A tremendous achievement: celebrating 2023 graduates
A grand total of 429 graduates of Newman University earned their associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees during the spring commencement ceremony Friday, May 12.
The sounds of cheers mixed with the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance” filled Hartman Arena as graduates, led by volunteer student marshals, made their way into the arena.
Vice President of Academic Affairs Alden Stout opened the ceremony and invited Director of Mission Effectiveness Sister Therese Wetta, ASC, to the podium to lead in a prayerful reflection.
She reflected on the words of St. John Henry Newman: “God has committed some work to you which God has not committed to another. You have your mission. You shall do good; you shall do God’s work.”
A captivating commencement address
Teresa Hall Bartels, a dedicated Newman supporter, former student of Sacred Heart College and recipient of the 2023 St. Newman Medal, presented the commencement address to graduates.
Bartels has a selfless, service-integrated story at Newman. She received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Newman in 2010. The next year, she joined the Board of Trustees and has served as chair of the Advancement Committee, a member of the Enrollment Management Committee, Board of Trustees vice-chair, Board of Trustees chair and finally, interim university president after the retirement of Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D.
After experiencing life-altering health concerns that led to a 32-day hospitalization in 2018, Bartels shared words of wisdom to the class of 2023 graduates: “We are not in control. We are not meant to be the sole architects of our life’s journey.”
She explained that each person has a God-given purpose. Some know exactly what their mission is, some are still searching. Although we may never know exactly what our purpose is, “this journey of life provides us with so many opportunities to pursue finding out,” she said.
