Commencement 2008
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Neither fall-like weather, nor a change of venue could quash the enthusiasm of 632 John Carroll University students who received their diplomas on Sunday, May 18.  The unsettled weather moved the University’s Commencement proceedings indoors to the Wolstein Center downtown, which enabled graduates and their families to invite as many guests as they like to the ceremony.

David M. La Guardia, Ph.D., Academic Vice President of the University, served as Master of Ceremonies. In keeping with tradition, two graduating seniors were celebrated as this year’s Millor Orator (student commencement speaker) and Beaudry Award recipient.

The Millor Orator is named in honor of the late Rev. William J. Millor, S.J., who served the University in a variety of posts over 28 years. This year’s Millor Orator is Thomas G. Haren from Lowellville, Ohio. 

The Beaudry Award was established in honor of the late Robert Beaudry of the Class of 1950.  Each year, a graduating senior is recognized by his or her classmates and the University community for their contributions in the areas of academic achievement, Christian life, leadership, and service to the university and civic community during their time as a student. This year’s recipient of the Beaudry Award is Patrick C. Carpenter from Berea, Ohio.

Patrick Rombalski, Ed.D., John Carroll University’s Vice President for Student Affairs, was this year’s commencement speaker. During his 11-year tenure at John Carroll, Dr. Rombalski has significantly contributed to the University. This summer, Dr. Rombalski will join Boston College as Vice President of Student Affairs.

HONORARY DEGREE

Martin J. Schreiber, Jr., M.D. ’72 received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.  Dr. Schreiber is Chairman of the Nephrology and Hypertension Department at the Cleveland Clinic. His tremendous outreach both locally and globally exemplify the mission and the spirit of John Carroll University. Last year he was honored as the Kidney Foundation’s Man of the Year. 

ALUMNI MEDAL

Five alumni/ae received Alumni Medals at Commencement this year:

• Barbara O. Brown ’82
• Sr. Nancy J. Conway, CSJ ’71
• Richard M. Hamlin, Sr. ’49
• Michael L. Hardy ’69
• Jack T. Hearns ’61, ’64G

The Alumni Medal is the highest honor awarded annually by the Alumni Association and is presented to alumni who have distinguished themselves in their personal lives, reflecting credit upon John Carroll’s educational efforts, moral principals, and philosophical tenets.

Additional awards presented at Commencement were

• The Silver Circle
• The Distinguished Faculty Award, and
• The George E. Grauel Faculty Fellowships