Embracing Change and Redefining Success

Commencement Speakers Encouraged Adaptability, Flexibility

On Saturday, May 18 Mount Mary celebrated its spring commencement ceremony in the Bloechl Center. The university awarded 106 undergraduate degrees, 109 graduate degrees and 1 post baccalaureate certificate. The university also awarded 38 doctoral degrees, including an honorary Ph.D. to former Froedtert president and university trustee Cathy Buck.

During the ceremony three speakers shared their unconventional journeys to discovering purpose, and the lessons learned along the way. Buck encouraged the audience to embrace–and learn from–perceived failures.

“Take every setback as an opportunity to regroup and charter a new course,” she said. “You never know where (these experiences) will take you.”

Alumna Veronica Bethel Parker ‘83 and student speaker Drusilla Faikel also echoed similar sentiments in their addresses. Bethel Parker shared how she wove many interests into a richly multifaceted professional life spanning fashion, politics and spirituality.

“Embrace the pivot,” she advised the graduating class.

Student speaker Drusilla Faikel also thanked the supportive community she encountered at the university.

“Mount Mary was an environment in which I could succeed,” she said. “The spirit of our alma mater will always remain with us.”

To view photos from Saturday's commencement or Friday evening's Light of Learning event, visit Mount Mary on Facebook or Instagram.

A recording of the ceremony is available here