College of Arts and Sciences Commencement Ceremony 2026 (Afternoon)

Added: 2026-05-09

[00:00:11]President Reid, Dean Schrader, members of the board of trustees, officers of the university, deans and vice presidents, guests of honor, members of the faculty, candidates for graduation, and their family and friends. Welcome to the 156th annual commencement of Lyola University Chicago College of Arts and Sciences. Well, everyone who is able.

[00:00:35]Yeah, let's just cheer. All right.

[00:00:45]Will everyone who is able please stand for the posting of the colors by the Lyola University Army ROC color guard and the playing of the national anthem by the Lyola Wind Ensemble. We ask that you remain standing until after Father Matthew Dunge of the Society of Jesus, assistant professor of philosophy, gives the invocation.

[00:01:42]on Fridays.

[00:02:07]Free arms.

[00:02:48]Heat. Heat.

[00:03:16]Heat. Heat.

[00:03:36]Order right.

[00:03:49]forward.

[00:04:05]Let us pray.

[00:04:09]Oh God, who kindled the fire of creation, who enlightened generations of scholars and prophets, who sent Jesus as the light of the world. We ask you to send your spirit to enlighten these our graduates.

[00:04:27]Through the years of careful study, may they hold the gift of deep and abiding knowledge.

[00:04:34]Through their attentiveness to others, may they exercise the gift of a generous and subtle understanding.

[00:04:44]Through their desire to serve the highest good, may they find the wisdom to shape their lives according to your light which is ancient and ever new.

[00:04:55]Amen.

[00:05:02]>> Thank you, Father Dutch. Will everyone please be seated?

[00:05:14]It is now my pleasure to present Dr. Peter Schrader, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

[00:05:26]Thank you, Provos Woods. And good afternoon to the graduating class of 2026.

[00:05:44]As I look upon this sea of smiling faces in front of me and literally across this entire arena, it is truly an honor to welcome you to the 156th commencement ceremony of the College of Arts and Sciences at Lyola University Chicago.

[00:06:05]Each of you as members of the graduating class of 2026 has been part of a very special academic home, the College of Arts and Sciences.

[00:06:19]Since its founding in 1870, the college is home to 20 academic departments and 35 interdisciplinary programs and centers that span an array of intellectual pursuits ranging from the natural sciences and the computational sciences to the humanities, the social sciences and the fine and performing arts.

[00:06:46]We, the College of Arts and Sciences, are especially proud that each of you, as members of the graduating class of 2026, has been prepared to think critically, to engage the world of the 21st century at ever deepening levels, and to become caring and compassionate people for others.

[00:07:14]Each of you can also be extremely proud of what you've accomplished during your undergraduate careers.

[00:07:23]You were introduced to ways of thinking that are different from those you grew up with. You discovered new and exciting ideas through your classes.

[00:07:34]You achieved mastery over a chosen area of study, developed your professional abilities, and perhaps most important of all, you have made lifelong friends.

[00:07:49]These accomplishments serve as the heart and soul of our Jesuit inspired education and what it means to be a graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences.

[00:08:02]You are truly part of an exceptional generation of students.

[00:08:08]So without any further ado, please allow me to end by thanking everybody who is gathered with us today as members of the extended college of arts and sciences family for coming together to celebrate this incredible moment with these incredible students. And again, congratulations to the graduating class of 2026.

[00:08:45]Thank you, Dean Scher. With pleasure, I present William Flynn Wade, candidate for the degree Bachelor of Science and Psychology, Sumakum Laad, and a member of Alpha Sigma New who will offer some remarks on behalf of the graduates of the College of Arts and Science.

[00:09:08]Greetings, President Reid. To my family, mom, Papa, Connor, Quinn, Maggie, and of course the class of 2026.

[00:09:18]Congratulations.

[00:09:26]A hallmark of Lyola University Chicago for us all is our lakefront. Accepted students visits, campus tours, sunrise prayer. All of us here take advantage of this gift Lyola has to offer. It's something you can't get at any of those secondass schools to the north or to the south. But truth be told, I can't stand the lake. Hear me out. Don't laugh.

[00:09:51]Nearly a year ago, in April 2025, I readied myself for my morning swim. One stroke led to two, two strokes led to three, and I was in rhythm, and the world was beautiful.

[00:10:04]However, after a moment and feeling off in rhythm, I looked up. The IC and the chapel, they didn't look quite right.

[00:10:13]I'm out too far, I thought to myself.

[00:10:16]I'm stuck in a rip current.

[00:10:19]My heart began pounding. Everything sped up and simultaneously slowed down. After a second, I started yelling for help, waving my arms to hopes, hoping to catch anyone's attention, but to no avail.

[00:10:33]We have collectively had heartpounding moments like this over the past four years where the expectations of our futures soar in our minds and hearts, but they get checked like ivy up a wall can slowly become overwhelming and trap us.

[00:10:51]For these seconds in deep water, I saw the world differently as we all can with honest hearts, knowing that our paths may not go according to plan.

[00:11:02]I know I'm not the only one in this room that's felt this way. We know that Loyola provides a rich and whole experience, but when we are called to reach far, we can oftenimes find ourselves in deeper waters. There are partly cloudy days when you're frustrated with the chem department or there's a long line at the O or you're just tired of repeating the same four zeros of the ID number every single time to every single person.

[00:11:28]Then there are the downpours.

[00:11:30]Being weightlisted for a school, financial aid struggle, for me, my family separating during these restless years of college. For all of us, the loss of a friend and classmate, Sheridan.

[00:11:44]So there I was, 300 yards from shore and treading water. And what came to mind were some simple words from our late sister G.

[00:11:52]Reflect and discern well, she would say.

[00:11:56]Like us all, I was trying to tread carefully, but when looking at the horizon, realized I was going nowhere if I didn't take my discernment into action.

[00:12:06]I felt the breeze of that cool April morning. And I put my lesson from Lyola into practice, to trust my discerning mind and heart in deep water, and to have the courage to turn over and look up despite every instinct not to.

[00:12:24]I began the backstroke and one stroke led to two and two strokes led to three and I found my way ashore.

[00:12:33]Fellow Ramblers, Lyola cannot teach us which decisions to make in life. But she has given us this recipe to trust your discerning mind and heart and then to flip over despite your fears. Discern and act well.

[00:12:50]So in all our future days of deeper water, we must trust this. And as Sister Jean always said, discern well because then you will never get stuck in a rip current like Billy did. She really said that.

[00:13:05]Trust your discernment. Trust those to your left and to your right so that despite your first instinct, we may all come to first think and then act as though we can never sink. My best to you as Billy Wade or as Lyola calls me 0000001617199.

[00:13:24]Thank you.

[00:13:36]Thank you, William. It's now my pleasure to welcome back Dean Schrader, who will introduce our commencement speaker, Mr. Kelly Young.

[00:13:49]Thank you, Provos Woods.

[00:13:53]So, it is truly an honor to introduce Dr. Kelly Younger as this afternoon's commencement speaker.

[00:14:01]In 1996, Kelly graduated with a master's degree in classical studies from the College of Arts and Sciences here at Lyola University Chicago, after which he pursued a PhD in literature and drama from the University of College Dublin in Ireland.

[00:14:21]As one of our most distinguished alumni, Kelly transformed his love for classical studies and literature into an incredibly distinguished career as a screenwriter and producer.

[00:14:38]He is currently a writer on the new installment of The Muppet Show, which is produced by Seth Rogan. That's all right. You can cheer for that.

[00:14:52]He has contributed to numerous films as a member of the Disney Animation Story Trust and the Pixar Brain Trust such as Ralph Breaks the Internet, Frozen 2, Cars 3, Incredibles 2, and Toy Story 4.

[00:15:19]Kelly is an award-winning playwright.

[00:15:22]His play Tender was nominated for best new play by the Independent Reviewers of New England. And his comedy Mandate won the Samuel French Off Broadway Festival Award and is currently in development as a feature film.

[00:15:42]Kelly is an active consultant in the creative world. He has developed material for Paramount Animation, DreamWorks Animation, Apple, Hulu, and Disney Originals. And if that's not enough, he's also a proud member of Storyhouse where he leads creative roundts for Netflix original film.

[00:16:08]In addition to all of these artistic achievements, Kelly is also active in the academic world. He is a tenure professor in the department of English at Lyola Mry Mount University in Los Angeles where he teaches writing workshops and seminars on fairy tales.

[00:16:30]Please join me in welcoming our keynote speaker, Kelly Younger.

[00:16:45]The president just said you just heard your obituary by the way. So, um I know what you're thinking. Uh you probably were hoping to hear from Kermit himself. Instead, you got his ghostriter. So, yay, budget cuts. Okay.

[00:16:59]Um so, I have a confession. While preparing for this talk, I started thinking back to my own Loyola Chicago graduation and to the commencement speaker that day and I realized something really important.

[00:17:13]I have absolutely no memory of who they were or what they said like not even a little bit which I find strangely comforting knowing that you won't remember any of this and it makes me proud to continue a beloved academic tradition.

[00:17:30]So with that, President Reid, Provost Woods, Dean Schrader, amazing faculty, proud and in debt parents, loved ones who are here, loved ones who are watching on live stream because you couldn't be here or let's be honest, you didn't make the cut.

[00:17:50]Our semi- inebriated students, welcome. Good afternoon and congratulations to the class of 2026.

[00:18:04]Now, I am supposed to stand up here and give you advice and say things like just follow your dreams. But I'm going to tell you a secret. Anybody who ever stands at a microphone and tells you to follow your dreams is already rich.

[00:18:20]Or shoot for the stars, but space is cold and empty and no one can hear you scream.

[00:18:27]or everything happens for a reason.

[00:18:31]Sometimes the reason is you made a bad choice.

[00:18:34]Or one of my favorites, failure is not an option.

[00:18:39]It is.

[00:18:41]It really, really is.

[00:18:44]Or this one, live every day like it's your last. If I lived every day like it was my last, I'd be curled up in the fetal position singing Danny Boy.

[00:18:54]Maybe like Gerta suggests, we try to live every day like it's our first, filled with wonder and curiosity and openness. That doesn't mean you wake up and see mysterious charges on your phone from the night before and say, "Today is my first day. I can't possibly be responsible for anything yesterday."

[00:19:11]It does mean that you face each day with open eyes, an open heart, an openness to other people. And I believe the easiest and most powerful way to do that, to build that habit, is through stories.

[00:19:24]So, let me tell you a quick one. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a Goon.

[00:19:33]Thank you, parents.

[00:19:35]Not a writer, not a professor, but a Goon. And if you don't know what The Goonies is, it's a movie about scrappy kids whose homes are being taken by the bank. So, they go on a treasure hunt.

[00:19:46]They solve riddles. They outwit criminals. They find gold. They shout, "Onies never say die." And they save their homes. Now, it just so happened that this movie came out at the same time that my parents were losing our house to the bank. So, that story really mattered to me.

[00:20:06]Then I saw the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark. Treasure maps, secret codes, ancient civilizations, and you get to punch Nazis. I was like, I am going to be an archaeologist. This is what I want to be. I'm gonna be Indiana Jones. Which led me to the ancient world, to Greek and to Latin, which led me to Loyalist Chicago, which led to a lot of people asking, mostly my father, dead languages.

[00:20:33]What are you going to do with that?

[00:20:36]Apparently, write for the Muppets. I don't know. I mean, of course, at the time, I had no idea. I just loved the stories about gods and heroes and monsters. What I learned is that they weren't stories about the past. They were stories about what it means to be human. The ancients understood something that we often forget. Tragedy is not about suffering. It's about what suffering reveals.

[00:21:03]Comedy is not about jokes. It's about recognition.

[00:21:06]Epics are not about heroes who win.

[00:21:09]They're about heroes who endure.

[00:21:12]Myths are not lies. They are the human imagination making sense of the world that doesn't always make sense.

[00:21:19]And philosophy, Socrates said, "I know that I know nothing." Which is a beautiful way of saying, "I will keep my mind open." Of course, I'm also reminded of Socrates's famous last words. I drank what?

[00:21:36]That was for the six classics majors.

[00:21:38]Abby, no.

[00:21:39]Mia, Abby, Morty, and Rory.

[00:21:42]After Chicago, I moved to Ireland and fell in love with fairy tales. Why?

[00:21:47]Because fairy tales are almost always about the little one, the orphan, the peasant, the overlooked daughter, the overshadowed son, the least likely to succeed, the underdog. These characters are fragile, vulnerable, lost, little.

[00:22:04]And we identify with them because we too feel little in the face of life. No wonder so many fairy tales have the word little in the title. Little Red Riding Hood, The Little Mermaid, The Three Little Pigs, The Brave Little Tailor.

[00:22:17]But I am not saying life is a fairy tale. Because life isn't a fairy tale.

[00:22:23]If you lose a shoe at midnight, you're drunk.

[00:22:29]But life, no matter how dark, difficult, or unfair, there is always what Tolken calls a hopeful ending. The sudden turn toward hope. A sliver of light breaking through the darkness. Where there is life, there is hope.

[00:22:48]Stories console us. They comfort us.

[00:22:50]They make us feel unalone, if that's a word. They help us face fear without being defeated. They promise that somehow we will make it out of the woods. How? By looking at the world through someone else's eyes. By seeing how they did it, how they survived. By the experience of empathy.

[00:23:12]But there is an anti-mpathy movement right now, if you can believe it. It feeds on rage baiting, cruelty for clicks. Storytelling has become story selling aimed at consumption, not compassion.

[00:23:29]You can bet on war.

[00:23:32]Don't do that.

[00:23:35]Remember Punch? You know the little zoo monkey in Japan? I'm still obsessed with him.

[00:23:42]Punch was rejected by his mother, bullied in its habitat, clinging to his IKEA plushy.

[00:23:49]Why did the world fall in love with him?

[00:23:51]Because when we saw that raw vulnerability, that innocence, that face of abandonment, that lack of attachment, we empathized with him.

[00:24:01]If only we felt that depth of empathy toward our neighbor, the immigrant, the elderly, the poor, those who are different. What stories do we tell about them? Are they human stories or are they dehumanizing?

[00:24:19]Punch struck our hearts because he was small, abandoned, and yearning for connection. Maybe he was calling us to be someone's plushy. Honestly, what a beautiful calling. Class of 2026, be someone's plushy.

[00:24:35]And I know it's hard because the world can feel overwhelming and frightening where random acts of kindness do not prevent random acts of violence. But I'm reminded of what Friedrich Bner said.

[00:24:47]Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid.

[00:24:55]Which is why I love fairy tales. Because every fairy tale is a promise. Once upon a time promises a happily ever after.

[00:25:03]Not perfect, not easy, not painless, not exactly as planned, but nonetheless one that has hope. And I know hope may feel hard to come by right now. There's a lot of concern about the future, a lot of concern about the present, frankly. But every generation faces the same fear. A new technology appears and people say the old ways are dead.

[00:25:28]You know, when photography was invented, people said painting was dead. It wasn't. Painting just got weird.

[00:25:36]We got expressionism. We got cubism. We eventually got Jackson Pollock. When film was invented, people said theater is dead. It wasn't. It got weird. Dism, absurdism. We got Samuel Beckett and Carol Churchill and Adrien Kennedy. Now with AI, people are panicking, saying writing is dead, art is dead, coding is dead, entry- level jobs are dead, critical thinking is dead. But you know what?

[00:26:01]Goonies never say die.

[00:26:04]Technology isn't the enemy. It's a tool.

[00:26:08]You computer science majors know that.

[00:26:10]Even though you literally built the that's scaring us. So just stop it.

[00:26:14]Okay.

[00:26:16]But all of you Jesuit educated ramblers know that AI cannot replace wisdom. It cannot determine our ethics. It must not diminish our humanity. And there's a simple rule for that. To be a human, treat all humans as humans. Nothing less. Full stop. So be weird.

[00:26:37]Be empathetic. Tell your story. listen to others because everyone you meet is just trying to find their way through the woods as well. They're also trying to find comfort, care, safety to be seen for who they really are. So, class of 2026, we see you. You are our light. You are our hope. We couldn't be prouder.

[00:27:05]So, I hope that something I said today resonated with you. And if it doesn't, that's okay because you're not going to remember this speech anyway, which is exactly how it should be because it's not about us. It's about you. And this is your time. Your time down here. Congratulations, class of 2026.

[00:27:42]Thank you, Kelly, for your thoughtful and inspiring words. The candidates for balora degrees from the college of arts and sciences will now be presented. Dean Peter Schrader will make the recommendations to the president who in turn will confer the degrees. I would like to invite President Reid and Dean Schrader to the center podium.

[00:28:03]Will the candidates for Balora degrees from the College of Arts and Sciences please rise.

[00:28:26]President Reid, I have the pleasure of presenting to you the candidates for the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science. The candidates have fulfilled all the requirements for their degrees and I recommend these degrees be conferred upon them.

[00:28:48]candidates upon the recommendation of the dean and the faculty of the college of arts and sciences and by the authority granted to Lyola University Chicago by the state of Illinois and delegated to me by the board of trustees. I am pleased to confer upon you the balora degrees for which you have been recommended and as a sign of your new academic status please move your tassels from the right side to the left. Congratulations.

[00:29:29]The candidates for all balora degrees will now come forward by major to be recognized by name as directed by marshals. Dr. Joyce Knight, associate dean of student academic affairs and advising, and Dr. Adam Patricovski, Assistant Dean of Student Academic Affairs and Advising, will read the names of the graduates. Graduates who have not yet been taken out of their rows may be seated again. Friends and families, please remain in your seats and hold your applause until all the degree groups have been recognized so that each candidate's name may be heard by their family and loved ones. Guests are not permitted on the arena floor or near the stage. Professional photographers are taking photos of the candidates and these photos will be available to you in the coming days.

[00:30:12]Thank you for your cooperation.

[00:30:28]>> I am pleased to read the names of the graduates receiving their degrees from the College of Arts and Sciences.

[00:30:34]receiving the degrees bachelor of science and bachelor of arts in chemistry and biochemistry.

[00:30:41]Elderin Aguular, Paul Faruka Alimemente, Isabella Katherine Campbell, Honors, Magna Cumlude, Vanishes Czech, Chakraorti, Nurali Chandel, Magnaum Laad, Gustavo Chavez, Joseph Chris Chen, Sumakum Laad, Kendall Claire Compton Viola Ma Cody Morin >> Alexis Diaz Michaela R Doyle Kum Laude Daniel Thomas Duda Kum Laude Emma Elizabeth Suma Cumlaude Brianna Farley Magna cumlai Morgan Faith Freelot Kum Laudi Edmundo Horneros kum laud Emily Rose Nidia Henigan Owen McDermott Hodkkins Sumakum Laad Anna Justine Housenet Honors Magnaum Laad Shaina Michelle Calaldani Sumakum La Jennifer Camwell Fusy Cumlaude Scarlet Judith Clund Elizabeth Escobanova Honors Sumakum Laad Julia Anne Corobi Julia Lennick Sumakum Laude Juliana Marie Linder Sumakum La Precious Tawina Malonga kum laude Michael Edward Milarik, Tommy Morales, Kennedy Jane Nordstrom, Honors, Suma Cumlaude, Cody Jean O' Conor, Sumakum Laad, Aaron Christopher Originis, Magna Cumlaude, Gianna Marie Payne, Niti Patel Magnaum Laude Alexander Jeffrey Pierro Sumakum Laad Nicole Mariana Ciga Kendall Nicole Shepard Sumakum Laad Luke Sra Sumakum Laad Katherine Theres Summers Honors Sumakum Laad Mabel Abby Despotario Teodoro Tea Gabriel Tumor Isabella Marie Taima Kumla Fatima Isabelle Vargas the department of chemistry and biochemistry receiving the degrees Bachelor of Arts in Classics, Classical Civilization, Greek in Latin. Abigail Lynn Fitzgerald, Magna Cumlaude.

[00:34:10]Anna Naomi Lion, Magna Cumlaude.

[00:34:16]Maria Isabella Papus, cumlaude.

[00:34:20]Abigail Jane Westhead, the department of classical civilization.

[00:34:30]receiving the degree Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Communication Networks and Security, Cyber Security, Information Technologies, and Software Engineering. Melanie Abara, Faizen Akmed, >> Vincent Cedric, Alo, Sumakum Laad, >> Abdalah M. Al-Maji, Jesse Ammo Deia say Abdul Samad Akil Kumlad Christian Aoyo Ryan M Aalos >> Brianna Aquelli Badu Anakah Gail Nielsen Bartlett Magnaum La Maria Bastau honors Sumaka cumlaude Matia Bevik Blake Richard Brener laad miles Leighton Brookfield Lily Beth Bur Sumakum laad Nathan Calderon Christian Chavez cumlaude Nicholas Marin Quickla cumlaude Manali Deb Isaac Emmanuel Devatala Eric Diaz Canola Alan Dovden, >> Giana Marie Dubinski, Liam John Etton, Alexa Tyia Fenderson, Cumlaude Jai Hilman Fischer Magna Cumlaude Canara Hong Fuji honors cumlude Daniel Joshua Gabeski honors Magna Cumla Philip Garbas Megan Yawali Garcia Mariano Garcia Melo, >> Yannis Gonopoulos, Magna Cumlaude, >> Denise Godinas, Magna Cumlaude, Celeste Gonzalez, Devin Griffith, Cumla, Trevor Trobridge, Hafner, LA Ramse Hamid Morgan Ashley Victoria Harper Von Thomas Hartzell honors cumlaude Quinn Lars Hasselogrin Magna Cumlude Arturo Armemell Eraia Armando Ernnandez is Andrew James Hill, Sophia Fatima Hussein, Zana Husini, Cumlaude, Crystal Jimenez, Edwin Cosmi Johnson, Nathan Walter Johnson, Sumakum Laad, Andrew Raburn Jordan >> Sarah L. Jorgensson, >> Madison, Patricia Huarez, Sumakum Laude, Marissa Adah Lee Kanniski, Joshua Ca, Ka Verve, Karu, Kum Laad, Sanjana Ral, Kowsik, Kum Laad, Abdullah Yan Khan, Aman Khan, Khan, Malik Khan, Zaki Medi Ali Khan, Chloe Cassandra Kilroy, Magna Cumlude, Samuel Patrick Kramer, honors, Sumakum Laad.

[00:39:22]Katina Krypabic, honors Magna Cumlaude.

[00:39:27]Malia Anan Cook Herkundell Sumakum Laad Braden Richard Larnner Lynette Marie Zarati Lim Magna Cumlaude Justin Manuel Lazardi Kum Laude Kyle Christopher Matty Joel Fred Mesa Walter Dr. Paul Mula cumlaude Roshni Mishra Joseph El Mali laadude Joshua Christopher Morren Jack Daniel Mulvahill Magna Cumlude Shrea Milo Vaparu Jennifer Kimberly Nambo Kayla Tyler Neble, Colin Michael O'Brien, Sarah Herish, Odish, Magnaum Laad, Ounlay, Michael Ooi, Leila Patton, Honors, Magnaum La, >> Sydney Tom Font, David Abraham Flebin, Kumla, >> Muhammad Hosma Kazzy, >> Anissa Patricia Ramos, Magna Cumlaude, Rachel Anne Rirma, Christian A. Romo, Andrew C. Row, Carolina N. Riska Sumakum Laad, >> Alyssa Samakal, Magna Cumla, Amal Dev, Siala, Cassidy, Lynn, Serak, Abdul Rockman, Ashik, Shad, Tess, Anne, Shirley, Magnafum, Laud, Ferris, Dain Sadiki, Grant David Smith, >> Eric Andrew Khani Spencer, Rudolph Matthew Tbachnik, Mewt Tasum, John Henry Tenorio, Magnaumlad, Nina Somali, Ta Vati City Tour, >> Christina Marie Trishowski, Sumakum La, MeTen Alexa Vega, Dustin Hui Vo, Kumlaude, >> Jacob, Michael W.

[00:42:53]David Haki, Yasuda Wong, Sha Alyssa Ben Zulike, Kum Laad, the Department of Computer Science.

[00:43:08]receiving the degree Bachelor of Arts in Economics.

[00:43:14]Daniela Alexandra del Toro Mary Megan Dill Magnaum Laude Katherine Ellen Erns Honors Magna Cumla William Gallagher Ferris Sumakum Laad Norah Michelle Ferleti honors magnaum laad Carolyn Cardner Omar Gand Robert Christian Saliandra Guerero >> Christopher Joseph Henry Husti Yak Yakima Bachuti Woody Jacques Edward Jerome >> Mahita Desin Kasa >> Benjamin Rock Michelle Magnum laum >> Casey Abigail Monk honors laad >> Brady Candace Mudge Sumakum Laad Kayatt Ren Tatas honors Magnaum Laad Tyler C 10 Ike Sumakum Laad Roarch Keith Unraal Magnaum La London K Vince Magnaum Laud >> Allison Anne Wit Kumla >> the department of economics receiving the degree Bachelor of Arts in History Andrea Michelle Ari Kum Laude Kylie Goddis Rayon Magna Cumlad Harry E Brooker Simon Peter Charovich Magnaum la Rory Barbara Davis. Magnaum laud Harrison Deer Ella Katherine Galbreth Sumakum Laad Gia Marie Anne Gracias Sumakum Laad Edward Thomas Henan Magnaum La Seth Joseph Kellvski Kum Laad Piper Molly Knox, Isabella Del Carman Pualtic, Kum Laude, Grace Lauren Kubc, Honors, Sumakum Laad.

[00:46:00]Emily Noel Blaine, honors Magnaum La.

[00:46:05]David Yiannes, honors Magnaum Laad.

[00:46:10]Ava Cecilia Martin, Suma Cumlaude.

[00:46:15]Zachary Alejandro Melo Cumlude.

[00:46:19]Katherine Grace Meyer, Honor, Suma Cumla.

[00:46:24]Kylie Sha Miller, Julia Katherine Newville, Suma Cumla, Connor Scott Patton, Mia Sierra Pachoni, Honors, Magna Cumlaude, Lendy Sabani, Brady Michael Schmidt, Zoe Samantha Smith, Sum Makum Laad, Noah Snider, Kennedy Brook Spencer, Nathaniel Lewis, Peter Cumla, Satie M. Walden, Suma Cumlaude, Sophia Hartwzala, Honors, Magna Cumla, Liam C. Wilson, Suma Cumla, Owen Hurricane Yang, the Department of History, >> receiving the receiving the degree Bachelor of Science and Psychology, Miguel Abad Wararez.

[00:47:54]Amelia Marie Dano Abue Magna Cumla Charlie Murphy Ader Giana Marie Agressi Kum Laad Elsie Eden Agurkus Cumlude Asna Ahmed Miral Ahmed, Fogo, Falua and Arisi Akanola, Shireen Octar, Mariana Alcanter, Genevieve Marie Alway Magna Kumla, Naven Keenan Alter, Cumludy, >> Joanna Bella Arjonus, Julia Margaret Armstrong, Francesca DeLeon, Arkeiza Cumlude, Juliana Artierga, Amelia George, Aia Magna Cumlude, Amma Jane Baffo Nicholas John Palosis Dominica Banis Magna Cumlaude Arin S. Bathna cumlaude Vanessa Bardosi honors cumludi Ashley Natalyia Barrera Sophia Francis Bartletta cumlude >> Fiona Soer Bates Suma cumlaude Andrea Alexandra Besseril Asha Svida Berman, honors magna cumlaude.

[00:50:10]Daniela Marie Benitez, cumlaude.

[00:50:14]Ella Katherine Beneton Grace Amelia Blue, honors sumo cumlaude.

[00:50:25]Julia Clarice Boron, Sumo Cumlude.

[00:50:31]Sydney Lorraine Boyd cumlaude >> Samantha Breto >> Savannah Paige Bryzendine Magna laad Brennan Dean Buant Magna Cumlude Sophie J Buckman Suma Cumlude >> Johan Abbad Cabrera kumlaude Jazelle Cameron, >> Kayla Criselle Campbell, >> Nathaniel George Candeleria, Cumlaude, >> Nicole Kathleen Canny, Melanie Theres Carbanell, Kimberly Pamela Caredo, Duran, Ariana Austria Co Escobar Celeste Nicoleta Carcelo Grace Anne Cesaro Suma Cumlaude Samantha Kyres Annabella Grace Chavez Vinnie D Chowadra Magana Chilakuru Magna Cumlude, >> Yuri Choy, Suma Cumlad, Federica Siata, Magna Cumlaude, >> Jack G. Clark Cases Cyrus Clay Cumla Tucker June Clement Cumlude John Carrie Coulson cumlaude Vera A Cananan Justin Patrick Conrad Cumlaude Isabel Leslie Corinel, Suma Cumlaude.

[00:52:54]Alyssa Emily Craigy, Magna Cumlude.

[00:53:00]Melissa Karina Culrado, Honors, Suma Cumlad, Ashley Curapitzy, >> Eliza Stevenson, Dagel, Cumlaude, Caitlyn Madison Diaz, >> Mildred Balanet Diaz, Maya Elizabeth Dixon, Cumlaude, Piper Colleen Dobson, Cumlaude, GIF, Yala Doki, Colin Michael, Leo, Dorin, Magna Cumla, Lauren Elizabeth Drury Suma cumul >> Emily Isabelle Dudis >> Payton Renee Ducet >> Olivia Catherine Eldrid Emma Katherine Elliot Honor Suma Cumlaude Emily Laura Ericson cumlaude Yahira Escobar, Jenna Renee Espinosa, Sam Joseph Falbo, Anna Josephine Fina Cumlude, Amanda Christine Farmer, Magna Cumlaude, Lily Sarah Ferguson, Magna Cumloud, Warner Douglas Ferry Magna Cumlaude Alexandra Joy Fobelman Harry Rose Fusco Molly Anne Gallagher >> Tiara Janae Galto Cumul Natalia Galvan Rios Honors kumlaude Natalie Ireina Garcia Abadum laud Lilana Rose Gayton Lillian Hope Gibson cumlaude >> Fiona Lucille Gilman Hasslam honors Magna Cumla >> Grace Katherine Gonzalez cumlaude Mia A. Gonzalez, >> Wyatt Richard Gorski, cumlaude, >> Samuel Joseph Grebin, Suma Cumlaude, Emma Elaine Grundstrom, >> Melania Leslie Grez, Madison Claire Hannowalt, >> Laura Handel Cany Anna Elizabeth Hap Magnaum Laude >> Isabella Paola Costarde Hazal Jada Katherine Elizabeth Heayen >> Elelliana Camila Hernandez Magna Cumul Isabella Hernandez Julian Hernandez, >> Madison Strowmer, Haron, Cumlaude, Cristiana Theres Hess, >> Molly Irene Hickeyi, honors, cumlad, >> Richard Wong, Sayia A. Hussein Magna from LA Mahayra Sida Huseni Esoh Igbinovia Jenna Isaak Kumlaude >> Natalie Jean Ivy Daniel Antonio Jan Julia Ia Monica JRose Suma cumlaude Ashley Nicole Jimmerson Samira Johnston Magna Cumlaude Katherine Elizabeth Jones Axel Jose Cumla >> Joseph Aquac Kaiser Sai William Kenuru Kula Anushka Sai Couturi Aman Preit Cower Bevanot Cower Kumlaude >> Luke David Khan Briana Mariah Kim Anna J. King >> Samantha Lauren Klene Suma cumlaude >> Jerica Noel Kramer Satcha Daty >> Jenna E Landy >> Elizabeth M. Lannon, Carolina Larae, Adriana Nicole Laroka, Leah Leanne Lawson, Dylan Eve Ley, Magna Cumlad, >> Ezra S. Ley Magna Cumla, Melissa Latan, Summer Michelle Luring, Carla Lzette, Galindo Marquez, Nola Katherine Lovevel, Honor Suma Cumlaude, Devin Lucay, Magna Cumlude, Courtney Mendoza Malgallianz, >> Sunonny Micole Magnus, >> Allison Hogland, Myro Avery Katherine Mark, Honors Magna Cumlude, Suchil Martinez, Anupa Teresa Matthew, Suma Cumlude Katrina Lynn McAuliff Cumlaude Adeline Haley McConville Magna Laude Victoria Lynn McGovern Magnaum Laude Lauren McGawan Magnaum La Camila Maya Galves Kyla Melton, >> Sophie Ryan, Mayor, Suma Cumlude, Alexa, Arlette, Mesa, Megan, Rosalie, Mel, Izzy Peng Miller, Maria Alexandrina Miller, Magna from Loud, Yagna Elizabeth Mitchell, >> Madison Ray Meisen, honors Magna Cumla, Nia Riley Moore, >> Kimberly Crystal Morales, >> Clara R. Morgan, >> Samantha Ray Morrison, Suma Cumlude, >> Maria Libra, Moser, Charlotte Brooks, Manger, Cumlad, Angelica Nava, >> Alexander Edward Nelson, Sumakum Laad, Kuba Lepsia Gunu Adeline Minwin Magna Cumlaude.

[01:02:49]Could we ask everyone in the audience to uh be a little quieter so everyone can hear their name read as they cross the stage? Thank you.

[01:02:59]Tatiana Ekitenko kumlaude Iet Nunes Menddees Angela Bobo Ekachuku honor sumo cumlaude Mia Sophia Olatanel Orasco Morales cumlude Bradley Walter Orz Zada honors. Suma cumlaude.

[01:03:34]Zoe Zia Ozbin honors.

[01:03:40]Ivan Osorio.

[01:03:45]Sydney Marie Paige Magna Cumlad.

[01:03:50]Madison Elizabeth Pawson Lydia Claire Papus.

[01:04:00]Asia Yaveet Parker Sumo Cumlaude Melissa Para Ramirez Cumlaude Maria Rebecca Paringal Magna Cumlude Mary Jane Callo Pasinabo Magna Cumlaude Pachchi Praep Patel Vas U K Patel Abigail Grace Peterson Magna Cumlaude Leila Pico Maggie Anne Pensine Cumla Joanna Rose Phillips honors suma cumlude Lily Ian Pagoric Honors Magna Cumlaude Cella Anne Porter Sumakum Laad Dominique Madison Powers Michelle Joy CorvDo Nora my Roush Ella Grace Radar Pumlude Okay.

[01:05:28]Meline Ramirez.

[01:05:33]Maya Cecilia Raina. Honors.

[01:05:39]Melissa Reyes.

[01:05:44]Kaia Nvette Wararez Reynolds. Honors.

[01:05:51]>> Joseph Jonathan Rinmid. Magna Cumlaude Delanie Graham Rice Honors Magnaum Laahi Rios Rosadri Rios >> Gabriella Rivas Kumlaude >> Sebastian Roachcha Le Laya Nicole Rodriguez, honors, sumakum laude.

[01:06:32]Maria Rodriguez, Natalia Zara Rodriguez, Magna Puml, >> Jacqueline Romero, >> Trevor Reed Rose, Suma Cumlude, Abigail Patricia Reitbird, Magna Cumlude, Brittany Howa, Raa, >> Cynthia Ruiz Sanchez, >> Alexa B. Rusco, Suma Cumlude, Grayson V. Rush, cumlude, >> Rosaton Sakman, >> Lucian G. Salama, >> Ashley Taylor Sanchez, Magna Col, >> Gabriella Sanchez, Jamone Sanchez, honors, Magna Cumla, Manreit Cower, Sangha, Adeline Elizabeth Sauer, Honors, Magna Cumlaude, Carlina Nicole Saviano, >> Elizabeth and Timothy Ceramus, cumlaude, >> Zarina Sed, Haley Anne Shaw, cumlaude, Erica Ray Schlaggel, Sumo Cumlaude, Jacob Kent Schmidt cumlaude Alexander Jackson Schneider Cumla Claire Sumlaude Mia Jan Serrano Sumo cumlaude Luke Theophilles Shaw Magna cumlaude Iman Shahid, >> Najia Shazad, Honors Magna Cumlaude, Luis Alan Shapiro Cumlaude, Kaylee Jones Shaw, Magna Cumlaude, Valentina Senorin, Cardio, Raina Elizabeth Sims, >> Haley Renee Smith, Suma Cumlaude, >> Rihanna Nicole Smith, Magna Cumlude, >> Mariam Sohail, Suma Cumlude, >> Riley James Stewart, Magna Cumlude, George Jonathan Stinson Jr.

[01:09:59]Morgan Sullivan cumlude >> Rosalie Marie Sullivan Suma cumlaude Camila Monica Swetek Maya L Shimchek Mark Towler Hernese Magna Cumlaude Melissa Tez Angelina Carolyn Tanuda, cumlaude.

[01:10:35]Nicole Lynn Thornberry, Magna Cumlaude.

[01:10:40]Ella Katherine Touro, Suma Cumlude.

[01:10:45]Tia Thai Tran, Vicky Thuidong Tran, Suma Cumlaude, Christopher Anthony Valente, Magna Cumlude, Emily Nicole Vibbrock, Christina Viron, Honors, Suma Cumlaude, Rachel Theres Veruete, Cumla, William Flynn Wade, Suma Cumlaude.

[01:11:22]>> Sophia Ortega Wagner, Magna Cumlaude.

[01:11:28]James Patrick Warholi, cumlude.

[01:11:33]>> Kennedy Elizabeth Webb, >> Alexander Patterson, Withro, Arkna Yadv, >> Cristiana Ariel Zolikoffer, the department of psychology.

[01:12:14]Receiving the degree Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and Theology.

[01:12:20]Jane Margaret Miller, Suma Cumlaude.

[01:12:25]Lucy Katherine Pit.

[01:12:30]Caitlyn Elise Vale, Magna Cumlaude, the Department of Theology.

[01:12:40]receiving the degree bachelor of arts in women's studies and gender studies. Ann Marie Burke Kemper, Suma Cumlude.

[01:12:52]Abigail Morgan Platt, Suma Cumlude.

[01:12:58]Susanna Lacriminora Superic Suma Cumlaude Dalia Iris Martinez Lopez Sed Zane Abbas Augustinina Ada Agira the department of women's studies and gender studies Congratulations to the class of 2026. 6 graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences.

[01:14:08]As Loyola graduates, you are now part of a global network of nearly 200,000 alumni who lead with purpose, serve with compassion, and inspire with every action. Your time as a student may have come to a close, but your lifelong connection to Lyola is just beginning.

[01:14:26]From this day forward, you will always have access to a vibrant alumni community, career and mentorship opportunities, and meaningful ways to stay engaged through events, volunteerism, and service. We look forward to celebrating your achievements, whether it's reaching career goals, or making a difference in your community. We hope you always find meaningful ways to stay connected with Loyola University Chicago. We can't wait to hear your stories, champion your successes, and welcome you back for alumni weekend in October.

[01:14:54]Congratulations.

[01:15:07]I would now like to invite President Reid back to the podium to offer his closing remarks.

[01:15:19]On behalf of the faculty, the staff, and the entire Loyola University Chicago community, I offer you, the class of 2026, my heartfelt and deepest congratulations on this very special day. And I would ask the graduates, if you would, to please stand for a moment.

[01:15:57]graduates. I would ask you just to join me for a moment to acknowledge and to thank the people whose dreams of this day may stretch all the way back to when you were born and obviously the years and the days since then. Of course, I'm talking about your parents, your family, the friends who provided advice, support, and companionship on this journey. So, you know where they are here in the arena or watching online.

[01:16:22]Turn to them and give them a wave and a shout out and a thanks.

[01:16:38]Now graduates, years from now and maybe even months or days from now, some of the memories of this day will fade. your experiences here at Lyola. Some of the details will get a little fuzzy, but you will vividly remember, I am confident of this, the remarkable faculty and staff that impacted you, that you encountered here.

[01:17:00]And you're going to benefit from their insight and their care and their lessons for the rest of your lives. And sitting to my left and to my right are representatives of the faculty and the staff, but also all the other faculty and staff who are behind the scenes making this ceremony happen or unable to be with us here today. Please give them a round of applause and a shout out.

[01:17:32]Graduates, you may be seated.

[01:17:35]Except for one graduate sitting, I don't know, halfway back over here. I think computer science. You asked me for a selfie. Now's your chance. Let's go.

[01:18:01]All right, let's go.

[01:18:32]On the last day of classes this semester, I had the pleasure of attending the final lecture for history 102, Western ideas and institutions from the 17th century to present day given by longtime and esteemed Lyola faculty member, Professor Bob Buck Holtz, sitting right over there.

[01:18:58]Professor Buckolds captured so eloquently in his final lecture of the semester what the purpose of the course had been. Why the study of history and the broader core curriculum spanning the natural sciences, social sciences and the humanities matters and what Lyola wants in hopes for its students and now its graduates. And as I thought of what to say to you today, I kept hearing Professor Buck Holtz's words. So with his permission, I offer you just a snippet and I paraphrase him.

[01:19:30]The most important thing we do here at Lyola is not to make you more marketable, although we hope we did that.

[01:19:39]Instead, the most important thing we do is to try to make you more human, more knowledgeable, more thoughtful, more compassionate. So that you go forth from this university into the big wide world and continue to educate yourselves to be good citizens of your country, your community, your world, to treat others with civility and to recognize and embrace that a most central attribute of a good person, a successful human being is empathy and the courage to act upon it. And as I have the pleasure and the honor to stand here and not only confer your degrees, but greet every graduate across 13 ceremonies we do every year. I get to see and hear and listen to what you're all about. And I have no doubt and am so happy for you and congratulate you that you go out into the world embodying what professor Buck Holtz reminded us all is the purpose of why we are here. So thank you and congratulations to the class of 2026.

[01:21:03]And while the graduates remain seated, I invite everyone else in the arena who is able to please stand.

[01:21:17]I invite you to join me in a final blessing upon our graduates. The words will appear on the screens and I invite you to extend one or both arms and to pray with me.

[01:21:33]May God bless you and sustain you on this your graduation day. May the creator of this vast universe keep you safe as you go forth from this place that has nourished your mind and your soul. May the Almighty look down upon you and give you success in all your endeavors. Courage in all your struggles and challenges. Understanding in all that is new to you. Wisdom to choose what is right and to do what is good.

[01:22:03]Perseverance in all you undertake.

[01:22:06]Serenity and peace in the knowledge that you are not alone, that you are loved.

[01:22:11]And may the Lord of all look kindly upon you this day and forever. Amen. God bless. Go Ramblers. Congratulations.

[01:22:35]Will our graduates please rise.

[01:22:40]It is now my privilege to invite Nora Ferleti who was just awarded her Bachelor of Arts and Economics Magna Cumlau honors in this ceremony to lead the community in the Lyola University alma mater. Nora will be accompanied by the Lyola Wind Ensemble.

[01:23:08]to you. All praise to you. Glory.

[01:23:22]Strong are all her.

[01:23:31]Sons and daughters everywhere.

[01:23:37]Loyal loyal love.

[01:23:45]Pledge to you our wilderness of God.

[01:23:55]So we rise to honor you loyal loyal love.

[01:24:09]God be with you m Thank you to our talented musicians.

[01:24:35]Let's give them a round of applause.

[01:24:43]>> We ask that the audience please remain seated until the recessional from the stage and the graduates have left the arena. Following the recessional, please join the graduates on the west quad.

[01:24:54]Heat. Heat.