More than 900 receive undergraduate, graduate degrees
Father Edward Glynn SJ addresses commencement crowd
Under sunny skies tempered by an unseasonable cold front, the JCU community gathered on the Quad Sunday to celebrate Commencement 2002. More than 900 received undergraduate and graduate degrees, and two received honorary degrees: Leslie Lenkowsky, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, who delivered the commencement address; and the late Julie A. Zajac, who succumbed to cancer on August 25, 2001, just prior to her senior year. The student-athlete held a 3.9 GPA and won the Marcia French Award as the outstanding track athlete in the Ohio Athletic Conference.

Alumni Medals were presented to Robert Sly '42, Father Casimir (Casey) Bukala SJ '54, Dr. Gerald (Jerry) Schweickert '60, Pauline Tarver '75, and Col. Carl Walz G'79, who recorded a message of thanks from his post on the international space station.


Hear audio streaming of:
Father Glynn's remarks

Address by Leslie Lenkowsky
CEO Corp. for Nat'l & Com. Service

Address by Millor Orator
Holly Ann Bugos

Citation for Leslie Lenkowsky
Read by Dr. Mark Falbo

Citation for Julie Zajac
Read by Dr. Andrew Welki

Message from Col. Carl Walz
Aboard International Space Station

Benediction by Rev. Valentino Lassiter
Pastor in Residence

 

 

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Carl Walz'
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Message from Carl Walz
Aboard the International Space Station

Graduates, faculty and distinguished guests, I would like to thank the university and the John Carroll Alumni Association for the Alumni Medal. I'm sorry I can't be with you today in person, but I am in a unique environment exploring the new frontier of space aboard the International Space Station.

The opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the early space explorers was made by possible by the great education and experiences I had at John Carroll during my undergraduate days and my master's studies. Since the Jesuits were very active in the exploration of the new world, I think it's fitting that as a product of a great Jesuit institution like John Carroll I get to explore the new frontier of space.

I'd like to thank the faculty, past and present, for their dedication in providing the best possible education to the students here. I'm fortunate to have received excellent physics instruction from a superb faculty including Fr. Monville, Fr. Nichols, Dr. Hunter, Dr. Nash, Dr. Trivisonno, Dr. Fritsch and Dr. Keck. As my master's degree advisor, Dr. Trivisonno really helped me to understand the scientific method and was also a great friend and role model.

This education enabled me to literally escape the bounds of gravity and pursue the exploration and exploitation of space. To the graduates, I urge you to pursue your dreams. John Carroll has provided you with the tools you need to reach and exceed your goals even if those goals are off the planet.

Best of luck to all of you and thank you again for this great honor.

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