The University of Scranton Conducts Undergraduate Commencement
The University of Scranton conferred nearly 900 bachelor’s and associate’s degrees at its undergraduate commencement on May 27 at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre.
The University of Scranton conferred nearly 900 bachelor’s and associate’s degrees at its undergraduate commencement on May 27 at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre.
Graduates included recipients of some of the nation’s most prestigious scholarships, including the Truman Scholarship, the Goldwater Scholarship and two Fulbright scholarships. Graduates represented 15 states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. Majors with the most graduates in 2012 are nursing, communication, biology, accounting, exercise science, and counseling and human services.
Sister Patricia Eck, C.B.S., congregation leader of the Sisters of Bon Secours and chairperson of Bon Secours, Inc./Bon Secours Ministries Board of Directors, served as the principal speaker at The University of Scranton’s 2012 undergraduate commencement. She also received an honorary degree from the University.
“What a great day it is to graduate – Pentecost,” said Sr. Eck to the nearly 9,000 in attendance at the undergraduate ceremony. “As you go into the world, you have God’s assurance that the Spirit is with you. If you remember nothing from this day, and this is a good possibility, remember that God’s Spirit is always with you. No matter what, God’s Spirit is always with you.”
Sr. Eck leads the $3.3 billion, not-for-profit Catholic health system that owns, co-owns or manages 18 acute care hospitals and several other health facilities, programs and services in six states. In addition, through her service on countless committees and boards, she has made immeasurable contributions to Catholic communities and U.S. healthcare.
Through her work, Sr. Eck has touched thousands of lives in a ministry dedicated to caring for the sick and dying, especially those who are poor and marginalized. She has been recognized nationally for her leadership in creating alignment between scholarship and governance. She received the Sister Mary Concilia Moran Award from the Catholic Health Association (CHA) for visionary leadership and commitment to Catholic healthcare. Her ministry received worldwide acclaim when, in 2011, she was presented the Papal award, Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal, the highest honor given to a member of a religious community by the Vatican.
In addition to the remarks by Sr. Eck, University of Scranton President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., addressed the graduates and their guests. This was Father Quinn’s first undergraduate commencement ceremony as president of the University.
“You were challenged to make Ignatius’ charge, to love and serve in all things, your own,” Father Quinn explained. “This is the value-added of a Scranton education, and for this we and the faculty are rightly proud. Remember, you are sons and daughters of The University of Scranton forever.”
The list of graduates and program of speakers can be seen in the commencement program.
