[Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] I think that that um education is an interesting and not well understood part of our life. Marmont's offered a variety of different ways to be educated over the years. Each of us has a different need for education and have different demands on us to increase our knowledge. And I think Marry Mount's provided a whole spectrum of opportunity to learn that is really important. Finding success early in life happens to a lot of people. For me, that aspect was not cultivated as much as it could have been while I was in high school. So the thing that happened when I came to Marry Mount is I found people who pushed me to be greater and I would say that that was the biggest change. I have this not only drive and hunger but the actual knowhow to actually be able to improve myself. I I guess I learned that everybody is important. I look for the good in people. I made a lot of good friends here including the students and enjoyed being around the people. So that was the best part of it working with people. I have stayed in Mary Mount uh because it is my favorite place. Uh Mry Mount University is uh a great joy. So I feel very much at home. Mry Mount took great care of me when I was here and the sisters were amazing. I still remember the sisters and what they did every night at 10:00. You had to be in your broom and the sisters would come with holy water, come in and bless you. And that was a great way to go to sleep and it brought prayer into my life which I continue to this day and I attribute a lot of that to Mary Mount. I think it's a lot to say that like I didn't know that I'd end up here. For me, I think even though I didn't know it then, like a major thing for me was like trying to explore my faith. Like it's been a really big change for me in my life. And then I didn't know it then, but like helped me develop my leadership. Being able to like serve others and like devote myself to following Christ has like really shaped me as a person and is definitely like going to follow me for the rest of my life. I mean, one of the things that was really appealing to me about Mry Mount, um, is the way that the focus of the university and the values of the university are so closely aligned with my own. You know, the the focus on access, social justice, serving society, making a better world. These are all the things I care about in my own personal and professional life. And that's really what drew me here. Marryman University provided me with unlimited exposure, introduction and meet all these people. They do not have a boundary just like a Catholic identity. They are everywhere that serving others and then they always be open for everybody. Everybody can come and prosper and enjoy a Catholic school like Mry Mount University. I'm thankful that Mry Mount brought me here. Being here and just being a part of this community has just been really enriching and it's made me feel a little bit more settled right off the bat. I remember a lot of times fondly at Mry Mount. It's it's a it was a very different school than it is today. The best thing for me at MRy Mount was all the wonderful friendships and connections that I made. They're still some of my closest friends today. I've loved MRy Mount since the first day I arrived here as a nervous and excited firstear nursing student and a member of the class of 1979. As opportunities arose, I kept coming back to the strong foundation of knowledge and experience that my MRy Mount education gave me. When I visited the campus, met with people. I really fell in love with the institution. I saw all the opportunities and particularly I really enjoyed the connection with students and the impact the institution was having on students and the experience the students were having. I realized I wasn't just uh coming to participate in a job but joining a community and proved to be one of the most significant professional experiences I've ever had in my life. Thanks to the wonderful foundation that Mary Mount gave me, I've been able to go on and do lots of things that I couldn't have even imagined. I'd like to first say that the most important thing I do in my career is help my patients. and my practice optimal motion in Hearnden reflects that same foundation that MRy Mount um finds so dear. I guess I've learned at MRy Mount to fully take responsibility for myself. And when you're in a an environment that's so supportive with such supportive teachers and and all these sorts of things, you realize at Marry Mount that you're the conductor of your own destiny and you can decide if you want to succeed in school or not. It's up to you. [Music] My goal for Marry Mount's future is that we continue to serve the needs of students, continue to fulfill our mission, but in a way that's constantly adapting and evolving. We've done that so well for 75 years. I think we will continue to do that well, adapting to the needs of our students and being very, very current. My hope for Marmont going forward is that the school continues to grow and get the recognition that I truly believe it deserves. If Marmont continue to grow and get the recognition, that would also just attract more students to come here as well and people can truly see how great of a university it is. My hopes for Marry Mount going forward would be to continue that same mission that we've always had of, you know, the individualized learning experience. I hope that we'll continue with all the good research that we're doing. If if I had to say a few words for Mry Mount University on the 75th anniversary, those words would encapsulate and I wish you nothing but the best in the ability to continue to do that. I think, you know, we've had 75 great years. I think we could have 75 more great years. We are a school that is, you know, we're nationally ranked. Like, we're going to obviously skyrocket. Like, this is going to become a very, very well-known school in the next 75 years. I can just feel it. What you bring to this place will make not only your students and the the community stronger and richer, but it will also enrich you. I'm excited to see how Marry Mount will continue to evolve and adapt to society and be part of uh preparing young people to be to be members of a society in every way. I hope they continue down this path. I think it's um the way that they're handling students um they're successful in the future and I think they should continue to do that because it is working. One of the things I love for Mry Mount going forward is continue is growth. We are now over 4,000 students and we need to continue to invest in our students who are our nurses, our cyber security professionals, our accountants, our engineers, our business managers, doctors in physical therapy. all of these professions that not only Arlington needs, Virginia needs, but our nation needs. Happy 75th birthday. Um, go Saints. Happy 75th. Happy 75th. Happy 75th. Go Saints. Happy 75th. And go f Happy 75th anniversary. Happy 75th. Go Saints. Go Saints. Happy 75th anniversary, Mary Mount. You look young. Go Saints. Thank you Marry Mount for all these amazing opportunities and you've had a great 75 and let's root for a good 75 more. Go Saints. Happy 75th anniversary and go Saints to many many many years of success, another 75 and many more after that. [Music] [Music] Good morning. Good morning. Good morning. How we all doing? All right. Are you kidding me? All right. 8:00 this morning. It was raining. We made that stop just for you to be here. And that's all I get is a Come on. How y'all doing? All right. We got to work on that. Okay. Uh, good morning. My name is Jason Craig. I'm one of the faculty members here, uh, part of the PT faculty. Um, so I met some of you last night at the hooding ceremony. Um, it's also my honor and privilege and occasional nightmare to coordinate all of our commencement activities. This is ceremony six out of seven in the past three days. And so, yeah, I'm happy I'm upright. Yesterday, I did 19 and a half thousand steps. And And yeah, I'm just going to be sitting in the corner today. I want to explain to you what's going to happen because you come to commence ceremonies. You're never really sure. You're all trying. You all want to get the right shot. I get it. You all have your cameras ready. Let me talk through what's going to happen. So, at 10 a.m. we start on time. If you're late, my fault. 10 a.m. students are going to line up over that arch. We're going to start being pumped and circumstantial. Play some music. Going to walk them through. that you've ever going to walk them through. They're going to come down here. They're going to come right down this aisle and they're going to sit in these bone chairs. They're not like, we've been told. So, in the bone chairs, they're going to sit down. Doctoral students here, master students behind them. A few more master students here. And then the balor, the bachelor students are in the back there. The faculty will also then process in after the students. They'll come in. They'll take their seats in the blue chairs. I hope I hope we have enough seats for them. So if you see faculty walking off the field, it's cuz we ran out of chairs cuz all the students came, but you never know. So they're going to sit there and then the VIP party is going to walk through. Uh the last person that always uh comes onto the field for commencement is the president. So she will come up. The party will take their place here on stage. At that point, we'll ask you all to rise because we have the Marine Corps color guard with us today who are going to present colors. So they'll come, they'll present, they're going to process down here. here. They'll present colors. We'll do the national anthem. Uh and then you'll be able to sit down. All right. All good so far. All right. At no point in any of that were any of you involved except for watching. So, let's get that out here. So then what will happen is it'll be speech and then students will stand up. They'll walk over here. They'll come up these stairs. Their names will read out. They'll walk across the handshake. We will have photographers who are here taking the shot. You will not be here. We're going to go live on YouTube. You can watch this as much as you want. You can even go over here. They'll get their photograph. And then they'll take their seat. They'll take over here to take photographs with the family like we had yesterday. We'll get them all speech and then congratulations. We're done. stage party will leave that faculty will leave. All of the students will stay right here. I'll come back and then we'll go and hug and cry and take photographs and all those things. All right. Good. So, please stay through this. as quickly as possible with the least amount of disruption and the people that I have to annoy you. You stand up and take photographs behind you. So, let's just be curious of one another and we'll have a great day. Now, I want you to cate cheer, celebrate all those things. Have a fun time here. It will be sunny. It's going to be It's not as warm as it was yesterday. We do have some water stations under the two white tents if you need to get get a bottle of water, but please don't try and get water when we're processing in. Just hold it for that. All right. Okay. You all good? Everybody happy with that? Okay. Now, we got about 20 minutes and you're sitting out here. They're in there. All right. So, we're going to go live on YouTube. Where' my camera? It's fine. We're going to we're going to go live on YouTube and I'm going to come around the field and I'm going to give you an opportunity to shout out your student. All right. Which means that you now need to figure out what degree they're getting. You know, cuz yesterday we had somebody who got a masters and a bachelor. I guess they're destined for singlehood. That I I don't know what. But okay. So have a quick look because I'm going to come now and we're going to run around and we're going to find out who's here, who they're celebrating, and what degrees we're getting. [Music] So college of health ceremony we're going to run around say hi to parents. We're celebrating mercy. All right. Carly's peopleractice. We celebrate what degree we have here. All right. Who know what else she get? She's a DBT. She is celebrating physical my education guest speaker last night. Was that all the celebrate nurses? Where's all the nurses? He's never paying for healthare again. just calling them. Hey, can you get me some celebrating halfway or something? I saw you. She's like, "No, don't look. Don't look." Awesome. Awesome. These guys were like, "Don't come to us." Bachelor of Science. Let's go. Awesome. Awesome. He's in my class right now. I have no idea what's in here. Let me celebrate. Sunonny Johnson. Awesome guy. Who Sarah Amy spread out? of science. Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Okay. I want to start one. science. Where's our health sciences? Come on now. We got some health sciences folks. We got nursing today. We got counseling today. We got PT. We got occupational therapy. Anybody here from occupational therapy? I'll find you. Hey, we got a lot of folks going on today. nurses. number 25. Oh, I know my class. Bachelor of nursing. She's trying to organize. Y'all need to just pick a seat. All right. Here we have questions. my class excuse. All right, I'm going to sleep down here. Oh, I got celebrate. I have a master in a psychology. All right. Who are we celebrating? Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Bacheloruc's Awesome. We celebrate Who are we celebrating? Masters in nursing. Masters in nursing. Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. So glad. All right. We celebrate, sir. Reginucate Gloria Navaro. ofucience it all the way to the back here. Who are we celebrating today? Awesome. Who are we celebrating today? Patrick science. Awesome. Who are we celebrating? Sydney. Here we go. Take two. Yeah, no problem. All right. Okay. We're gonna come down here. Who are we celebrating? Jordan. What's that stage? All right. Come on now. Hey, who we celebrating? Ella Baker. Who we celebrating? Taylor Shepard. What degree? Bachelor of Health Science. Masters of Health Sciences. That's 27. Yesterday science sciences my wife of education now Awesome. Science. [Music] Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Sir, ofucience nursing. Okay. Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. What degree? Bachelor of Education. Education. Awesome. Awesome. Hey, we got two rows. Dr. Jessie. All right. Give us the second one. Let's see. We got a lot. Thank you very much. All right. celebrate. Nursing of nursing. All right. All right. One more. One more like that. Adamell cate and quickly we'll have some fun when we finish You can take photographs anywhere. So please enjoy our facilities. Enjoy our campus. Thank you for allowing us to work with your sons, your daughters, your loved ones. It's been our video. Thank you guys. In the heart stands as a beacon of academics and innovation. Founded by the religious of the sacred heart of Mary in 1950. We have a proud legacy of intellectual curiosity, service to others and a global perspective. Our cutting edge research and innovation lead to discovery, preparing students to face tomorrow's challenges. As we enter our 75th year, Marry Mount's legacy propels us forward with unstoppable momentum. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] Good morning, Saints. What a beautiful day for graduation. My name is Dr. Pam Lee. I'm the provost and vice president for academic affairs here at Mry Mount University. It is my great pleasure to welcome you to our 74th commencement honoring our class of 2025 graduates in the College of Health and Education. Please be seated. A couple of quick things. Everything that you see around you, the tents, the balloons, the flowers, even the walkway in the back, came together by the hard work of a group of volunteer faculty and staff led by Dr. Foster and Jason. Where are you? Thank you so much. I also stand up. Happy birthday, Julia. We appreciate you so much. United States members include Sergeant Daniel Vasquez. Corporal Billy Wilson. Thank you for your dedication service. I ask everyone Bring your attention to Twilight through gall through the night. Our flag of the Yay. Nice. Father, thank you for request. Salam. God is good. Let us pray. In the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Lord God, we come before you at the beginning of these graduation exercises. We ask you to be with us, to protect and guide all we have to do. hard work done their success. Those who are about to graduate today have walked second of wisdom with diligence and curiosity. You enable them capacity to be taught and learn. You prosperous that new discoveries. You open their minds to understand and achieve their goals. May be a day of joy and gratitude as they celebrate their success. Let this day also be a day of thanksgiving for parents, guardians, friends, relatives who have walked with them for study of growth in what they have in their students who graduate today. This day of admiration for our president Dr. leadership. Our university has grown from strength to strength as witnessed by so many graduates. What we have what we witness today assurance of even brighter future dedicate their resources and priceless time for the success of this university. We also drive inspiration from those who receive honorary degrees. They remind us that graduation is not the end but just the beginning of putting the skills learned into the service of humanity. Bless our guest speakers who adless our alumni who are going to welcome our graduates. contribution continue Mountus and forever and ever. Amen. In the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit saint now in Mar. Thank you. Good morning, Mry Mount. What a cate of 2025. Congratulations, Saint Marine Corps anthem. wonderful presity and spirit to this celebration. Let's give them a hand. I would also like to thank the faculty during their time at Mounties and friends of our graduates. Your love, sacrifices, and encouragement. made this moment possible. Let's give them a round of applause. Today is a milestone you will remember forever. marks the completion of your academic journey and the beginning of your next chapter as leaders. You have challenges and grown as individuals to meet this moment. This is your time. As we cate your achievements today, we also cate historic moment in story. 2025 is the university's 75th anniversary year. Since our founding, our vision has always global and over World was one of just 33 institutions nationwide to be classified by Carnegie that reflects our research and prioritizing access and student success. are graded shape and now you carry that legacy forward to our 1,000 graduates in the class of 2025. You are earning a bachelor's, master's or a doctoral degree. You will shape the future of your industries, your shared democracy. will step forward from here to purpose. One shining example of that leadership is this year's recipient of the mother award which is presented to the graduating student who besties moral integity service. We are so proud. Congratulations. Please stand. This year we have seen remarkable accomplishments in the college of health and education. US News and first among Virginia's private institutions. That means that our doctor of physical therapy program is now the second highest in the DC area in the school of nursing professions. Dr. Marie Morardi received a lif achievement award from the American Headache Society, the first physician to ever receive this honor. And Dr. Terry Gab was elected commissioner for nursing education at the Virginia Nurses Association, shaping the profession's future in the school of Dr. Abi was selected for the prestigious minority serving institution fellowship program and students travel to Poland to learn how mental health professionals are supporting Ukrainian refugees in the school of education and led to Uganda. We work directly with local elementary school teachers to knowledge, exchange ideas and also change lives. Also special education program became the first in the nation to achieve accreditation from the council for exceptional children that ensure special educators are better for successful and longterm careers. Dr. Dr. We're proud of you. Proud of you. Sciences also stage research. She researched how rock climbing can improve physical and psychological outcomes for patients with Parkinson's disease with her work on CBS Sunday morning. Taylor, a health sciences major rockar was named to the national team. one of just a few student athletes to receive this honor and students journey to Guatemala and rural Virginia service to bring compassionate care and support to communities in recogn Dr. Jason Craig surprise professor of physical therapy as this year's recipient of the Robert Aggie Outstanding Faculty Award. He's been taking care of us but his support and meaningful mentorship have inspired countless students. Dr. represents the kind of faculty leadership that transform lives inside and outside the classroom and his daughter who graduate tomorrow during the college of science and humanities ceremony. So let's have Taylor, Dr. The most important function of higher education in our time to prepare ethical engaged citizens lead with courage, integrity and compassion. We live in a world facing increasing global uncertainty and today's challenges are visible throughout society and every aspect of our lives. We need to face those challenges. This is the role higher education must play. One of the most powerful lessons I have shared this year is that leadership knowledge and make decisions that serve the greater good. You must shift around your classes, the clinical rotations, the research, the service trips, what you know. Whether delivering improving mental health outcomes are championing inclusive public health students are leading and your diversity is your strength with students from 66 countries across the US here in Virginia's first Hispanic serving institution You have experienced what its prepares you not only for your first job but for life in a society. As a Cuban immigrant I have seen what it means to fight for freedom and opportunity. As a child I dictatorship with my family and we arrived in in search for a better life. My family always told me no one can ever take away your education and it was education that opened the door to the better life that we were standing. So as you move to the next stage of your lives, my message is simp uplift others. Mary Mount has prepared you for this important role. To our graduates, I believe in you. I am proud of you and I cannot wait to see how you will make this world and hopeful because of you as you learn. And remember, congratulations. class of 2025. May God bless our graduates and go one more time. Thank you, President. I'd like to invite Mr. Peter Converse. chair of the university board of trustees constants Fernandez. Thank you. Retail nonsense. leadership and ownership roles across multiple industries dedicating a significant portion of her time. She serves on the board of trustees at Ransom Everee at St. University Miami Children's Hospital institutions such as Baptist Hospital from Sterling Heights, Michigan. Constance holds an BBA degree from the University of Michigan and a master's from the University of Miami. Together with her husband Miguel, she leads the Miguel B. Fernandez family foundation with a mission health education. Mary University is honored to welcome the last time you ment of Virginia and the board of trustees at university. I declare doctor of humane letters honor and now Dr. Fernandez will address the graduating class. So now Dr. Fernandez will address the graduating class. Welcome Dr. Fernandez. Morning faculty and graduating class of 202 and truly grateful Thank you for your very special. I first want to thank my favorite men who have shaped and my journey with their love and support. My son, my husband, my father Alex, my brothers and I thank you and I love you. I'd also like to recognize and Madam President and I have met through catech. and the lives. I invite you to consider that very trust me and philanthropy. You may be wondering what does that truthan is simply gratitude and action. It's about giving your time and giving you the same when I was your age. I had no idea what philanthropy was yet when I generally evolves around a little caretaker. I was one of our eldest sister and compassion. Fast forward to a first date with my future husband at the time. He was holding a fundraiser for the arts and that evening not only relationship in-laws but I sense that they much more comfortable in their native language. So I decided to learn Spanish and better than just learning words and understanding of my husband's family and their culture. So the common thread is everything whether in volunteering mentoring or champion cause I have always found joy in I received something in return. Why do I share this? Because your history, your story is not just your future. Remember your roots. They don't limitations, but they are wisdom. Over three decades, she helped transform this university with vision, with dedication. Philanthropy comes from Greek means So at the core means the love of humanity here's it Each one of you have the chance to do the same for others as graduates. You have knowledge, you have skills, and you have stories. And soon you will have platforms and those platforms. So philanthropy is not all about it. You may be familiar with the old Please take my shoes. Where am I? And it's not out of love. It's out of shared humanity. A simple framework is back. to those who supported you to stay current. And lastly, we think of the world that you're shaping for the next generation, education, ambition, and purpose. I want to leave a living by what we get. However, we make a life by what we give. These words echo to the very essence of what I share with you today. Your degrees help you build a very successful career and that will be your living. But the impact that you will make through generosity, empathy and the love of humanity now that is how you will make a life of purpose with passion. So as you step into this world, make your legacy be one with compassion and generosity and above all the love of humanity philanthropy. Graduates, your futures are very bright and with gratitude and philanthropy at your core, I am sure that they will be extraordinary. To the class of 2025, may I congratulate you and I thank you. Congratulations and thank you. We will now begin the part you've been waiting for, the conferral of degrees. All right. The faculty and the board of trustees take pleasure in conferring the degrees upon the candidates present. Mr. Zack Campion will announce the names of the graduates. And Zach does a fantastic job by the way. Thank you, Zack. I take great pleasure in introducing our brand new dean of the College of Health and Education, Dr. Sky Dunovan. Thank you, Dr. Slavven Lee. Will the doctoral candidates from the College of Health and Education please rise and remain standing. Dr. Sarah, it is my pleasure to present the doctoral candidates from the College of Health and Education. These students have successfully completed their required courses of study and have earned the degrees being awarded to them today. Would the students please come forward? Claudia Dente. Claudia is also receiving a master's degree. Tyler Bour Tuttle. Tyler is also receiving a master's degree. Siobhan Leslie Yamas. Siobhan is also receiving a master's degree. Laura Benois. Lorna is also receiving a master's degree. Lauren Marie Yaoy. Sydney Wartz, Allison Doe, Emily K. Hire Eva Sapa. Eva is the recipient of the academic excellence award in physical therapy. Taylor Hope Mason Jordan A. Lindamood Tara Esi, Elizabeth Bernett, Laura Kick, Lauren Amber Dupas Mustafa Amir Als Heidi Len Darid Heidi is the recipient of the academic excellence award in nursing. Heidi is also receiving a master's degree. Ingred Adamich Jessica Hope Barera Brooke an Southern Mad Muhammad El Moan Zachary Daniel Nie Richard Wang, Andy Yin, Sunonny Johnson, Borha Keon Rashad Adams, Jesse Anne Bricker, Kayla Marie Taylor, Jonathan Doso, Lauren Schmid, Grale M. Alamanda Lauren Elise Cormier, Julia Mela Mazati, Sarah Kazerian, Sydney A. Owens, Hunter Richard Slaughter, Troy Devin Cwley, Sean Tims, Jacqueline Dale, Olivia L. Cluster, Caitlyn Elizabeth Ronahan, Rebecca Lynn Golib, Maline Anna Glattis, Carlen Flynn, Tara Thompson, Chris Syler, Elizabeth Annette Regina Seavoy, John Green Dana Chenise Stevens Jalissa Diamond Alexander Carolyn A. Hawkins Shaw Reginald Andre Thomas, Valerie Santos, Spartanico, April Denise Collins Slade, Kamara Paige Lightorn, Carrie Lee Mason, Teesha Carr, Erica N. Clark, Valerie Renee McDonald, Casia Janice Williams, Amber L. Al Porter Laura an Fitzgerald Leia Y Boge Belma hope pretty on top sister Paula Lers Powell Diana Ayala Charles Edward Singling, Sandra Maria Chavez Lurn, Jennifer Barton, Wilbert, Theodore Wilkinson, Regina Moyet, Mendy Ritter, Betty Lee Patch, David Graham Slater, Charles Gerald Castello, Brittany Elaine Robertson Nicole Allen Gregory John Ranken Talia Grace Ortega, Ayana Maline Nathaniel, Lindsay Mirhead, Sarah Jane Shonau. Sarah Jane is the recipient of the academic excellence award in educational leadership and organizational innovation. Dion D. Edwards, Candace Charerelle Jones, Havesh Sawyer, Bana Danielle Blevens, Anisha Hawkins, Sandra Baresi, Jenna Simone, Kristen Holly Willis, Sharon Cohen Lopez. Congratulations doctoral candidates. Will the master's candidates from the college of health and education please rise and remain standing. Dr. Bera, it is my pleasure to present the master's candidates from the college of health and education. These students have successfully completed their required courses of study and have earned the degrees being awarded to them today. Would the students please come forward? Reagan Stallings. Reagan is receiving two master's degrees. Oxana Holtzman, Kaye Payne, Michelle Brown, Emily Ardan Kugan, Autumn Marie Taft, PA Denise Rodriguez, Olivia Lorraine King, Kellyanne O. Jenkins Quincy Faith Dilman Isabelle Maria Prio Elizabeth Michelle Le Penir Elizabeth is receiving two master's degrees Kendra Nicole Kendra is receiving two master's degrees. Siron Renis Hardy. Siron is receiving two master's degrees. Anna Jeriah Sinkfield. Anna is receiving two master's degrees. Taylor Jones, Emily Caroline Boyd, Isabella Emma Holgren, Nicholas Mark Monahan, Megan A. Weaver. Megan is receiving two master's degrees. Caitlyn Demurs. Caitlyn is receiving two master's degrees. Caitlyn Deianne Lay. Caitlyn is receiving two master's degrees. Antonia Grace Sarapin. Antonia is receiving two master's degrees. Zechariah Wesley Lambert. Zechariah is the recipient of the academic excellence award in secondary education. Abraham Alexander Bernard Aaron Carpenter, Muata Gibson Hunter, Jennifer Deliss Spencer. Jennifer is the recipient of the academic excellence award in administration and supervision. Malia Carol Boozy Cruz Katy Delar Roa Luperon, Gloria Navaro Eileen Iet Martinez, Cecilia Dina Emmanuel, Megan Amelia Texera. Megan is the recipient of the academic excellence award in special education. Albert Van Meter Paley is Jen. Hei is the recipient of the academic excellence award in curriculum and instruction. Rose Ella Conklin, Claudia Andrea Bright. Claudia is the recipient of the academic excellence award in family nurse practitioner. Marinella Nadoni Line Elizabeth Lindsay, Megan Marie Harris, Charerelle Diaz, Valerie Poke, Brandy Michelle Grant, Catherine Butterfos, Esther Kamani, Neoni Lauren ani Joshua Christopher D Samuel Eric Basau Melanie Christina Sanchez Melanie is receiving two master's degrees. Sarah Sultan Sleman Gamo Anna Gabriella Salmon Liliana Raquel Maravia Liliana is the recipient of the academic excellence award in counseling clinical mental health counseling specialization. Julia Bon Pilabzic, Ashley Nicole Tucker, Nidia Leth Tremeno, Leslie Annel Aaricio, Leslie is receiving two master's degrees. Kelly Ramirez. Kelly is the recipient of the academic excellence award in counseling school counseling specialization. Noel Francis Cook. Noel is the recipient of the academic excellence award in counseling pastoral clinical mental health counseling specialization Patrick Colin Frell Isabelle Ani Jata Isabelle is receiving two master's Laura Ashley Valdez, Shira M. Edwards. Shar is receiving two master's degrees. Maline Lynch. Maline is the recipient of the Academic Excellence Award in public health and promotion. Thank you to all of our students receiving their master's degrees today. Will the bachelor's candidates from the college of health and education please rise and remain standing? Dr. Bera, it is my pleasure to present the bachelor's candidates from the College of Health and Education. These students have successfully completed their required courses of study and have earned the degrees being awarded to them today. Would the students please come forward? Lauren Elise Sims Riley Ellen Ward Patrick John Miller Sumakumloud Kevin Michael Gorm, Sumakumloud, Patrick David Maguire, Magnaumloud, Angel Sebastian Santos, Taylor Louise Shep, Kumloud, Joan, Sebastian, Amaya, Sumakumloud, Emmanuel Rosendez, Betsy Charlene Rodriguez, Perez, Lily Platkin, Magnaumloud, Megan Faith Sutter, Sumakumloud, Grace, Catherine Kane, Shaper, Sumakumloud, an Manzik Sumakumloud Ann is an honors program scholar and is also the recipient of the academic excellence award in health sciences. Briana Noelia Aravalo Briana Iet Mata Rivas Alice Melody Alendras Roachcha Joshua David Oakland Luke William Pogue Leonardo David A magnaum loud arist eaya Jesus Rios while Embarki Magnaumloud, Luke Thomas Alrech, Ana Boyd, Olivia Muani, Margalyn Perez Gomez, Sarah Aigumloud, Amanda Lynn Coats, Magna Cumloud. Julia Jean Elliot, Magnaumloud. Maline Elizabeth sumakumloud. Presley Aspen Williams. Magnaumloud. Emma Grace McKenna. Magnaumloud. Julysa Raquel Calderon Magnaumloud Pablo Olympias David Berdick Magna Cumloud David is an honors program scholar Joshua Bermanum Joshua is an honors program scholar. Joshua is also the recipient of the academic excellence award in nursing. Juliana Brunetti Sumakumloud. Juliana is the recipient of the academic excellence award in elementary education. Gabrielle Marie Gallota Cumloud Hannah Sukso Jennifer Lette Loas Delgado Magna Cumloud Hannah Irene Mockinhop Grace Catherine Needam Magna Cumlau. Grace is the recipient of the academic excellence award in special education. Norura Yusefi Cumloud Maline Orosco Coro Samantha Lette Alviero Amaya Sumakumloud Christopher B A Areo Joseph Mcdana Sumakumloud. Joseph has been awarded the mother butler medal which is awarded to the student who has shown the greatest devotion to the ideals of Mry Mount University. Amjad Alh Harvey Kumloud Jordan Ashley Jackson Gabriella Adriana Robles Cumloud Diana Nielli Barentos Linares, Marian Osman, Sumakumloud, Karen Yanth, Espanol, Sumakumloud, Alina Chon, Magna Cumloud. Alina is an honors program scholar Grace Fedor. Ella Jameson Baker Magnaumloud Ava Grace Actel Magnaumloud. Grace Caroline Damato. Magnaumloud. Grace is an honors program scholar. Kelly an Sol Magna Cumloud Alisa Ramirez Cumloud Rachel Rupali Krishnapa Kumloud Naisha Kabir Magna Cumloud Briana L. Bruce Kelly Judith Escobar Kumloud Angelica Marie Dalton Adriana Marcella Santos Magnaumloud. Audriana is an honors program scholar. Sophia Marie Straella Kora Elizabeth Presley Magnaumloud. Razia, Magnaumloud, Christina Reg, Sumakumloud, Erica Medina Hernandez, Sarah Argetta Vet Magnaumloud Diana Crusada Herrera Zavala Rael Grace Jennifer Cumloud Jalissa an Raja Kumloud Jessica Steer Sumakumloud Claudine Magnaumloud Natasha Jean Claude Magnaumloud Jasmine Legale Jordan Taylor Robinson Kumloud Taylor Nicole Moore Tommy Belle Tabler Sumokumloud Osana Takush Shian Sumakumloud Osana is recipient of the academic excellence award in nursing. Connie Anne Bong Cumloud Elizabeth Salooi Megan Renee Collins Cumloud Autumn Knight, Kumloud, Chelsea Marie Woodcock, Esther Adaboy, Magnaumloud. Adabong Mora Fabella Magnaumloud tool oya kumloud to laana jalah Hana Magnaumloud Caitlyn G. Worth Muller Cumloud Migang Elaine Shin Mark Kiier Ramos, Pñena, Busola, Soule, Jacqueline Rose, Wells Elizabeth Ashley Sebum, Alexandra Harris, Irene Mumloud. How does it feel? We're getting there. Graduate, please rise. By virtue of the power vested in me by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the board of trustees of Marmont University, I confer upon these candidates the doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degrees with all rights, privileges, and honors there ontoaining. Graduates, you may Move the tassel on your cap from right to left. Congratulations class of 2025 and God bless you. Congratulations everyone. You may be seated. And now I'd like to welcome MRy Mount University alumna and my friend and colleague Donna Owen, class of 1993. Miss Owen is a distinguished nurse leader, educator, and retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel. She served for over 20 years in the US Army Nurse Corp with active duty assignments at the Pentagon, Fort Belvore, Fort Knox, with the US Army Reserve Service at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. She broke new ground as the first Army Reserve nurse in several active duty roles. She was the first nurse corps officer of any service to serve as a deputy director for reserve affairs in the office of the assistant secretary of defense for health affairs. Following her military career, Owen continued to share her expertise by teaching future nurses at both Marry Mount and Virginia Northern Virginia Community College. She most recently served as director of health services at Vincent Hall Military Retirement Community. As a proud member of the Sigma Theta International Nursing Honor Society, the Army Nurse Corps Association, and the American Association of the History of Nursing, Miss Owen earned her MERS in nursing from MR Mount and her bachelor's from Dubil University. Thank you, Miss Owen for speaking at today's commencement ceremony. Now, I will say Miss Owen recently had surgery um and she was advised by her physical therapist to take it easy, but like many of us seasoned nurses, she's very non-compliant. So, she's here today. So, Donna, please come and join us. Good morning President Provos Lee Dean Donovan Converse Miss Fernandez other distinguished guests families and fellow Saint alums president and the alumni association Thank you for the honor of inviting me to participate in the College of Health and Education's commencement as the alumni speaker. Today is Armed Forces Day and as a retired Army nurse, it's a privilege to be speaking on this special occasion. When I was contacted about speaking at this commencement, I asked why me? What have I done to deserve this honor? As I reflected on the why, I thought about my journey. I'm the oldest of seven children. My dad worked in a grocery store and my mom was a nurse. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do after high school graduation, be a kindergarten teacher, especially with six younger brothers and sisters, be a nurse, or go on and become a doctor. I decided to be a nurse and wanted to go to a diploma nursing program with the goal of becoming the best bedside nurse possible. I thought that going to college would turn me into a pencil pusher and Mom told me I needed to go to college in case my plans changed or a nursing career choice required a college degree. Remarkably, I listened to my mother. I attended a small college in Buffalo, not unlike Mry Mount in its early days. On my journey, I became an army nurse, worked in intensive care units, in army and civilian hospitals, became a pencil pusher in the army and in civilian life and found that I liked it and worked with nursing students and the elderly in a retirement community. All those experience helped me to reach even exceed my expectations. If I can do it, so can you. Each one of you in your own unique way can be successful in whatever you do when you walk out of this field this afternoon. Embrace your dreams and your passions. Someone asked me, "What advice would you give your younger self?" I would tell myself and tell all of you, never give up. Learn from your failures as well as from your successes. Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know." One of my nursing professors in my senior year told us, "When I ask you a question, I expect one of two answers. Either the correct answer or I don't know, but I know where to find the answer." More than 55 years later, I still remember that advice. Yes, I am a senior and seasoned nurse. Most importantly, and probably why I've been able to do everything I've done when an opportunity itself. I took advantage of it. You don't know where that opportunity will lead. Many of those opportunities were way outside my comfort zone, but they have helped me become the person I am today. After I retired from the army, I knew I needed to go back to school to get an advanced degree. I chose Mry Mount for all that it offered. It reminded me of my undergraduate program with the quality of the education with supportive community and the friendships that were forged. I moved around when I was in the army and have lived in Northern Virginia for more than 50 years, but I never forgot my roots in Buffalo and stayed connected with friends, the college, and the alumni association. While I was going to Marry Mount and in the near days, maintain professional and organizational interaction and participate when I can as an alum. As you begin or advance your career, think about how to remain engaged with Marry Mount and how you can give back to the university now and in the future. It doesn't matter if you rem in the area or move away in this age of technology. You can remain connected beginning today. Okay, why don't you wait till tomorrow? Just enjoy today as your graduation day. Think about how you can give back to your profession, your community, Mrymont University, and the alumni association. I think when I think about giving back, I think about the three T's. time, talent, and treasure. Start small. After all, your lives are going to continue to be busy. But give some time to Mary Mount and the alumni association right from the beginning. That'll help to start a habit that you'll be able to maintain throughout your life. As you advance in your career and gain experience, volunteer your talents. Finally, support the university and its students. follow you with your treasure, your financial support. What is your passion for Mry Mount and its students? How can you make a difference now and as time goes on? Think about the three T's and what you can do for the future. One final thought, a friendly sent, the little yellow bird from the cartoons. Woodstock said, "Work hard. Be kind. Stay humble. Good words to live by. Congratulations to the class of 2025 and best of luck to each of you. Thank you very much. Thank you so much, Miss Thank you for all you've given to M. Thank you for your service to our country. app. To conclude our commencement exercises, the benediction will be delivered by Father Gabriel. Please stand for the benediction saints. Saints, let us pray. God our father in gratitude we stand before you. We thank you for bringing us to this bringing us this far in our days planning. We thank you for the achievements of each of our graduates. They have gained knowledge and skills that will enable them to be useful in the world they are about to face as they walk from the horse of wisdom, the horse of life. Be with them Lord wherever they may be. education prepared them for what they must be and for what they must do as they move on their lives. Guide them Lord so that the education they have received from Mount University will help them to transition into the role they are about to take to prosper the nation and the world. Grant them opportunity for good jobs which will enable them to better their lives and the lives of others. Let them always lead the way and they if they have to follow let them follow only in the ways of goodness, love and truth may their mount experience help them to live the values of excellence and service with purpose with a global perspective. We ask you Lord to bless their families and friends who have supported them unconditionally through difficult times. Bless Dr. former our president and her leadership team. Bless our generous faculty who have not held back their knowledge and expertise in instructing curious minds. Bless the board of trustees. Bless our benefactors. Bless our administrators and staff and all those who have contributed to the good of our students. And may the blessings of Almighty God, Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit come upon you and remain with you now and forever. Let us all say, "Amen." Go Saints. Go Saints. Thank you, Father. Once again, congratulations, class of 2025. This concludes our commencement ceremony. Sincere thank you to all for attending. The recessional will now begin. Students, please remain in your seats until the faculty have processed off the field. Then you'll be free to meet your guests who are in attendance. [Music] Everybody [Music] Cate and have a good time. [Music] [Music] Catech. All [Music] right. music. Don't want to trample the faculty. It's been a great day. Hope you all enjoyed it. You're welcome to the sunshine. The graduates are the ones up today on this. for being here today. Thanks foring us with your sons and daughters, your loved ones. Congratulations, class of 2025. Go find your families. Take some photographs. God bless. See you. [Music] [Music] in the stands as a beacon of academics and innovation. Founded by the religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary in 1950, we have a proud legacy of intellectual curiosity, service to others, and a global perspective. Our cutting edge research and innovation lead to discovery, preparing students to face tomorrow's challenges. As we enter our 75th year, Marry Mount's legacy propels us forward with unstoppable momentum. Heat up here. [Music]