The 62nd Commencement Exercises at Cabrini University celebrated the Class of 2022 on Sunday, May 22, as a total of 518 degrees were conferred at three graduation ceremonies on the Upper Athletic Field.
Though a brief downpour dampened the School of Business and Professional Studies ceremony at 9am, the sun prevailed for the 11:30am School of Education, and 2pm School of Arts and Sciences ceremonies. Timothy Mantz, DBA, Dean, School of Business and Professional Studies; Beverly R. Bryde, EdD, Dean, School of Education; and Richard Thompson, PhD, Dean, School of Arts and Sciences, announced the names of their respective schools’ graduates.
View the Photo Galleries: Business and Professional Studies, Education, Arts and Sciences
“My wish for you, as I leave Cabrini University as its President, is for you to take the University’s mission of academic excellence, leadership development, and a commitment to social justice with you wherever your path may lead,” said Cabrini President, Donald B. Taylor, PhD, in his final Commencement address to Cabrini graduates before assuming the presidency at University of Detroit Mercy. “Continue to spread that Education of the Heart and charism of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus wherever and whenever the opportunity arises.”
Following student reflections from Shenell Vines (ʼ22), Megan Droege (ʼ22), and Michael McShane (ʼ22) at their respective school ceremonies, Class of 2022 valedictorian Taylor Barker (ʼ22) spoke to her classmates, encouraging them to “Live with Purpose” on each of their individual paths. Barker, a Pre-K‒4 Elementary Education and Pre-K‒4 Special Education major, finished her 
undergraduate coursework with a 3.98 grade point average.
Catholic Relief Services President and CEO Sean Callahan also offered words of inspiration to the graduates at each ceremony, urging them to do the impossible in the face of seemingly unceasing crisis.
“Build trust and bridges with those from other communities or with different viewpoints,” Callahan said. “Take risks. Live with Purpose. And, use that Education of the Heart as the world requires your engagement and leadership more than ever. We all have different experiences and opportunities, but…let’s choose the path of hope, let’s reach out to others, and let’s make the impossible, possible.”
Each ceremony included the presentation of the annual Mother Ursula Award to the graduating senior who, in the opinion of senior students, faculty, and staff of Cabrini University, has best fulfilled the ideals of the University through academic achievement, participation in extracurricular activities, leadership, and service to fellow classmates and Cabrini. Ixchele Ortiz (ʼ22), a Pierce Fellow and active advocate in Cabrini’s food recovery and anti-hunger campaigns, was this year’s Mother Ursula Award recipient.
Following Commencement tradition, each ceremony concluded with a benediction from Guilherme “G” Lopes, MPS, Director, Campus Ministry, as well as the national anthem, performed by Taylor Agnew (ʼ22) and the Cabrini alma mater, performed by Piper Byrne (ʼ23).