NEWBURGH – Cheered on by their friends and loved ones, nearly 400 graduates received their diplomas at Mount Saint Mary College’s 63rd annual Commencement Ceremonies on Friday and Saturday.
The Mount awarded more than 100 master’s degrees and about 280 bachelor’s degrees across the two ceremonies. The graduating students hailed from 10 states: Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia.
Dr. Robert Gervasi, President of the Mount, reminded the graduating class that personal fulfillment and a compassionate spirit are what truly elevate an education:
“Degrees are wonderful, but hearts make degrees meaningful,” he said. “And I hope that you will always put your heart into whatever you do, and I wish you prosperity, love, and joy.”
The Graduate students heard from Commencement speaker Maxine E. Lindsay-Shillingford ’98 MSN ’23, Chief Nurse Manager within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Lindsay-Shillingford is a highly decorated U.S. Army Combat Veteran and an experienced nurse leader with nearly 30 years of service in civilian and military healthcare.
An immigrant who first came to the Mount through the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), Lindsay-Shillingford recently earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Duke University.
“This moment represents far more than the completion of a degree,” she said. “It reflects years of sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering belief in the power of humanity, discovery, and your ability to shape, strengthen, and transform our global community. This milestone is a testament to your hard work. You made it here not because of a sprint, but because of a marathon you refused to give up on.”
The Undergraduate students heard from Commencement speaker Donna M. Carroll, Ed.D., President of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU). Dr. Carroll is a distinguished leader in Catholic higher education.
Comments