Commencement
May 16, 2020 One Hundred Sixty-Fourth Year
1 Commencement May 16, 2021 One Hundred Sixty-Fourth Year
2 Commencement May 16, 2021 One Hundred Sixty-Fourth Year
3 ORDER OF EXERCISES*
PROCESSIONAL MUSIC
INVOCATION Abbot John Klassen, OSB
OPENING REMARKS Dr. Eugene McAllister Interim President
ADDRESS TO THE GRADUATING CLASS Mr. Simeon Farquharson Class of 2021
CITATION FOR HONORARY DEGREE Dr. Eugene McAllister
ACCEPTANCE OF HONORARY DEGREE AND COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS General Paul M. Nakasone ’86
CITATIONS FOR DEGREES IN COURSE Dr. Richard Ice Provost
PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR MASTER’S DEGREES Fr. Dale Launderville, OSB Dean of the School of Theology and Seminary
PRESENTATION OF THE CANDIDATES FOR BACCALAUREATE DEGREES Dr. Pamela Bacon Dean of the Faculty
BENEDICTION Abbot John Klassen, OSB
RECESSIONAL
* The Order of Exercises may vary from what is listed above.
4 HONORARY DEGREES
Honorary degrees have been awarded by American colleges and universities since early colonial times. In 1692, Harvard, only 50 years after its founding, awarded the first such degree and thus began what has become a recognized function of degree‑granting institutions of higher learning. From the beginning, honorary degrees were granted to recognize the achievements of persons in the particular field of their interest. Among the types of honorary degrees awarded are:
1. Doctor of Laws (LL.D.), first conferred in 1773, is the most frequent honorary doctorate awarded. It is regarded as the most appropriate award for a person distinguished in general service to the state, to learning and to humankind. 2. Doctor of Letters (Litt.D.), first awarded in 1892, is considered to be appropriate as an honor for scholarly work of a somewhat restricted nature. It is usually conferred upon scholars in particular disciplines. 3. Doctor of Science (Sc.D.), first conferred in 1884, is an award for persons who have made distinguished contributions and performed services in the sciences. 4. Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.), first awarded in the 1880s, is the honorary doctorate given to persons who have distinguished themselves in the humanities.
The Saint John’s University Board of Trustees approves all honorary degrees.
Cited from: Handbook of College and University Administration. Asa S. Knowles (editor‑in‑chief). Two volumes. New York: McGraw‑Hill, 1970, Vol. II, page 211; 214‑215.
5 DOCTOR OF LAWS
You have ascended to the highest echelon of the United States Military, and have been conferred with one of the most demanding and vital jobs in the world.
You have been entrusted with the cyber security of our entire nation, a challenge of unprecedented difficulty during these rapidly changing times.
And yet when presented with these enormous responsibilities, you reacted with your typical humility and humanity, and with renewed appreciation for the place where your professional journey began.
General Paul Nakasone, you have done all that and so much more, for your grateful country and for your loved ones, drawing on your strength of character and on the inspiration of your roots at Saint John’s University.
As a four-star general and in your duties as Commander, U.S. Cyber Command and Director, National Security Agency/Chief, Central Security Service, you have protected crucial national security functions through four years of steadfast service and two Presidential administrations.
Those accomplishments have built on your legacy of service to your country that includes staff officer on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Director of Intelligence in Afghanistan and command and staff positions across all levels of the Army, with assignments in the United States and around the world.
Those experiences have been shaped by your intelligence, perspective and ability to think critically, all of which were honed by your education and the friendships formed through your liberal arts education at Saint John’s.
You have maintained and fostered your dedication to your alma mater, delivering the keynote address for the 2020 Fighting Saints ROTC virtual commissioning program and then delivering the Commencement address for Saint John’s 2021 graduation ceremony.
Your dedication to Team Nakasone – your wife Susan and children Sarah, Daniel, David and Joseph – is even more profound. Throughout your distinguished military career, your devotion to your family reflects your faith and your embodiment of the Benedictine values.
Your willingness to share your knowledge, experience and perspective is an ongoing inspiration at Saint John’s and around the world.
In recognition of your wisdom, dedication, energy and commitment to serving students and your country, Saint John’s University recognizes you with gratitude and confers upon you
General Paul Nakasone
The Doctor of Laws Honoris causa On this 16th day of May Two thousand and twenty-one
6 CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF DIVINITY
Jean-Claude Duncan Kaitlyn Doyle Kruger James Voeller, FBP Deer Creek, Minnesota Duluth, Minnesota Saint Paul, Minnesota Divinity Divinity Divinity
Daniel Hernandez Flores, OSC Meghan Elizabeth Stretar Tlaxcala, Mexico Apple Valley, Minnesota Divinity Divinity
CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS
Karen Betzabe Arce, OCSO Jennifer Lynn Haman Hwa Suk Oh Whitehorn, California Milaca, Minnesota Seoul, South Korea Monastic Studies Ministry Liturgical Music
Jacob Jordan Waite Berns, OSB Antoinette Marie Hudock Marie Therese Racine, OSB Collegeville, Minnesota Albany, Minnesota Beech Grove, Indiana Liturgical Music Ministry Liturgy
Vincent John Charles Mark Wenzel Johanneck Martina Talic Isanti, Minnesota Maple Lake, Minnesota Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovenia Ministry Spirituality Ministry
Gregory Escardo, OCSO Katherine Elizabeth Jonza David Jeremiah Wesson Trappist, Kentucky Lake Elmo, Minnesota Atlanta, Georgia Monastic Studies Liturgical Music Liturgical Studies
Kayla Judith Greiner Kathryn Ann Kelly Ames, Iowa Savage, Minnesota Ministry Ministry
CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF THEOLOGICAL STUDIES
Katryna Suzanne Bertucci Samuel John Ludlow-Broback Luke Michael VanOverbeke Virginia, Minnesota Minneapolis, Minnesota Albany, Minnesota History of Christianity Systematics Liturgy
Tong Van Ho, O.Cist. Nghiep Van Pham Kwan Yau Wong Quynh Luu, Nghe An, Vietnam Xuan Ngoc, Nam Dinh, Vietnam Hong Kong, Hong Kong Scripture Systematics Liturgy
Jason Scott Horstman Toan Van Phan, O.Cist. Wilmore, Kentucky Quynh Luu, Nghe An, Vietnam Monastic Studies Monastic Studies
CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF THEOLOGY
Janice Frances Kristanti Timothy Ray Schmeling Dung Van Thai, O.Cist. Jakarta, Indonesia Mankato, Minnesota Quynh Luu, Nghe An, Vietnam Theology Theology Theology
7 GRADUATION HONORS
Honors are conferred at graduation upon students who have maintained high scholastic excellence. To be eligible for graduation honors, students must have the following standing: For the degree egregia cum laude, a minimum cumulative grade point average of 4.00; for the degree summa cum laude, a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.90; for the degree magna cum laude, a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.75; and for the degree cum laude, a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.65.
CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF ARTS WITH HONORS
EGREGIA CUM LAUDE Maxwell Dominic Hennen Nikolas Jacob Thompson Sartell, Minnesota Palm Harbor, Florida Daniel Roger Bachmeier Mathematics Biology Long Prairie, Minnesota Sociology Tyler Clark Johnson Ryan Dean Thompson Willmar, Minnesota Edina, Minnesota Mitchell Jeffrey Hansen Mathematics Biochemistry Cold Spring, Minnesota Integrative Science Michael J Klonowski Jacob Michael Thorsten Rice Lake, Wisconsin Foley, Minnesota Robert Michael McManus Mathematics, Physics Accounting Anoka, Minnesota Biology, Environmental Studies Preston Bauerly Kopel Colin Thomas Yokanovich Sauk Rapids, Minnesota Eagan, Minnesota SUMMA CUM LAUDE Economics Biochemistry
Dean Phillip Amundson Brandon Daniel Kramer MAGNA CUM LAUDE Sartell, Minnesota Sartell, Minnesota Social Science Accounting, Economics Milo Jeffrey Ambord Wausau, Wisconsin Christopher Robert Backes Logan Steven Larson Integrative Science St. Cloud, Minnesota Ham Lake, Minnesota Economics Accounting Samuel Black Minneapolis, Minnesota Jack Allen Colleran Ben Edward Lepinski Hispanic Studies, Political Science Green Bay, Wisconsin St. Joseph, Minnesota Biology Accounting Michael Christopher Bloss Clear Lake, Minnesota Ryan William Copeland William Joseph Matuska Accounting St. Michael, Minnesota Cold Spring, Minnesota Communication Environmental Studies Pierce Anthony Boder-Szarkowski Champlin, Minnesota Jacob Christopher Czech Joshua David Miller Global Business Leadership Kewaunee, Wisconsin Prior Lake, Minnesota Economics, Political Science Integrative Science Randall Thomas Clintsman Maplewood, Minnesota Elliot Patrick Edeburn Andrew Joseph Newinski Computer Science Sartell, Minnesota Bloomington, Minnesota Hispanic Studies, Political Science Accounting Samuel Raymond Colella Tacoma, Washington Grant Lee Fuchs Jacob James Scherber Political Science Paynesville, Minnesota Buffalo, Minnesota Accounting Biology Ethan M DeKam Owatonna, Minnesota Thomas John Gillach Joseph Anthony Schwamm Biology Lindstrom, Minnesota Littleton, Colorado Psychology Economics Jacob Anthony Dripps Mantorville, Minnesota Max Jacob Helgestad Michael Faddy Sulaiman History, Individualized-Languages St. Michael, Minnesota Sioux Falls, South Dakota Computer Science Psychology Collin Douglas Franz Otsego, Minnesota Hispanic Studies 8 Peter Francis Gathje Jack Michael Gabrielli Scheck Ryan William Kero Bloomington, Minnesota Coon Rapids, Minnesota Hermantown, Minnesota Computer Science Biochemistry Accounting, Economics Usama Suleiman Hassan Andrew James Schmelzer Nathan Ryan Kobb Waite Park, Minnesota Northfield, Minnesota Hartland, Wisconsin Biochemistry Mathematics Biochemistry Brogan Joseph Hayden Samuel M Young John Francis Krawczyk Plymouth, Minnesota Cold Spring, Minnesota Woodbury, Minnesota Accounting Computer Science Biology Dongxiang Huang Jordan Davis Zachmann Andrew McDonald Kromer Chengdu, China PR Montgomery, Minnesota Edina, Minnesota Psychology Physics Economics
Nathan Collin Jordre CUM LAUDE Graydon Johnathon Kulick St. Cloud, Minnesota Independence, Minnesota Computer Science Gavin Daniel Bates Psychology Gaylord, Minnesota Jaren Thomas Martin Economics John Thomas Mahowald St. Joseph, Minnesota Eagan, Minnesota Biology Robert Joseph Benson Accounting Albany, Minnesota Cade Alen McComber Biology Joshua Nathan Mikos Andover, Minnesota Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota Global Business Leadership Jean Gardy Boss Biochemistry Immokalee, Florida Connor Thomas Mikolichek Global Business Leadership Patrick Judd Mullon Red Wing, Minnesota Rochester, Minnesota Biochemistry Will James Cooper Biochemistry St. Cloud, Minnesota Ryan John Munter Computer Science Dominick Charles Nussmeier St. Cloud, Minnesota Mankato, Minnesota Physics Jacob Peter Dittel Communication White Bear Lake, Minnesota Devin Michael Murphy Economics Joseph Frank Pieschel Eden Prairie, Minnesota Springfield, Minnesota Computer Science Maximilian Austin Ditzler Individualized-Art Eagle River, Alaska Andrew James Nielsen German Carter J Scheele Edina, Minnesota St. Cloud, Minnesota Biochemistry Troy J Dobbs Music Lancaster, New York Austin Thomas O’Keefe Economics, Political Science Connor William Schoborg St. Cloud, Minnesota Cold Spring, Minnesota Theology Jarod William Fike Global Business Leadership White Bear Lake, Minnesota Nicholas Steven Penick Communication, English Timothy Douglas Spesia Cold Spring, Minnesota Joliet, Illinois Global Business Leadership Elijah Steven Greenblat Political Science Wayzata, Minnesota Noah Solomon Polipnick Accounting Gregory Ryan Andre Stubbs Sauk Centre, Minnesota Nassau, Bahamas Global Business Leadership, Thomas Richard Hawkins English Individualized-Theater St. Cloud, Minnesota Psychology Noah Daniel Webb Jacob Daniel Reding St. Cloud, Minnesota Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota Mason Robert Hennen Accounting Integrative Science Kimball, Minnesota Global Business Leadership Sheamus Robert Westermann Jack Thomas Rogowski North Mankato, Minnesota White Bear Lake, Minnesota Seth Richard Jackson History, Political Science Mathematics Eagan, Minnesota Chemistry Andrew Robert Wingerd Andrew Robert Rothstein St. Paul, Minnesota Cold Spring, Minnesota Jared Nathaniel Johnson Accounting Computer Science Stanchfield, Minnesota Elementary Education
9 CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE WITH HONORS
EGREGIA CUM LAUDE Anthony Hernandez Weber CUM LAUDE Shoreview, Minnesota Brandin Richard Dahl Nursing Thomas William Gee-Hoover Kerkhoven, Minnesota Montevideo, Minnesota Nursing MAGNA CUM LAUDE Nursing
SUMMA CUM LAUDE Tanner Joseph Dufault Alexander Michael Lucken Kasson, Minnesota Melrose, Minnesota Noah David Kersten Nursing Nursing Kirkwood, Missouri Nursing
CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF ARTS
Marco Antonio Aguilera Brennen Michael Baldwin Ernesto Che Blanchard Bell Gardens, California Albertville, Minnesota Immokalee, Florida Political Science History Psychology
Jess Daniel Ahlers Christian Joseph Balko Alec Scott Boedigheimer Minnetonka, Minnesota Fairbanks, Alaska Eden Prairie, Minnesota Global Business Leadership Art Economics, History
Najib Mustafa Ahmed Brett Thomas Barrett Justin Thomas Brakob St. Joseph, Minnesota St. Paul, Minnesota Maple Grove, Minnesota Biochemistry Global Business Leadership Computer Science
Luke Vallez Allen Nathan John Barrett Andrew Robert Breyen Prior Lake, Minnesota St. Paul, Minnesota Nowthen, Minnesota Environmental Studies Global Business Leadership Computer Science
Ravi Maurice Alston Jr. Keegan Joseph Bartow Alex Todd Broadwell Lake Elsinore, California Manitowoc, Wisconsin Willmar, Minnesota Global Business Leadership Global Business Leadership Accounting
Peter James Anderson Mackinley James Bassett Travis James Brown Lake Elmo, Minnesota Farmington, Minnesota Otsego, Minnesota Communication English Accounting
Anton Burntell Andrews Daniel Howard Baumert Anthony Joseph Buckingham Nassau, Bahamas Cherry Valley, Illinois Rogers, Minnesota Computer Science Accounting History
Ashton Elridge Andrews Grant Michael Becker Marlon Craig Burke Nassau, Bahamas Le Sueur, Minnesota Las Vegas, Nevada Computer Science Environmental Studies Accounting
Elias Philip Andrzejek James Madison Berg Joseph Edward Burrell Minneapolis, Minnesota Rogers, Minnesota Olympia, Washington Psychology Biology Accounting
Jackson David Baird MacLean Fredrick Berglove Christian Daniel Canavati Maple Grove, Minnesota Elk River, Minnesota Alexandria, Minnesota Accounting Integrative Science Accounting
Holden J Baker DeAndre Tariq Evan Bethell Kaleb Thomas Carlson Plymouth, Minnesota Nassau, Bahamas Sioux Falls, South Dakota Biology Computer Science History
Oakley James Baker Justin Patrick Biren Edward Michael Cavello III Geneva, Minnesota New Prague, Minnesota Minnetrista, Minnesota Accounting, Economics Art Global Business Leadership
10 Samuel Richard Chalmers Brandon James Deck Ethan William Erickson Albert Lea, Minnesota Farmington, Minnesota Annandale, Minnesota Economics Communication Mathematics
Ravon Alexander Chambers Tyler Richard Defore Maximillian X Erickson Bellflower, California Red Wing, Minnesota Lansing, Kansas Nutrition Accounting Political Science
Luke Alex Chapdelaine Benjamin Daniel DeMars Charles E Etuko Lakeville, Minnesota Sauk Rapids, Minnesota New Brighton, Minnesota Accounting Accounting Global Business Leadership
Cortland Richard Chitwood Joseph Anthony Demello Ryne Keegan Shaughnessy Farley Carmel, Indiana Minneapolis, Minnesota Lakeville, Minnesota Economics Biology Economics
Nicholas Richard Christian Jack Roger Deters Simeon Joshua Farquharson Richfield, Minnesota Plymouth, Minnesota Nassau, Bahamas Global Business Leadership Global Business Leadership Accounting
Kriston D’Angelo Clarke Nicholas Dean Devasia Isaiah Keone Faue Nassau, Bahamas Newark, New Jersey San Diego, California Biology Accounting Global Business Leadership
Benjamin Mancina Clay Hudson Drontle Distel Martin Noe Figueroa Minnetonka, Minnesota Cold Spring, Minnesota South El Monte, California Biology Communication Economics
Jason Ronald Comstock Gregory Thomas Drayton Adrian Connell Flournoy Brooklyn Park, Minnesota Maple Grove, Minnesota Minden, Louisiana Economics Computer Science Political Science
Christopher Paul Condon Nathan Neil Drees Simon David Fruth Seattle, Washington Austin, Minnesota San Francisco, California Accounting Computer Science Economics
Brendan Patrick Conway Dylan Donald Dubuque Maxwell E Fuchs Western Springs, Illinois Brooklyn Park, Minnesota Cold Spring, Minnesota Political Science Accounting Global Business Leadership
Anfernee Cooper Chayne Rocory Dunkley Dylan Jeffrey Fyle Fort Worth, Texas Hinckley, Minnesota Monticello, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science Psychology Psychology
Jacob Michael Cossairt Adam Vernon Duren James T Gaffy Rockville, Minnesota Lakeville, Minnesota St. Cloud, Minnesota Global Business Leadership Biology English
John Michael Cronin Cole Lorence Dutko Ryan Joseph Gallagher Bloomington, Minnesota Lake Elmo, Minnesota Plymouth, Minnesota Global Business Leadership Accounting Communication
David R Cullen Parker Ryan Dutko Nicholas Michael Gannon Edina, Minnesota Lake Elmo, Minnesota Vadnais Heights, Minnesota Global Business Leadership Accounting Global Business Leadership
Aden James Davis John Robert Edman Zhiyuan Gao Brainerd, Minnesota Stillwater, Minnesota Chengdu, China PR Global Business Leadership Philosophy, Political Science Music, Philosophy
Carson Michael Deal Tyler Ruben Ehrke Jon Patrick Gibson Litchfield, Minnesota Glencoe, Minnesota Winona, Minnesota Biology Biochemistry Biochemistry
Jacob Allen Debes Elliott Richard Eiss Joshua Scott Gilliam St. Paul, Minnesota Hopkins, Minnesota Brooklyn Park, Minnesota French Global Business Leadership Accounting 11 Gaven Robert Gillman Alexander James Heider Klive Hume Darwin, Minnesota White Bear Lake, Minnesota St. Cloud, Minnesota Global Business Leadership Communication Asian Studies
Blake Taylor Gilmore Zachary M Heinen Brandon Tai Hunt Minneapolis, Minnesota Richmond, Minnesota Wayzata, Minnesota Global Business Leadership Computer Science Elementary Education
Benjamin Ronald Gjerde Elijah Martin Henderson Patrick Martin Janning Champlin, Minnesota Crystal, Minnesota Willmar, Minnesota Biochemistry Political Science Music
Blake Michael Golden Grant Steven Henkels Tyler James Jensen Dellwood, Minnesota Mound, Minnesota Hugo, Minnesota Accounting Biology Accounting
Ryan R Graham Erik Christopher Hennigs Abdikafi N Jibril Milwaukee, Wisconsin St. Joseph, Minnesota St. Cloud, Minnesota Computer Science Psychology Computer Science
Bradley Eugene Grimm Alan Huechim Her Johnathan Trey Johnson Waconia, Minnesota St. Paul, Minnesota Nassau, Bahamas Global Business Leadership Psychology Biochemistry
Henry Thor Hagen Andrew Joseph Heroux Kylan Widen Johnson Waseca, Minnesota Avon, Minnesota Shoreview, Minnesota Global Business Leadership Computer Science Political Science
Charles Thomas Haik Benjamin George Hester Richard Parker Johnson Arden Hills, Minnesota Waconia, Minnesota Rockford, Minnesota Economics, Global Business Global Business Leadership Psychology Leadership Joseph Frank Himsl Tanner Wade Johnson Ryan Michael Hall Avon, Minnesota Delano, Minnesota Brooklyn Park, Minnesota Global Business Leadership Global Business Leadership Global Business Leadership Noah Dean Hoberg Zavier Antonio Joseph-Smith Lao Sue Hang Andover, Minnesota Nassau, Bahamas Owasso, Oklahoma Computer Science Economics Communication Royce Alan Hoeper Zachary Connor Juan Zachary Robert Hanson Glenwood, Minnesota Andover, Minnesota New Prague, Minnesota Economics Nutrition Global Business Leadership Blake Samuel Hoeschen Vincent Richard Kahlhamer Ray Harren Apple Valley, Minnesota Avon, Minnesota Anchorage, Alaska Global Business Leadership, Hispanic Computer Science Psychology Studies Bryce Travis Kapsner Myles Daniel Harrington Michael Joseph Hoppe Gypsum, Colorado Eden Prairie, Minnesota Chaska, Minnesota Communication Psychology Accounting Robert John Karlson Christopher O Harris Thomas John Hornick Maple Grove, Minnesota Lake Elsinore, Minnesota Randall, Minnesota French, Political Science Sociology Political Science Eric James Kieser Abdimalik Warsame Hashi Ryan James Houseman Maple Grove, Minnesota Minneapolis, Minnesota Hutchinson, Minnesota Accounting Political Science Biology Brady Mathew Klaphake William Thomas Hawkins Alexander Huerta Melrose, Minnesota Bemidji, Minnesota Dallas, Texas Psychology Environmental Studies Communication Kole Joseph Klaphake Cold Spring, Minnesota Accounting 12 Theodore Allyn Knudson Brendan Jaeha Lee-Gilligan George William Jack Morrison II Brainerd, Minnesota Minnetonka, Minnesota Monument, Colorado Music Environmental Studies Economics
Austin Richard Koester Noah Gregory Lefebvre Joseph Bradley Munsterteiger Mahtomedi, Minnesota Foley, Minnesota Monticello, Minnesota Psychology Computer Science Computer Science
Kyle Roy Kornovich Gabriel Enrique Leon Garcia Gabriel Murgo-Garcia Rogers, Minnesota San Juan, Puerto Rico Highland, California Accounting Global Business Leadership Communication
John Thomas Kripotos Jesus Leon-Morales Zachary Charles Nagel Shoreview, Minnesota Minneapolis, Minnesota Crystal, Minnesota Global Business Leadership Global Business Leadership Psychology
Nicholas John Kroeten Adam Clarence Lepinski Kole Michael Najarian Lakeville, Minnesota St. Joseph, Minnesota Stillwater, Minnesota Political Science Communication Communication
Colin Ross Kummer Aaron Ralph Liestman Tevin J Neegaard Hastings, Minnesota St. Cloud, Minnesota Maple Grove, Minnesota History Accounting Communication
Jake Allen Kutina Logan Ryan Lintvedt Levi Dean Neuenschwander Shakopee, Minnesota Independence, Minnesota Annandale, Minnesota Global Business Leadership Elementary Education Computer Science
Maxwell Nichol LaBine Jonathon Linus Lipetzky Nicholas David Neumann St. Cloud, Minnesota Shakopee, Minnesota Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota Psychology Global Business Leadership Economics
John Sullivan Laird Dominick Lopez Michael Jon Doyle Olson St. Paul, Minnesota Bloomington, Minnesota Fullerton, California Global Business Leadership Biochemistry History
Paul Marvin Langan Peter Matthew Magtibay Lukas James Otte Northfield, Minnesota Cave Creek, Arizona Little Falls, Minnesota Communication Biology History
Justin Ronald Langer Jac Bradly Mateja Hanyi Pan St. Paul, Minnesota Rogers, Minnesota Leshan, China PR Accounting English, European Studies Political Science
Adam Joseph Lara Jacob Gordon McCabe Lukas Joseph Panvica Fort Worth, Texas St. Peter, Minnesota Bloomington, Minnesota Communication Global Business Leadership Mathematics
Joseph G Larson Nolan William McLouth Nicholas Anthony Parenteau Plymouth, Minnesota Maple Grove, Minnesota Robbinsdale, Minnesota Biology Accounting Political Science
Huy Duc Le Joseph D Meier Joseph Raymond Parise Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Holdingford, Minnesota Milwaukie, Oregon Economics Chemistry Accounting
Ka Ying Bruce Lee Ryan Kenneth Miller Blake Paul Patrick Brooklyn Park, Minnesota Maple Grove, Minnesota St. Stephen, Minnesota Art English Global Business Leadership
Moua Lee Andrew Steven Moe Bryson Chase Pena St. Paul, Minnesota Chaska, Minnesota Vancouver, Washington Computer Science Communication Global Business Leadership
Na Steve Lee Steve Morales Cole Patrick Pfannenstein St. Paul, Minnesota Minneapolis, Minnesota St. Joseph, Minnesota Biochemistry Psychology Accounting 13 Jack Raymond Pieper David-Earl Jelani Russell Orie Shima Ellsworth, Wisconsin Hawthorne, California Kigali, Rwanda Environmental Studies Sociology Communication
Michael Anthony Pineda Thomas Randal Russett Thomas Paul Skindingsrud Denver, Colorado Menahga, Minnesota Minneapolis, Minnesota Global Business Leadership Accounting Economics
Timothy Andrew Plessel Tristyn Alexander Sabina Kyle Joshua Smith Coon Rapids, Minnesota Kansas City, Missouri Nassau, Bahamas Global Business Leadership Environmental Studies Biochemistry
Nolan Paul Prokott Jordan Ryan Sales Reed Timmer Smith Avon, Minnesota Burtrum, Minnesota Lakeville, Minnesota Communication Elementary Education Global Business Leadership
Guangzhao Qi Abraham Sanchez Garcia Thomas James Smith Zhengzhou, China PR Minneapolis, Minnesota Westfield, Massachusetts Computer Science Global Business Leadership Communication
Brandon James Radant Mackenzee F Schluttner Austin David Solors Apple Valley, Minnesota Verndale, Minnesota Elk River, Minnesota Global Business Leadership Global Business Leadership Biology, Environmental Studies
William Jacob Raible Nicholas Richard Schmitt William Henry Sonntag Cottage Grove, Minnesota St. Cloud, Minnesota Lino Lakes, Minnesota Psychology Communication Accounting
DeMarco Dayton Randall Griffin Riley Scholl Cole T Souto Littleton, Colorado Eden Prairie, Minnesota Yorba Linda, California Communication Biochemistry Philosophy
Kyle William Ray Mitchell Steven Schroeder Brendan Douglas Splinter Woodland, Minnesota Fairfax, Minnesota Edina, Minnesota Communication Biology Accounting
Mark Kevin Redman Austin James Schroepfer Matthew James Stacken Albert Lea, Minnesota Glencoe, Minnesota Waconia, Minnesota Economics Environmental Studies Global Business Leadership
Stephen Thomas Renze Jack Raymond Schwartz Christopher Brendan Stanek Urbandale, Iowa St. Paul, Minnesota Plymouth, Minnesota Environmental Studies Accounting Accounting
Carlos Roberto Rivas Jr. Levi Michael Schwieters Bailey John Steadman Los Angeles, California Melrose, Minnesota St. Cloud, Minnesota Physics Music Global Business Leadership
Tyreese Liseto Robinson Cameron James Senica Eric Victor Stein Minneapolis, Minnesota Nisswa, Minnesota Cold Spring, Minnesota Computer Science Biology Environmental Studies
Tucker Nicholas Rockis Sonte Luv Senne Hayden Wayde Stensgard Hines, Minnesota Andover, Minnesota Rushford, Minnesota Psychology Global Business Leadership History, Political Science
Samuel Joseph Rohret Gabriel Michael Severson Esten Dean Stensrud Swisher, Iowa Clear Lake, Minnesota Mound, Minnesota Integrative Science Elementary Education Communication
Sergio Jaime Roman Perry Marcian Seymour Jr. Jaelen Keshawn Stephen Edina, Minnesota Nassau, Bahamas Vancouver, Washington Global Business Leadership Economics Communication
Matthew Jeffrey Rotter Zhicheng Shen Buck Robert Strain Blaine, Minnesota Kunshan, China PR St. Paul, Minnesota Computer Science Physics Biochemistry 14 Charles Stephen Stuck Kalvin Vo Rudolph Benjamin Wilson Jr. St. Cloud, Minnesota St. Paul, Minnesota Nassau, Bahamas Global Business Leadership Communication Communication
Kyle Jonathon Suek Derek Joseph Vonderohe Jayce William Windsor Minneapolis, Minnesota Caledonia, Minnesota Mesa, Arizona Global Business Leadership Global Business Leadership Political Science
Connor Joseph Swart Cole Buerkle Vosper Mitchell George Wolf Willmar, Minnesota Loretto, Minnesota River Falls, Wisconsin Chemistry Accounting Biochemistry
Zachary Isaac Swedberg Fue Zing Vue Gavin Patrick Wollenberg Lakeville, Minnesota St. Paul, Minnesota Lemont, Illinois Accounting Computer Science Computer Science
Tanner Ray Talbot Paul Oliver Wadsworth Benjamin Xiong Monticello, Minnesota Tacoma, Washington St. Paul, Minnesota Communication Economics Asian Studies
Lucas Andrew Thompson Thomas Joseph Wadtke Pengshing Xiong Chandler, Arizona Robbinsdale, Minnesota Minneapolis, Minnesota Global Business Leadership Hispanic Studies Computer Science
Samuel Jon Tibbits Eli A Walter Kou Yang Litchfield, Minnesota Burnsville, Minnesota Minneapolis, Minnesota Global Business Leadership Biology Psychology
Bryar Kenyon Topo Charles Arthur Waters Kyle Thomas Yetzer Round Rock, Texas St. Paul, Minnesota Lonsdale, Minnesota Physics Accounting Elementary Education
Thomas John Torbert Logan Joseph Weis Jiachen Zhang St. Paul, Minnesota Rice, Minnesota Beijing, China PR Computer Science Biology Psychology
Benjamin Michael Ungar Charles John Wenker Alec K Zimmer Plymouth, Minnesota Hastings, Minnesota Andover, Minnesota Accounting Global Business Leadership Biochemistry
Thomas James Vallez Colten Edward Whaley Tianyu Zou Shakopee, Minnesota Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota Foshan, China PR Global Business Leadership Individualized-Communication Computer Science
Lue Jason Vang Alexander Daniel Wiczek Luke Kenneth Zweber St. Paul, Minnesota Zimmerman, Minnesota New Prague, Minnesota Psychology Accounting Accounting
Natthawout Vang Maxwell Daniel Wiczek St. Paul, Minnesota Zimmerman, Minnesota Physics Global Business Leadership
Tswjhwm Tyler Vang Kenneth David Williamson St. Paul, Minnesota Winterville, Georgia Chemistry European Studies
*The appearance of a candidate’s name in this commencement program may not be taken as evidence that all requirements for the degree have been fulfilled. ** GPA honors for spring 2021 commencement are calculated through fall 2020 semester grades.
15 ALL COLLEGE HONORS All College Honors is a distinction earned by students who have completed seven or more core courses in the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University Honors Program.
Daniel Roger Bachmeier Andrew McDonald Kromer Timothy Douglas Spesia Maxwell Dominic Hennen Colin Ross Kummer Sheamus Robert Westermann Tanner Wade Johnson Joshua Nathan Mikos Preston Bauerly Kopel Ryan John Munter
PHI BETA KAPPA Founded in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa is the nation’s first Greek-letter society and its oldest academic honor society. For more than two and a quarter centuries, the Society has embraced the principles of freedom of inquiry and liberty of thought and expression. “ΦBK” are the Greek initials representing the Society’s motto: “Love of learning is the guide of life.” Phi Beta Kappa celebrates and advocates excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. Its campus chapters invite for induction the most outstanding arts and science students at America’s leading colleges and universities. Each year, about one college senior in a hundred, nationwide, is invited to join Phi Beta Kappa.
The following students have been invited to the Phil Beta Kappa Academic Honor Society
Daniel Roger Bachmeier Mitchell Jeffrey Hansen Joseph Anthony Schwamm Samuel Black Usama Suleiman Hassan Michael Faddy Sulaiman Samuel Raymond Colella Maxwell Dominic Hennen Nikolas Jacob Thompson Jack Allen Colleran Michael J Klonowski Ryan Dean Thompson Jacob Christopher Czech William Joseph Matuska Colin Thomas Yokanovich Maximilian Austin Ditzler Robert Michael McManus Jordan Davis Zachmann Elliot Patrick Edeburn Joshua Nathan Mikos Thomas John Gillach Andrew James Schmelzer
SIGMA BETA DELTA Sigma Beta Delta recognizes scholarship and accomplishment among students of business, management and administration. Membership into Sigma Beta Delta is the highest national recognition a business student can receive at a college or university. To be eligible for membership, a student must rank in the top 20 percent of their junior or senior class and be invited by the faculty officers. CSB and SJU also require inductees to have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.75.
Michael Christopher Bloss Logan Steven Larson Noah Solomon Polipnick Pierce Anthony Boder-Szarkowski Ben Edward Lepinski Jacob Michael Thorsten Grant Lee Fuchs Cade Alen McComber Brogan Joseph Hayden Andrew Joseph Newinski Brandon Daniel Kramer Austin Thomas O’Keefe
16 THE SEAL OF SAINT JOHN’S UNIVERSITY
To most people the seal of the University is perhaps merely a design on a notebook or sweatshirt, but embodied in this little seal are all the principles for which Saint John’s University stands. It is therefore worthy of closer inspection. The first University seal was designed in 1934 by Reverend Angelo Zankl, OSB who had done considerable work in heraldry. At the time he was the head of the Saint John’s Art Department. A quotation from Saint Paul, “Induamur Arma Lucis,” meaning “Let us put on the armor of light,” was chosen as the motto for the crest. This theme is represented symbolically by a shield on which is emblazoned the golden sun of learning and grace displacing the darkness of ignorance and sin. Around the shield is thrown the red scroll upon which the Latin phrase is printed in blue, giving the school colors of truth and courage. Under the shield in Roman numerals is printed the date of the foundation of the school, in 1857. Bordering this is the Latin name of the University and finally an old Roman‑style border. In 1988 the University seal was revised and simplified to afford greater clarity particularly when printed in smaller sizes. Care was given in revising the design to ensure that the principles embodied in the seal were maintained. The revision was executed by Br. Alan Reed, OSB who at the time, like Father Angelo in 1934, was head of the Art Department. Final touches were provided by graphic artist Donald Skoro of Minneapolis.
FLAGS ON DISPLAY
The U.S. Flag that is displayed today was given to Saint John’s University by Lt. Col. John T. Peterson (class of 1985), U.S. Marine Corps. The flag was flown on a- MV 22 Osprey by Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 over Al Anbar Province Iraq on September 28, 2008, while in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 08.1.
17 ACADEMIC REGALIA The custom of wearing academic dress originated in the universities of the Middle Ages when a warm gown and hood were useful for scholars and clerics in unheated buildings. The distinctive apparel indicated the academic rank of its wearer. Most of the early academic garments were black, but by Renaissance times Oxford and Cambridge had added touches of color. The costumes worn at the universities of continental Europe became increasingly colorful. Academic caps of various shapes eventually superseded the hood as a head covering. At the end of the l9th century, American universities and colleges adopted a code for academic costumes and ceremonies. It is possible to recognize the degree granting institution, the degree, and the field of study of the person wearing academic regalia. The gown designating the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science ordinarily is black with long, pointed sleeves. The master’s gown has oblong sleeves. Bell-shaped sleeves crossed with three wide bands of velvet indicate the doctor’s gown. The greatest degree of symbolism is shown by the hood. The color and width of the velvet border indicate the degree and field of study. The length of the hood varies with the degree, from three feet for the bachelor’s to four feet for the doctor’s. The bachelor’s hood is somewhat pointed in shape; the doctor’s is rounded. The official colors of the institution conferring the degree line the hood. The Saint John’s University Bachelor of Arts hood is lined with cardinal red and blue and is banded with white velvet and the Bachelor of Science hood is lined with cardinal red and blue and is banded with yellow velvet. The color of the velvet strip on the hood indicates the field of study in which the degree was earned or granted. Some of the faculty will be wearing gowns with distinctive colors: Harvard’s crimson; Chicago’s and Minnesota’s maroon; Yale’s blue; Cornell’s red; Stanford’s bright red; Brown’s brown; Oxford’s black and red. The purpose of academic costume and ceremonies is to celebrate formally the academic goals and achievements of an institution’s students, administration, faculty and staff.
ALMA MATER High above the Sagatagan, Towering o’er the oak and pine, Proudly stands our alma mater, Ever let her beacon shine. Alma mater we’ll be loyal Ever love and praise thy name. Hail, all hail Saint John’s our mother, We thy honor will proclaim.
Words: Eldred Cleare, SJU ’43 Music: Innocent Gertken, OSB, and Dominic Keller, OSB
18 MISSION OF SAINT JOHN’S UNIVERSITY Grounded in Catholic and Benedictine values and traditions, Saint John’s University provides young men a distinctive residential liberal arts education, preparing them to reach their full potential and instilling in them the values and aspiration to lead lives of significance and principled achievement.
VISION FOR THE COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES Saint John’s University seeks to be one of the nation’s great Catholic liberal arts colleges by providing the best holistic learning experience for men in the country. We will inspire undergraduate men to new heights of intellectual, spiritual, physical and social development that is informed by ethical reflection and grounded in our Catholic and Benedictine tradition.
MISSION OF THE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND SEMINARY Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary, rooted in the Roman Catholic and Benedictine tradition, educates men and women for ordained and lay ministry in the church.
VISION FOR THE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND SEMINARY Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary, cultivating its Catholic, Benedictine tradition, excels as an influential community of theological learning where study, prayer and hospitable dialogue expand understanding and deepen vocation for the sake of building up vibrant Christian communities.
VALUES Dedicated to the pursuit of understanding, wisdom and the common good, Saint John’s University is committed to the following values: • Community built upon relationships of hospitality, respect, cooperation and challenge. • Openness to learning, inquiry, beauty, truth and difference. • Respect for persons, tradition, creativity, experience, faith, reason and religious practice. • Depth in understanding, relationships, faith and spirituality. • Sacredness of God, being, truth, place, nature and knowledge. • Passion for excellence, truth, learning, beauty, love and personal growth.
19 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Gretchen Agee Bradley Jenniges, OSB SOT ’14 Joe Mucha ’66 Vice President, Asset Management Prior Retired Vice President Administration Saint John’s Abbey General Mills Thrivent Financial Collegeville, Minnesota Golden Valley, Minnesota Minneapolis, Minnesota Bill Kling ’64 Thomas Nicol ’91 Dennis Beach, OSB ’78 President Emeritus Managing Partner Associate Professor of Philosophy American Public Media/Minnesota Excelsior Benefits, LLC College of Saint Benedict and Public Radio Excelsior, Minnesota Saint John’s University Minneapolis, Minnesota Collegeville, Minnesota Edgar “Chip” Ray ’82 Dusan Kosic ’07 Chief Executive Officer Scott Becker ’77 Managing Partner Catamaran Solutions Founder and Advisory Partner High Tech Engineering Center – HTEC The Woodlands, Texas Northstar Capital LLC Belgrade, Serbia Minneapolis, Minnesota Anthony Ruff, OSB ’86 Peggy Ladner Associate Professor and Founding Brian Crevoiserat ’81 Senior Advisor Director of Director, ERISA Plan Growth North America for the Nature National Catholic Youth Choir Wellspring Financial Partners Conservancy Saint John’s University Tucson, Arizona St. Paul, Minnesota Collegeville, Minnesota
Ian Dommer, OSB ’80 Benedict Leuthner, OSB ’82 Jack Scheck ’21 Faculty Resident/Sacramental Minister Corporate Treasurer SJU Student Trustee Representative Saint John’s University Saint John’s Abbey Saint John’s University Collegeville, Minnesota Collegeville, Minnesota Collegeville, Minnesota
Sandy Pfefferle Forster ’82 Michele Martin Joyce Schlough Owner President Retired little pepper promotions Lurie Wealth Advisors, LLC Park Industries, Inc. Minneapolis, Minnesota Minneapolis, Minnesota St. Cloud, Minnesota
Philip Galanis ’75 Eugene McAllister Greg Schroeder Managing Partner Interim President History Professor HLB Galanis & Co. Saint John’s University SJU Faculty Trustee Representative Nassau, Bahamas Collegeville, Minnesota College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University Steven Halverson ’76 Brian McGrane ’93 Collegeville, Minnesota Retired, Chairman Executive Vice President and Chief The Haskell Company Financial Officer – Business Units Kelly Skalicky Jacksonville, Florida Ameriprise Financial Chief Executive Officer and President Minneapolis, Minnesota Stearns Bank National Association Linda Lovas Hoeschler ’03 St. Cloud, Minnesota Retired Dan McKeown ’85 Business and Non-Profit Executive Chief Executive Officer and President Gregory Soukup ’72 St. Paul, Minnesota Specialty Manufacturing Co. Chairman Stillwater, Minnesota Warrior Manufacturing, LLC Joseph Hoesley ’77 Hutchinson, Minnesota Retired Vice Chairman Gregory Melsen ’74 U.S. Bank Retired Chief Financial Officer Michael Urbanos ’72 Minneapolis, Minnesota Self-employed Consultant Retired Minneapolis, Minnesota Space Center, Inc. Thomas Hokr ’72 St. Paul, Minnesota Founding Partner Bennett Morgan ’85 MHS Companies (Wealth and Retired President and Chief Dan Whalen ’70 Insurance Advisors) Operations Officer President Maple Grove, Minnesota Polaris Industries Whalen Family Foundation Excelsior, Minnesota Oakland, California Jim Jarocki ’80 President Stolat Partners Duluth, Minnesota 20 CLASS A MEMBERS
Abbot John Klassen, OSB Benedict Leuthner, OSB Dan Ward, OSB Abbot Corporate Treasurer Saint John’s Abbey Saint John’s Abbey Saint John’s Abbey Silver Springs, Maryland Collegeville, Minnesota Collegeville, Minnesota
Nick Kleespie, OSB Doug Mullin, OSB Saint John’s University Chaplain Saint John’s Abbey Saint John’s Abbey Collegeville, Minnesota Collegeville, Minnesota
SAINT JOHN’S UNIVERSITY CABINET
Dick Adamson Nathan Dehne Eugene McAllister Vice President of Finance and Vice President of Enrollment President (Interim) Administration Management Columba Stewart, OSB Bob Alpers Patti Epsky Executive Director and Vice President Athletic Director Chief of Staff for Religion and Culture, Hill Museum & Manuscript Library Michael Connolly Richard Ice Vice President of Student Provost Development (Interim) and Dean of Students Dale Launderville, OSB Dean of School of Theology and Rob Culligan Seminary Vice President of Institutional Advancement
FACULTY RETIREMENTS It is with great appreciation that we honor the following members of the CSB/SJU faculty who are retiring this year. Thank you for your many years of service and dedication to our institutions.
Jayne Byrne – Nutrition John Miller – Computer Science William Cahoy – School of Theology Sheila Nelson – Sociology Marcie Givens – Music LuAnn Reif – Nursing Ellen Jensen – Biology Thomas Sibley – Mathematics Thomas Kirkman – Physics Stephen Stelzner – Psychology Janean Kleist – Accounting & Finance Axel Theimer – Music Janna LaFountaine – Exercise Science & Sports Studies David Zoeller – Accounting & Finance
21