The Newman University Spring 2016 Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement ceremonies were held on Saturday, May 14 at Central Community Church, 6100 W. Maple. The Undergraduate ceremony was held at 10 a.m. The Graduate ceremony was held at 3 p.m. A total of 258 graduates were recognized.
The Undergraduate Commencement ceremony included an address by Newman University Associate Professor of English Susan Crane-Laracuente, Ph.D. Crane-Laracuente received the 2015 Newman University Teaching Excellence Award, an annual recognition to a full-time faculty member who has demonstrated an innovative or dynamic approach to courses, course revisions, and teaching techniques.
The ceremony also included the naming of the 2016 recipients of the Harvey J. Ablah Award and the Leona J. Ablah Award. The awards are presented each year to a graduating male and a graduating female student who exemplify the spirit of Newman University. For 2016, the Harvey J. Ablah Award went to Brandon Gollhofer of Fort Worth, Texas. The Leona J. Ablah Award was presented to Brandi Boese of Lacrosse, Kan.
The ceremony also included the bestowal of a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa degree upon Robert L. and Rosalie Goebel. The university awards honorary degrees to individuals whose life and work reflect exemplary dedication to one of the university’s four Core Values: Catholic Identity, Culture of Service, Academic Excellence, and Global Perspective. The Goebels were honored for Culture of Service. They have been longtime supporters of Newman University and Newman University Athletics. They have also been generous donors to several capital campaigns and provide annual student scholarships.
To see the complete list of graduates by hometown, major and other information, click here.
