niebauer
Breanna Sirko
Kayleigh Smith
Bridget Sweeney
Lori Trimble
Allison Ward
*Indicates Degree Completion Summer 2024
Tahmir Choy-Herndon
Evan Erik Robert Messner
Claysia Thomas
Makenna Topka
Nicole M. Adams
Austin Andreyo
Dylan Appleman
Brian M Bernard
Abigail C. Bettwy
Taylor A. Butterbaugh
Autumn R. Creighton
Cora R Emery
Caroline Gillespie
Elizabeth A. Gordon
Tarra Hauser
Kayley A. Kovac
Jacob I Lamm
Isaac Lewis
Mikaela Meyer
Allison Meyers
Nikki Roberts
Hailey Sanders
Andrew J Schmidt
Antonia Spinelli
Joseph M. Stevens II
Adam Benjamin Valvo
Justin K Vasas
Hannah Grace Wirfel
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Rev Christopher Dobson, T O R , organist
Division III: Associate and Bachelor Degree Candidates Marshals
Kimberly Forst, DNP, Clinical Associate Professor, Nursing
Stephanie Ivory, D Ed , Dept Chair/Associate Professor, Education
Division II: Faculty Marshals
Suzanne Black, DSW, Clinical Associate Professor, Social Work
Amy Hudkins, DHSc, Clinical Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy
Division I: Platform Party Grand Marshal
Pedro Muíño, Ph.D., Professor, Physical Chemistry
The Hon. Judith Ference Olson ’79, Vice Chair, Board of Trustees
Br Matt Aubin, T O R , Dorothy Day Outreach Center Assistant
Isabella Tuttoilmondo, Physician Assistant Science Major, Senior
Very Rev Malachi Van Tassell, T O R , Ph D President, Saint Francis University
Very Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D.
Rev Dennis Holtschneider, CM (Doctor of Humane Letters)
Rev Dennis Holtschneider, CM
Anthem to Saint Francis University
Isabella Tuttoilmondo, vocalist
Rev Christopher Dobson, T O R , organist
Michael McGinnis, Ph D Vice President for Academic Affairs
Kerri Golden, Ed.D. Interim Dean, School of Health Sciences & Education
Very Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D.
Laura Susick, Physician Assistant Science Major, Senior
Eric Horell ’13, M B A ’17, Assistant Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement
Isabella Tuttoilmondo, vocalist
Br Matt Aubin, T O R , Dorothy Day Outreach Center Assistant
Rev. Christopher Dobson, T.O.R., organist
Congress, the Administration, the bishops conference and the Holy See, as well providing training, research, conferences and advising services so that these institutions might remain strong. Fr. Holtschneider has written numerous articles and is a frequent speaker and consultant on matters of higher education as well as Catholic education, its governance, strategy and future directions
A lifelong educator, Fr. Holtschneider was born in Detroit, and received his degree in mathematics from Niagara University, two masters degrees in theology from Mary Immaculate Seminary, and a doctorate in higher education policy from Harvard University. He has taught on the graduate faculties of St. John’s University (N.Y.), SUNY Buffalo, and Harvard’s Programs in Professional Education. He served as executive vice president of his alma mater, Niagara University, and was appointed a president of DePaul University in Chicago in 2004, a position he held for 13 years.
During his time as president of DePaul, U.S. News and World Report named DePaul to its Top 25 Most Innovative Universities list. The largest Catholic university in the U.S., DePaul grew from 20,000 to 25,000 students, built 70 new academic programs, grew its endowment six-fold, rebuilt facilities for all ten of its colleges as well as partnered with McCormick Place to build an athletic arena in Chicago’s downtown. Most importantly, DePaul built a financial model that sustainably educated 51% of its student body who were from first-generation, underrepresented, and Pell-Eligible populations.
In 2017, Fr Holtschneider left DePaul to serve as EVP/COO of Ascension, the nation’s largest non-profit health system Previously, he had served as board chair of the umbrella company of 13 health-related companies and numerous smaller health systems founded by Catholic religious as it was assembled and built Fr Holtschneider designed and has continuously taught in the Boston College Institute for Administrators in Catholic Higher Education (IACHE) for 25 years. He is also the co-founder of the Institute for Global Homelessness (IGH), supporting cities on all six continents that are working to reduce street homelessness and serving as the United Nations’s primary advisor on the topic.
Elizabeth Marie Evanick
Gabrielle M. Harouse
Dwayne M Majors
Laina P Mastovich
Delaney McMullen
Victoria Petrie
Hannah Magdalena Rohrer
Jacob Sharbaugh*
Haley E Tate
Aleah J. Trueman
Emily G. Adams
Katie Linn Addison
Kyle J Ah Loo
Emma Katherine Allamian
Abigail Anderson
Mariclare Therese Anderson
Rayna Andrews
Priyanka Arora
Jada Dawn Bailey Clyburn
Sydney Baker
Ashlyn R. Barcheck
Madison P Beatty
Amber R Beck
Jacqueline A. Beck
Tierney R. Beebout
Lauren Elizabeth Bender
Anna Therese Bernasconi
Cassidy R Bezek
Rachel Bills
Justin Michael Birkhimer
Holly B. Bressler
Mikayla A Burke
Rayna N Buza
Alia Camacho
Abigail R. Carter
Kristiana L. Cascino
Emily G Clark
Shadey R Claycomb
Kelsey L. Crittendon
Madison N. Cup
Madison Elizabeth Curran
Olivia A Czap
Kayla Mae DeHetre
Kara N. Dividock
Marija Dodik
Noa M. Dorah
Maria Ernst
Koral R Esposit
Kristen D. Ewing
Kristen N. Faber
Maria Elizabeth Ferraro
Morgan Fleck
Emily Folk
Abigail M. Fordyce
Margaret Fox
Macy J Fry
Caroline E Fyock
Kaitlyn Gannon
Sierra Skye Gearhart
Abbygayle R. Gemmell
Erin A Gianneski
Sean Gillespie
Emily R. Glatt
Autumn Hallett
McKenna R. Harbaugh
Danielle M Hernandez
Brynn Laura Hershbine
Christina N. Hildebrand
Claire E. Hildebrand
Olivia Noel Hite
Makenna R Horner
Luke Hrapchak
Taylor N. Hritz
Madison E. Jordan
Mark Anthony Kirk
Emma R Kissell
Brandy C Kitchen
Christian Kline
Riley K. Kromer
Gabrielle G. Krug
Morghan Krug
Madeline Ashley Kuchta
Madelyne N. Lane
Samuel Lauer
Kassidy R. Landwehr
Emily Liebal
Rachael Nichole Lilly*
Hannah Alexis Lockhart
Ella K. Maillie
Caitlin A Major
Riley A Mallon
Anthony Malone
Julianna E. Marshall
Lydia Adelle Martin
Kendra N Masser
Lydia Claire Mathews
Jonathan McCall*
Mary Katharine McCann
Sarah D. McConnon
Delaney McMullen
Faith Mary McMullen
Emma Meade
Marissa K. Metcalfe
Alana Renae Michener
Claire E Miko
Mitchell A Miko
Adyson Miller
Faythe Mackenzie Miller
Madisyn N. Miscavish
Kira A Mitchell
Lauren M Moore
Olivia M. Muffitt
Sara M. Muriceak
Samantha Ann Murphy
Allison N Murray
Valarie Nealen
Zoey Novella
Claire Frances Oliver
Ashley N Orischak
Taylor A Ostinowsky
Colletta Ozbey
Anna M. Parrish
Victoria Petrie
Angelina Petro
Victoria Phillips
Samuel R. Pilcher
Joseph B. Pisarcik
Sarah E. Pisula
Alice Meili Poffenberger
Brady D Reese
Emily B. Reeser
Jayla Reilly
Cassidee H. Reiter
Megan Leigh Revesz
Caroline I Ribich
Sara Elizabeth Richards
Abbigail M. Riskus
Rachel Elizabeth Ronczka
Abigail M Rose
Ryan Scott Sanson
Aarati Sarikonda
Rory M. Schaeffer
Lille X. Schanck
Lauren M Selfridge
Carissa L Semple
Jaylee Sikora
Jolee D. Smith
Chloe South
Corey Alexander Stack
Summer Hailey Stagman
Harlie Victoria Stazer
Nathaniel James Stevens
Celia Stever
Madison Stotler
Genesis Marie Straley
Laura R. Susick
Haley E. Tate
Alexis K Thompson
Isabella Tuttoilmondo
Zachary A. Vitko
Ryan A. Vogt
Stevie Webber
Micary S Wehrle
Allison Kate Weiss
Alexandra Williams
Emma J. Wingert
Mackenzie Ann Wisniewski
Jordyn M Wood
Mia Kathryn Wyland
Bailey Yon*
Elisabeth Marie Zajdel
Sarah R. Zylka
Sunday, May 12, 2024
Rev Christopher Dobson, T O R , organist
Division III: Associate and Bachelor Degree Candidates Marshals
Rose Clark, Ph D , Professor, Analytical Chemistry
Edward Zovinka, Ph D , Professor, Inorganic Chemistry
Division II: Faculty Marshals
Pat Farabaugh, Ph.D., Professor, Communications
John Miko, D Ed , Professor, Management Information Systems
Division I: Platform Party Grand Marshal
Pedro Muíño, Ph.D., Professor, Physical Chemistry
Very Rev Joseph Lehman, T O R , Ph D Chairman, Board of Trustees
Rev. Stephen Waruszewski, T.O.R., Director of Campus Ministry
Isabella Tuttoilmondo, Physician Assistant Science Major, Senior
Very Rev Malachi Van Tassell, T O R , Ph D President, Saint Francis University
Very Rev Malachi Van Tassell, T O R , Ph D
Paul M. Pohl, Esq. (Doctor of Humane Letters)
Paul M. Pohl, Esq.
Anthem to Saint Francis University
Isabella Tuttoilmondo, vocalist
Rev. Christopher Dobson, T.O.R., organist
Michael McGinnis, Ph.D. Vice President for Academic Affairs
Randy Frye, Ed D Dean, Shields School of Business
Arthur Remillard, Ph.D. Interim Dean, School of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Mathematics
Tricia McFadden, Ph D Dean, Division of Professional Studies
Very Rev Malachi Van Tassell, T O R , Ph D
Elizabeth Fry, Senior Class President
Eric Horell ’13, M.B.A. ’17, Assistant Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement
Isabella Tuttoilmondo, vocalist
Rev. Stephen Waruszewski, T.O.R. Director of Campus Ministry
Rev Christopher Dobson, T O R , organist
Paul M. Pohl
Pittsburgh Office
Pohl has extensive trial and appellate experience He has tried jury and non-jury cases across the United States and has argued numerous appeals in state and federal courts. Mickey has counseled clients on U.S. litigation issues in Europe, South America, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Middle East.
He has extensive experience representing Catholic dioceses, universities, colleges, charitable organizations, and religious orders in matters relating to religious freedom. He headed the Jones Day team, which successfully sued the government over the contraception mandate in Obamacare.
Pohl is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a Life Member of The American Law Institute. He has chaired the Lawyer’s Advisory Committee of the U S Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and has served as Chairman of the Board of the Rand Corporation’s Institute for Civil Justice The Best Lawyers in America lists him in four categories, and Pennsylvania Super Lawyers has listed him as “Best Lawyer” in “Bet-The-Company” litigation In 2017, the Legal 500 publication named Mickey to its inaugural “Hall of Fame” for his litigation successes.
In 1970, he graduated cum laude from Princeton University, where he was nominated by Princeton for a Rhodes Scholarship, won The Lyman H. Atwater Prize in Politics, and received a National Science Foundation grant for post-graduate research.
He served in the U.S. Marine Corps (1971-1972) and received the Navy Achievement Medal in 1972 for his service. Following his military service, he graduated cum laude in 1975 from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where he was the Editor-in-Chief of the Law Review, elected to Order of the Coif, and won the Gourley Cup Trial Competition sponsored by the Allegheny County Bar Association. He was the Law Clerk to Justice Samuel J. Roberts of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court (1975-1976 Term). He then joined Jones Day in Cleveland in 1976.
He is a Knight of The Pontifical Equestrian Order of St Gregory the Great and was awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal by the late Pope Benedict XVI
He and his wife, Kaya, have three children and four grandchildren and reside in Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania
Jessica L. Allen
Alissa H. Connelly
Paul Crozier
Lindsey Eichelberger
Regan Fleming
Courtney Greenwald
Maurine Hockenberry
Colleen M Krug
Eric Lindskold
Michelle Lugo
Dayna McKay
Nathan Meronek
Denzel A Mobley
Christina M Nellis
Jessica A. O'Donnell
Matthew Pudliner
Jenna Sipes
Shelby L Sullivan
Mohamed Bakayoko
Rebecca Campbell
Domenic Cepullio
Megan Nichole Chernisky
Kaitlynn Conte
Raymond V. Crittenden
Jodi Nicole Delancy
James A Eckenrode
Bailey A. Edwards
Erika Ellison
Kerry S. Galloway
Dominic Georgiana
Danijel Gornik
Charles A. Hawkins
Richard E. Hazlett
Bailey Iboleon
Kaitlyn K Kitchen
Adam Kush
Matthew Loughnane
Kevin Margic
Rachel A. Marsden
Amanda S Martin
William J Martin*
Ashlee Mazurak
Luke D. Minsky
Rachael Moreland
Caroline Ratchford
Luke C Ruggery
Geoffrey Rumpf
Yanessa M. Shabbick
Nick Shafer
Kyle F. Simmonds
Shane Sloan
Emily C Snyder
John Vyborny
Heather M. Wilt
Gabrielle Yanniello
Darya KirbyBryce Baker
Trey Baney
Samuel J Barber
Carmen A Barone
Peyton Brian Blain
Gregory Bohrman
Zachary E. Boote
Julia R Breneman
Abbie J Brink
Liam Buck*
Dominic Cacciotti
Nicholas G. Caracciolo
Joshua Cohen
Landon Perry Conner*
Aubrey Deptula
Rachel M. Detore
Marie E. Discini
Colton Doyle
Hunter Dumm
Kesean Makai Dyson
Joseph Michael Ferragonio
Gabriel Forst
Larmar Frazier
Elizabeth Fromm
Elizabeth Fry
Marc Fuste
Jose Garcia Ortega
Kael S Gardner
Nathan Godbout
Cole H. Graham
Elizabeth Hajduk
Max R. Herman
Alexis M Hernandez
Jackson C Hoey
Damon Horton
Arianna Keller
Kennyth Maurice Kennedy
Konner Joseph Kiesewetter
Lindsey Kilian
Bartholomew Kilraine
Chauncey Y. Kratee
Alexandra M. Laverty
Kassidy R Landwehr
Trevor S Lewis
Christianne Nicole Lopez Kohlmann
Nicholas R. McGowan
Casey Carter Mckinney
Gretchen Messner
Kieran Miles
Nagisa Miyake
Daniel A. Nealen
Caleb J Nelson
Claudia Ortiz
Zachary Francis Palko
Ryan Parker
Elena T. Pontzius
Francesca E Primomo
Braden K Richard
Tage M. Schilling
Tracer Schilling
Savannah Schoonmaker
Anna E Sholtes
Lindsey Slebodnik
Wylie Spiker
Kameron T. Stevens
Anfernee Stokes
Emese Szucs
Paige A Theobald
Gavin S. Thomas
Aaron C. Tutino
Valeria Vinces
Connor Vincent Weaver
Stefan M Zagorski
Colleen Eisley
Apryl M. Bambino*
Tyler J. Beckwith
Luke C Blanchard
Emily Bucher
Caleb M. Burkett*
Daniel Connelly Card
Angela D. Donegan
Benjamin Joseph Downey
Mary Jane Dugery
Ethan M. Eckenrode
Evan Ehredt
John W Graessle
Benjamin M Gray*
Sara R. Hamm
Molly Anna Hamula
Michael Hickey
Isaac Roy Johnsen
Logan R Kearns
Riley K. Kromer
Riley A. Mallon
Bailey A. McDougall
Samantha D Miller
Layken D Mostoller
Kylee S. Noble
Kyra A. Ober
Grace Claire O'Connell
Alexandra Marie Ochs
Lindsey Anne Parry
Dominic Reiter
Kaden J. Rightenour
Rebekah D. Schager
Matthew K Shick
Isabella Tuttoilmondo
Madelyne E. Walbert
Ryan Walbert
Ellie Maire Wanner
Yousif Alhajji
Apryl M. Bambino*
Patrick Barnett
Owen Bartlebaugh
Kevin M Baum
Emily Nicole Brown
Daniel Connelly Card
Isabelle Cunningham
Charles W. Deitke
Rachel M Detore
Skye S Eicher
Sarah Elizabeth Evans
Hugh Thomas Flanagan
Chase A Forberger
Jocelyn K Fredlock
Rachel Anne Gibson
Jada Graham
Priya Kumari Gupta
Tyreese M Haugabrooks
Thomas M Hockensmith
Logan M. Huff
Isaac Roy Johnsen
Holly Marie Jones
Gretchen L Keith
David G Kinniburgh
Rachel Ann Kohler
Wyatt J. Kosicki
Yu-Cheng Liang
Dylan M Little
Rauf Majolagbe
Kaitlyn S. Maxwell
Noah McDaniel
Bailey A. McDougall
Maggie J Means
Molly E Mulhollen
Arnold Keynes Mve Ndjamen
James H. Nichols
Alexandra Marie Ochs
Megan C Oyaski
Lindsey Anne Parry
Nicholas J. Pillot
Hannah J. Primm
Isaac J. Repko
Jonah Royer
Rebekah D Schager
Dallan Schoenberger
Zachary M. Smithmyer*
Samantha N. Timm
Ethan Walker
David Wallen
Ellie Maire Wanner
Samuel Warner
Katarina Erin Zerbee
Sarah R Zylka
Leigh A. Biscardi
Harley Glass*
Shannon Heck
Brittany Javorsky
Annette Kelly*
Ashlee McLaren
Courtney Proctor
Audra Robertson
Tabitha Rothacker
Cynthia L. Rumbaugh
Heather M. Taylor
Victoria R. Wiley
Tanya M. Chontos
Misty Lynn Keller
Melinda Roat*
Gwendolyn Silvis
Kristi M. Tataleba
James W. Wiggins
Nicolas James Basile
Courtney Becher
Thomas A. Bennett
Shannon Bradley
Tyler Brown
Stephanie Cassanese
Nicole Cowan
Nicole Deneen
Noah D Drumm
Renee Eash
Melinda Emery
Kristen Faith
Kaitlyn Ferko
Alicia Friedenberger
Rebecca Lynn Gordner
Cheyanne Gregorich
Corey Hammel
Michael Hartings
Justin M Hazlett
Tanya M Hillegas
Jasmine Hott
Matthew Hunsberger
Bailey E. Jones
Karen A Kelly
Tiffany Kennedy
Nadine Kerlin*
Alyssa Kvarta
Samantha Leamer
Kamron Lewis
Julie Madonna
Kailee D. Mathews
Keria McCulloch
Crystal Melton
Lucas Miko
Amanda F Milne
Nicole Peterson
Laura L. Pierce
Makayla M. Price
Cheyenne Raley
Drake Redman
McKenzie Reilly
Abigail Rhoads
Chloe Rigsby
Heather Rogers
Joshua L Savino
Kayla Shuster
Noah Slippy
Victoria Smothers
Samuel Sottile
Johanna Stock
Julia Taylor
Rebecca Velasquez
Kylee S Walker
Abigail J Welch
Shayna C. Wensel*
Lexa M. Weyant
Welcome to the Red Flash Alumni Family!
Today marks the end of your student careers, but it’s the start of a lifetime as a member of the Red Flash Alumni Family. And like any family, know that we’re proud of you and are excited to see where your Saint Francis education takes you.
Join the Saint Francis University Alumni Association
The Alumni Association enhances your experience while also providing for the next generation of SFU alumni.
Engage with your fellow alumni on campus, wherever you call home, and around the world.
Receive special invites to SFU’s Annual Homecoming Tailgate, Alumni Weekend, and more on-campus events.
The Alumni Association sponsors regional alumni chapters that bring Loretto to you, with more chapters emerging every year.
Be the first to learn about alumni trips, like this winter's pilgrimage through Spain with Fr. Malachi Van Tassell, taking place December 1-11.
Support our current students and your soon-to-be fellow alumni.
Membership dues support the following student-centric initiatives:
Mentorship Week, bringing alumni back to campus and into the classrooms every week before Homecoming.
The Alumni Association Scholarship, awarded to eight students every year who are the children, stepchildren, or grandchildren of SFU alumni.
The Freshmen Ice Cream Welcome and the Senior Alumni Welcome Picnic, ensuring all students start and end their SFU careers with alumni support.
As thanks for making these and other initiatives possible, Alumni Association dues-paying members enjoy free tickets to select football games, basketball games, and theatre productions every semester, as well as discounts at the bookstore and Immergrun Golf Course.