2025 COMMENCEMENT
May 17, 2025
May 17, 2025
John’s Abbey and University Church Collegeville, Minnesota
Saint
Order of Exercises
Processional*
Trustees, Faculty, Staff and Candidates for Degrees
America The Beautiful
Invocation
Abbot Douglas Mullin ’76, OSB, SOT/SEM ’82
Welcome
Ms. LeAnne Matthews Stewart, CSB ’87 Chair, Saint John’s University Board of Trustees
President’s Remarks
Dr. Brian J. Bruess President
Student Address
Mr. Canaan Carlin Marvin Cooper Class of 2025
Commencement Address
Rev. William M. Lies ’84, C.S.C. Superior, U.S. Province of Priests and Brothers Congregation of Holy Cross
Presentation for Degrees in Course
Dr. Richard Ice Provost
Presentation of Candidates for Master’s Degrees
Dr. Shawn Colberg
Dean, School of Theology and Seminary
Presentation of Candidates for Baccalaureate Degrees
Dr. Jeffrey DuBois
Associate Professor, Languages & Cultures
Alumni Welcome
Mr. Bill Olson ʼ 91 Alma Mater
SJU Tenor-Bass Ensemble
Closing Remarks
Dr. Brian J. Bruess
Blessing
Abbot Douglas Mullin, OSB
Recessional*
*Audience stands as they are able for the Processional and Recessional. Please remain at your seat until the graduates have recessed from the building.
Musical Selections
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University Brass Choir
Conductor
Dr. Justin Zanchuk
Associate Professor of Music
Prelude
Quintet ......................................................................................................... Kevin Lamb ’19
Allerseelen Richard Strauss
Arranged by Roger Cody
Fanfare for “La Péri” Paul Dukas
Arranged by Wayne BarringtonProcessional
Processional
The Mace and the Medal (A Ceremonial March) Dr. Brian Campbell Associate Professor of Music
Recessional
The Mace and the Medal (A Ceremonial March) Dr. Brian Campbell Associate Professor of Music
Saint John’s University Organist
Dr. David Jenkins, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music
Choral Director
Dr. Bradley Miller, Associate Professor of Music
Tenor-Bass Ensemble
Graduating members of the Men’s Chorus and Chamber Choir
Musicians
Trumpet
Josie Beneke
Julia Christenson
Grant Hellermann
Maureen Staelgraeve
Euphonium
Isabella Schutta
Trombone
Kevin Lamb
Conner Brynteson
Owen Siegel
Antonio Thompson
Tuba
Evan Eisinger
Horns
Twila Lefeber
Dylin Kunkel
Tobias Conover
Krow Zagars
Arik Olson
America The Beautiful
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America! God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.
O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam,
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America! God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.
Words: Katherine L. Bates, 1859-1929, alt.
Music: MATERNA, Samuel A. Ward, 1848-1903
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 arr. Axel Theimer, SJU ’71
Latin Honors
These academic honors are conferred upon students who have maintained high scholastic excellence. To be eligible for latin honors, students must have the following standing:
cum laude, meaning “with praise,” is awarded with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.65;
magna cum laude, meaning “with great praise,” is awarded with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.75;
summa cum laude, meaning “with highest praise,” is awarded with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.9;
egregia cum laude, meaning “with outstanding praise,” is awarded with a cumulative grade point average of 4.0;
Candidates for the Degree of Master of Divinity
Phoebe Carstens Allen, Texas Divinity
Hannah Victoria Miers Stewartville, Minnesota Divinity
An Van Nguyen, O. Cist. Collegeville, Minnesota Divinity
Paul Edward Ortega, OSB Valyermo, California Divinity
Candidates for the Degree of Master of Arts
Randolph Lee Bayerl Elk River, Minnesota Ministry
Peter Bartholomew Lorbiecki Brown Duluth, Minnesota Liturgical Music
Mary Lee Bonita Dallman Deerwood, Minnesota Ministry
Colleen Marie Darland Davenport, Iowa Theology
Andrea Lynn Frey Fishers, Indiana Theology
Samantha Leigh Lorenz Lakehills, Texas Theology
Kim Tuyen Thi Nguyen, LHC Dubuque, Iowa Ministry
Noah Christopher Nordengren West Des Moines, Iowa Theology
Thu Hang Thi Phan, LHC Khanh Hoa, Vietnam Theology
Peter Anh-Dzung Tran Braham, Minnesota Ministry
Salama Kasereka Vivalya, OSC Onamia, Minnesota Ministry
Luke Joseph Waltman Little Falls, Minnesota Ministry
Kenton J Yoder Elk River, Minnesota Ministry
Candidates for the Degree of Master of Theological Studies
Antoine Lorant Alfred Forte-Liberte, Haiti Spirituality
Emily Ann Heidick Chicago, Illinois Systematics
George Raymond Hoelzeman Hattieville, Arkansas Liturgy
Eric Kadalikashereza Kalimbiriro Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo Systematics
Anthony R. Kovacs Greenwood, Indiana Systematics
Belinda Helene Monahan, OSB Chicago, Illinois Monastic Studies
Melissa Tovar-Guerrero Bogota, Columbia Christian History
Ven Dinh Tran, CSC Hue, Vietnam Systematics
Tuan Van Nguyen Than Hoa, Vietnam Scripture
Andrenique Da’nya Rolle Andros, Bahamas Systematics
Candidates for the Degree of Master of Theology
Paulinus Daeli, OSC Jawa Barat, Indonesia Theology
Michael James Gruber Sartell, Minnesota Theology
Candidates for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts
Russell Jason Aanenson*** Luverne, Minnesota Social Science
Andrew John Adams*** Plymouth, Minnesota Finance
Etahcourt B Akoh Hugo, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Noah Dustin Amundson* Rogers, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Bennett Patrick Anderson** St. Paul, Minnesota Finance
Cooper William Anderson St. Paul, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
John Christophe Andoh Champlin, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Diego Argueta-Melendez Minneapolis, Minnesota Economics
John Joseph Arms** Minneapolis, Minnesota Economics
Noah Steven Arneson**** Independence, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
James Taylor Arzapalo Rogers, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Blake Thomas Ashton Montclair, New Jersey Psychology
Landon Jeffrey Atkins Lakeville, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Kameron Earl Banner Inglewood, California Political Science
David Luke Barthel Spicer, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Dylan Cowl Bartness Plymouth, Minnesota Computer Science
Graham Nicholas Beltrand Long Lake, Minnesota Accounting
Blake Peter Benson** Sartell, Minnesota Accounting
Samuel James Berg*** Minneapolis, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Owen Derek Best Aurora, Colorado Psychology, Sociology
Thomas Roger Biernacki** Bloomingdale, Illinois Finance
Charles David Bills** Sioux Falls, South Dakota Accounting
Lucas John Black Mendota Heights, Minnesota Accounting
Jackson Gary Bluth Brainerd, Minnesota Biochemistry
Andrew John Boemer Eagan, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Jordan Adam Borgeson*** Rochester, Minnesota Biochemistry
Kade Anthony Bowar** Burnsville, Minnesota Economics
Henry Logan Braun** Sauk Centre, Minnesota Global Business Leadership, Political Science
Owen Henry Bretoi St. Paul, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Nicholas John Brey St. James, Minnesota Gender Studies, Music
Carson Robert Brodt North Oaks, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Alexander Dale Broholm* Shakopee, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Samuel John Bronk Winona, Minnesota Accounting
Cole Brown** Maple Grove, Minnesota Accounting
Parker Patrick Brown Minnetonka, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Luke Anthony Budzyn Woodbury, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Jacob Timothy Burg Avon, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Benjamin John Burke** Prior Lake, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Nolan Dale Burmeister** Owatonna, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Alvaro Caballero Gonsalez Bloomington, Minnesota Political Science
Jaden Camacho Maple Grove, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Cody Michael Carlson Buffalo, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Eamon Daniel Cavanaugh** Oak Park, Illinois History
Alec G Chamberlain** Bloomington, Minnesota Data Science
Connor L Chappell* Wayzata, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Dariq Haldane Lewis Chase*** Nassau, Bahamas Economics
Quinn Stephen Christoffersen Mendota Heights, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Ashton Malik Cleare Nassau, Bahamas Accounting
Ryan Michael Collins North Oaks, Minnesota Accounting
Ryan Brennan Conzemius*** La Crosse, Wisconsin Biology
Canaan Carlin Marvin Cooper Nassau, Bahamas Biochemistry
Daniel Rigoberto Cornejo Houston, Texas Accounting
Nathan Ruschmeier Courchane*** Minneapolis, Minnesota Computer Science
Gavin Crews Sartell, Minnesota Accounting
Peter Rian Cronin Minneapolis, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Payton Joseph Crotty Clearwater, Minnesota Political Science
Dylan Michael Cummings** Sartell, Minnesota Computer Science
Landin Jeffrey Curtis Waite Park, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Benjamin Robert Dahl*** Otsego, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Cole Michael Davies St. Michael, Minnesota IndividualizedGlobal Business Leadership
Riley Joseph Defries Litchfield, Minnesota Communication
Jack Walker Degan Minneapolis, Minnesota English, History
Matthew John DeRosa* Alpharetta, Georgia Computer Science
Peter David Dolan Eden Prairie, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Justin Michael Doll Minneapolis, Minnesota Economics
Jace Thomas Donnelly Elk River, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Sean Denis Donohue* Minneapolis, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Michael Partick Driscoll* Chaska, Minnesota Economics, Philosophy
Jack Joseph Dubuque Brooklyn Park, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Johnathan Macario DuFresne-To St. Paul, Minnesota Biology
Daniel Peter Eckerline**** Wayzata, Minnesota Economics, Global Business Leadership
Blake Philip Ehlert St. Joseph, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Lucas James Eigen Clear Lake, Minnesota Environmental Studies
Ethan Eugene Engh**** White Bear Lake, Minnesota Mathematics, Theology
Timothy James Everson Apple Valley, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
William Scott Fazio Minneapolis, Minnesota Accounting
Zachary James Flattum Cottage Grove, Minnesota Biochemistry
Charles James Folkens Rogers, Minnesota Political Science
Henry Lester Forde Cottage Grove, Minnesota Communication
Etienne Gerald Foudray** Excelsior, Minnesota Biology
Jack Lee Frain*** Rochester, Minnesota Communication
Noah Robert Frank Hugo, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Zachary Albert Frank** Lino Lakes, Minnesota Accounting
Jack Douglas Frederickson Lino Lakes, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Noah John Friendshuh** Cary, North Carolina Philosophy, Political Science
Joseph Michael Gathje**** Bloomington, Minnesota Economics
Caiden Shawn Gerhardson*** Dalbo, Minnesota Theater
Graham Michael Gerlach St. Paul, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Thomas John Gilmore Otsego, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Nathan John Gist*** Ham Lake, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Colin Paul Glynn** Prior Lake, Minnesota Computer Science
Justin Kolbe Gockowski Stillwater, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Peter Wilder Goldsmith Minneapolis, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Elijah Eric Grabinski Sauk Rapids, Minnesota Physics
Lucas Dylan Griffith** Minneapolis, Minnesota Accounting
Anthony Presley Gruidl Maple Grove, Minnesota History
William Carlton Gruidl** Edina, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Spencer Thomas Gustin St. Cloud, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Michael James Haeger** Plymouth, Minnesota Accounting
Connor Ray Hartley* Inver Grove, Minnesota Accounting
Caden Gerald Hartvigsen Andover, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Gavin Ronald Harvieux* Chaska, Minnesota Biology
Charles Edwin Hauer Spicer, Minnesota Political Science
ZiChen He Chengdu, China PR Accounting
Lucas Michael Healy**** Hudson, Wisconsin Accounting
Christian Henry Henkels Mound, Minnesota Political Science
Benjamin Henry Hennen** Sartell, Minnesota Computer Science
Emilio Alejandro HernandezWoods Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Chemistry
Nathaniel Timothy Herold North Oaks, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Thomas Anthony Hessburg*** Grosse Point Park, Michigan Biochemistry
Isaac Sander Hetland Osakis, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Austin Daniel Hill Blaine, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Jonathan Michael Hill**** Dubuque, Iowa Music
Sean Thomas Hilson** Eden Prairie, Minnesota Economics
Oscar Matthew Hrabe*** St. Paul, Minnesota Finance
Bailey Edward Huber Mahtomedi, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Edmund James Hughes Edina, Minnesota Accounting
Robert Patrick Hughes Edina, Minnesota Accounting
Aiden Russell Huotari*** Wayzata, Minnesota Economics
Alex David Jacobson St. Cloud, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Stanislaw Juliusz Jank*** Lebork, Poland English, Political Science
Ryan Patrick Janzen** St. Cloud, Minnesota Accounting
Davon Anthony Johnson Nassau, Bahamas Accounting
Travis Presley Johnson Murrieta, California Political Science
Diego Simmons Jones Nassau, Bahamas Accounting
Thayne Errol Jorgenson Andover, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Andrew Vernon Jurek*** Stillwater, Minnesota History, Philosophy
Riley James Kangas*** Faribault, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Andrew James Karn Plymouth, Minnesota Finance
Colby Nathan Kern Delano, Minnesota Mathematics
George Xavier Kerner** Ramsey, Minnesota Physics
Isaac James Klemme Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin Global Business Leadership
Cameron Robert Klick Plymouth, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Theodore David Kluesner Madison, Wisconsin Political Science
Grayson Nickolas Kobluk*** Rice, Minnesota Biology
Kristoff Thomas Kowalkowski St. Joseph, Minnesota Biology
William Murphy Kozlak Hopkins, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Henry David Kroft Excelsior, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Jackson Milton KubitschekMyers* Crystal, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Isaac Mark Kulzer Melrose, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Landen Fredrick Kulzer Albany, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Austin Robert Laing** Burnsville, Minnesota Accounting
Logen Aaron Landowski Sartell, Minnesota Computer Science
Nathaniel Phonsavanh Langer St. Paul, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
John Alexander Lara Fort Worth, Texas Communication
Carter Stuart Larson** Sartell, Minnesota Biochemistry
Brady Patrick Lawler Minneapolis, Minnesota Political Science
Karl Alexander Lawrie Mahtomedi, Minnesota Biology
Ernesto Jr Lazaro Medford, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Nom Yeng Lee St. Paul, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Caleb Anthony Leintz St. Cloud, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Max Aloysius Lelwica* Brainerd, Minnesota Biochemistry
Owen Thomas Lenzmeier Storm Lake, Iowa Political Science
James Robert Leon Chino Hills, California Environmental Studies
Ethan Andrew Leonard** Chaska, Minnesota Accounting
Collin Kenneth Lesch Buffalo, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Sean Ray Lew Bermuda Dunes, California Global Business Leadership
Thomas Robert Libbey*** Minnetonka, Minnesota History
Grant Fredrick Limke Buffalo, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Frank Anthony Lizzi Minneapolis, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Aidan James Loch Charlotte, North Carolina Accounting
Zachary James Longueville Eagan, Minnesota Finance
Suree Lor St. Paul, Minnesota Biology
Yue Pheng Lor St. Paul, Minnesota Accounting, Economics
Caden Taylor Luden Prescott, Wisconsin Global Business Leadership
Alexander John Lundebrek Otsego, Minnesota Accounting
Zackary Michael Lynch** Lake Elmo, Minnesota Physics
William Gregory Magarian Sartell, Minnesota Computer Science
Chrisjon Thomas Mahn Lake City, Minnesota Computer Science
Dante Robert Maietta St. Paul, Minnesota Accounting
Graham Llyod Majerus Pine Island, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Luis Alexis Martinez Mejia*** Clearwater, Minnesota Hispanic Studies, Psychology
Jacob Stephen McCarthy Minneapolis, Minnesota Communication
Finlay Angus Rutherford McConnell Golden Valley, Minnesota Physics
Jackson Pierce McDowell Highlands Ranch, Colorado Global Business Leadership
Carter Lewis McEachern Zimmerman, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Grant Michael McElroy Long Lake, Minnesota Mathematics
Nicholas Gerald McKenzie New London, Minnesota Elementary Education
Jesus Medina Jr Immokalee, Florida Communication
Carson James Mehling**** Brainerd, Minnesota Biochemistry
William Matthew Meilander Johnston, Iowa Global Business Leadership
Shane Alexander Meldahl Rochester, Minnesota Economics
Blake Todd Mellgren Northfield, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Joseph Scott Mensen Hudson, Wisconsin Economics
Nicholas James Mertens** Maple Grove, Minnesota Environmental Studies, Political Science
Calvin Lyle Mertz Arden Hills, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Ryan Michael Messer New London, Minnesota Environmental Studies
Pedro Manuel Miguel Jr Immokalee, Florida Music
Graham H Miller Victoria, Minnesota Communication
Matthew Jonathan Miller* Lakeville, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Ethan Allen Mischke Westbrook, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Benjamin Mark Monsivais Romeoville, Illinois Communication
Brandon Rufus-Max Morris II Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota Psychology
Matthew Brett Morrison* Wayland, Massachusetts Sociology
Garrett Dawson Mueller St. Cloud, Minnesota Biochemistry
Landon Daniel Muonio Watkins, Minnesota Communication
Conor Christian Pavelko Murphy*** Sioux Falls, South Dakota Accounting
William Morris Musser Minneapolis, Minnesota English, History
David Rayneer Myles Jr**** Dayton, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Andrew James Nerud**** Elko New Market, Minnesota Computer Science, Mathematics
James Vo Nguyen St. Cloud, Minnesota Computer Science
Liam Thomas Noble Plymouth, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Jacob Allen Odenthal*** Foley, Minnesota Computer Science
Gavin Edward O’Hanlon Andover, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Liam Carney Gantert O’Malley Sarasota, Florida Natural Science Education
Thomas Kyle Ordahl*** Hillman, Minnesota Mathematics, Physics
Keegan Richard O’Rourke New Prague, Minnesota Biology
William Gregory Ortega Minneapolis, Minnesota Biology
Jack Ortloff St. Paul, Minnesota Accounting
Yony Javier Pacheco Lopez Minneapolis, Minnesota Accounting
Anthony Jon Palmer Lake Elmo, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Gerald William Patterson** West Des Moines, Iowa Finance
Joseph Thomas Pearson St. Cloud, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Soren Anthony Pederson** Shakopee, Minnesota Biology
Gus Michael Peller Hutchinson, Minnesota History
Grant Craig Peroutka** Rosemount, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
John Patrick Peschel Edina, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Samuel Takuya Yamashita Peterson Sartell, Minnesota Mathematics
Bradyn Andrew Petrek*** St. Cloud, Minnesota Economics
Langston Richard Chou Philion Maple Grove, Minnesota Environmental Studies
Devin John Phillips Brentwood, Tennessee History
Tyler Mark Pohlmann*** Melrose, Minnesota Computer Science
Emanuel Popoca Santana Bloomington, Minnesota Accounting
Cole Richard Proctor*** Brainerd, Minnesota Accounting
Owen Quast Cottage Grove, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Evan Michael Quinn Brainerd, Minnesota Computer Science
Andrew Paul Quiram Maple Grove, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Samuel Patrick Rabaey*** Hastings, Minnesota Mathematics, Physics
Luke Andrew Rausch White Bear Township Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Joshua David Redlon Chaska, Minnesota Global Business Leadership, Individualized - Languages and Cultures
Daniel Jonathan Reed Elk River, Minnesota English
Thomas Roman Reinhart** St. Paul, Minnesota Finance
Ethan Wes Riddle*** Duluth, Minnesota Peace Studies
David James Roberts**** West Des Moines, Iowa Environmental Studies
Christian Ivan Rodriguez Cold Spring, Minnesota Economics, Global Business Leadership
Michael Rodriguez Houston, Texas Physics
Albrion Winston Rolle Nassau, Bahamas Chemistry
Gavin Scott Rosstedt Andover, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Carter James Rothstein St. Joseph, Minnesota Accounting
Spencer Dean Rudrud Eden Prairie, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Nolan Raymond Rueter Avon, Minnesota Accounting
Zachary Jon Ruoff Melrose, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Griffin John Rushin Baxter, Minnesota Biology
Jackson Jay Sabo** Rosemount, Minnesota Accounting
Hayden Alan Sanders*** Brooklyn Park, Minnesota Accounting
Ryan Joseph Sanvik** North Branch, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Paul William Sausker Plymouth, Minnesota Physics
Jack Henry Savasten Farmington, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Mitch Grisha Triemert Savelkoul St. Paul, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Zachary Jordan Schaffer Chaska, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Thomas Allen Schaupp St. Michael, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Grady T Schierts** Vadnais Heights, Minnesota Applied Physics
Tristan James Schmidt Lakeville, Minnesota Accounting
Connor K Schmit Nowthen, Minnesota Global Business Leadership, Political Science
Daniel James Schmitz Cokato, Minnesota Computer Science
Ryan Jeffrey Schoenbauer New Prague, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Jacob Owen Schwinghammer Woodbury, Minnesota Biochemistry
Matthew Evan Scribner** El Paso, Texas Biology
Jack Hutson Senden St. Paul, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
David Sander Sethney St. Paul, Minnesota Accounting
Rishabh Raj Sharma Maple Grove, Minnesota Finance, Global Business Leadership
Liam Christian Sheeley* Edina, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
George Benjamin Overman Sher Prior Lake, Minnesota Accounting
Aubrey Benjamin Sherman Nassau, Bahamas Communication
Preston John Sherman** Hudson, Wisconsin Theology
Evan Christopher Siefken Lakeville, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Logan Patrick Simones**** St. Cloud, Minnesota Accounting
Alexander Jay Skinner Rogers, Minnesota Environmental Studies
Colton Shane Smetana** Cold Spring, Minnesota Philosophy, Political Science
Garrett Michael Smith Eden Prairie, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Jason Robert Smith** Bloomington, Minnesota Computer Science
Thomas George Soler Circle Pines, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Mahmoud Soumah Sartell, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Andrew Joseph Stang Avon, Minnesota Environmental Studies
James Josef Strabala* Papillion, Nebraska Computer Science
Connor Swanson Brooklyn Park, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Tucker Andrew Tenvoorde St. Cloud, Minnesota Environmental Studies
Braeden James Tersteeg Bird Island, Minnesota Accounting
Connor Michael Thayer Prior Lake, Minnesota Physics
Carter John Thelen Albany, Minnesota Accounting
Samuel Todd Thelen Coon Rapids, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Tristin Joseph Thilmany*** Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota Computer Science
Aidan Jacob Thomas**** Blaine, Minnesota Computer Science, Mathematics
Antonio Martin Ainsworth Thompson* Nassau, Bahamas Physics
Justin Ray Thompson Woodbury, Minnesota Finance
Logan Daniel Thorsten Foley, Minnesota Economics
Benedict Michael Thuente St. Paul, Minnesota Accounting
Anthony John Thurk St. Bonifacius, Minnesota Accounting
Anthony Aaron Timko Olson** Chaska, Minnesota Biochemistry
Maxwell Landon Tobin** Sioux Falls, South Dakota Political Science
Michael Tripicchio Elgin, Illinois Accounting
Brayden Timothy Truelson* Owatonna, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Jacob Edward Tschida* Mendota Heights, Minnesota Sociology
Carson Lawrence Tschudi*** Delano, Minnesota Finance
Jack Michael Ulschmid New Prague, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Alec Carl Ungar Eden Prairie, Minnesota Psychology
Matthew Christian Utsch Paynesville, Minnesota Computer Science
Dawson Forrest Van Meter Frederic, Wisconsin Global Business Leadership
Thomas VanDenEinde St. Joseph, Minnesota Computer Science
Brady Jerome VanErp Battle Lake, Minnesota Communication, Global Business Leadership
Joseph Okagi Vascellaro Minneapolis, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Jacob David Vaughan New Prague, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Kooper David Vaughn** St. Charles, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Simon Andrew Venell Minneapolis, Minnesota Political Science
Jackson David View Savage, Minnesota Communication
Devin Henry Vonderohe** Caledonia, Minnesota Accounting
Henry Todd Votel Woodbury, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Andrew Philip Wagner Prospect Heights, Illinois Global Business Leadership
Mark Henry Waxlax Mora, Minnesota Psychology
Charles Deno Wedes Excelsior, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Joseph Andrew Wedl Edina, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Elias Hamilton Wehr Edina, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Hayden Michael Weiner Minnetonka, Minnesota Communication
Jack Patterson West Ostego, Minnesota English
Noah William Whitfield-Lopez Wheatland, Wyoming Global Business Leadership
Gabriel Stephen Wight New Market, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Ryan Patrick Will Northfield, Minnesota Accounting
Connor James Williams** Evergreen, Colorado Biology
Matthew Daniel Wincentsen South St. Paul, Minnesota Accounting
Bennett James Wirth Alexandria, Minnesota Environmental Studies
Jarrod Jeff Wisdorf Farmington, Minnesota Biology
William John Wooden*** Red Wing, Minnesota Accounting
Augustus Loren Wronka Duluth, Minnesota Environmental Studies
Cooper Robert Yaggie Breckenridge, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Chong Beijin Yang St. Paul, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Chenxu Yu* Hangzhou, China PR Art, Individualized - Art
William Ruieh-der Yu Sartell, Minnesota Biology
Benjamin Jon Ziebarth*** Rochester, Minnesota Economics
Hayden Christopher Zylka Red Wing, Minnesota Accounting
Nathan Daniel Zingerman Lindstrom, Minnesota Economics
Jonathan Paul Zinniel** New Ulm, Minnesota Biochemistry
Candidates for the Degree of Bachelor of Science
Nathan Abebe Cottage Grove, Minnesota Nursing
Ethan Gerald Andersen** St. Cloud, Minnesota Nursing
Jackson Craig Aurelius Coon Rapids, Minnesota Nursing
Jacob Alexander Basurto** Pico Rivera, California Nursing
Tayen James Klinkner St. Paul, Minnesota Nursing
Andrew Michal Kosloski* Cromwell, Minnesota Nursing
Joshua Scott Schlichting*** Ham Lake, Minnesota Nursing
Brendon M Slate* Minneapolis, Minnesota Nursing
Brendan Daniel Smith*** Blaine, Minnesota Nursing
Jake Joesph Wesley Cross Lake, Minnesota Nursing
Zachary Charles Zapf* Foley, Minnesota Nursing
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 2025 commencement are calculated through fall 2024 semester grades.
All College Honors
All College Honors is a distinction earned by students who have completed the five courses that make up the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University Honors Scholars for Community and Collaborative Leadership program. The interdisciplinary program culminates in a two-semester research project developed by our Honors Scholars in collaboration with local community partners, the goal of which is to enhance the common good of the community.
Ryan Brennan Conzemius
Andrew Vernon Jurek
Carter Stuart Larson
Suree Lor
Luis Alexis Martinez Mejia
Carson James Mehling
Alpha Alpha Alpha
Conor Christian Pavelko Murphy
David James Roberts
William Ruieh-der Yu
Alpha Alpha Alpha, also known as Tri-Alpha, is a national honor society established in 2018 recognizing the academic success of first-generation college students. Criteria for induction include being a first-generation student with a sophomore status or having completed at least 30 credit hours, and a grade point average of 3.2 on a scale of 4.0 at the time of induction.
Diego Argueta-Melendez
Andrew John Boemer
Canaan Carlin Marvin Cooper
Ernesto Jr Lazaro
Suree Lor
Jesus Medina Jr
Pathways to Distinction
Pathways to Distinction at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University is a recognition program that honors students’ achievements in one of the institution’s five learning goals: embrace difference, think deeply, engage globally, serve graciously and live courageously. These distinctions are earned through a combination of required and elective experiences completed during the sophomore, junior and senior years. More than a reflection of GPA, Pathways to Distinction celebrates a student’s holistic growth, recognizing their unique contributions and achievements throughout their college journey.
Engage Globally
Henry Logan Braun
Elias Hamilton Wehr
Think Deeply
Canaan Carlin Marvin Cooper
Serve Graciously
Johnathan Macario
DuFresne-To
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. “OBK” 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.
Jordan Adam Borgeson
Dariq Haldane Lewis Chase
Nathan Ruschmeier Courchane
Ethan Eugene Engh
Noah John Friendshuh
Joseph Michael Gathje
Stanislaw Juliusz Jank
Carter Stuart Larson
Thomas Robert Libbey
Luis Alexis Martinez Mejia
Carson James Mehling
Nicholas James Mertens
Jacob Allen Odenthal
Bradyn Andrew Petrek
Sigma Beta Delta
Tyler Mark Pohlmann
Samuel Patrick Rabaey
Ethan Wes Riddle
David James Roberts
Matthew Evan Scribner
Tristin Joseph Thilmany
Sigma Beta Delta was established in 1994 to honor students who have attained superior records in business programs in regionally accredited schools and colleges. Membership in Sigma Beta Delta is the highest national recognition for students of business, management and administration. The principles of Sigma Beta Delta – wisdom, honor and aspiration - are represented by three Greek words, the initials of which form the name of the society, The honor recognizes a student’s scholarship and achievement, and encourages personal and professional improvement and a life distinguished by honorable service to humankind.
Andrew John Adams
Bennett Patrick Anderson
Charles David Bills
Henry Logan Braun
Benjamin Robert Dahl
Daniel Peter Eckerline
Zachary Albert Frank
Nathan John Gist
Lucas Dylan Griffith
William Carlton Gruidl
Michael James Haeger
Lucas Michael Healy
Oscar Matthew Hrabe
Ryan Patrick Janzen
Conor Christian Pavelko Murphy
David Rayneer Myles Jr
Grant Craig Peroutka
Cole Richard Proctor
Jackson Jay Sabo
Hayden Alan Sanders
Logan Patrick Simones
Carson Lawrence Tschudi
Kooper David Vaughn
Devin Henry Vonderohe
William John Wooden
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 the Rev. 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 St. 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, 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 ’85, U.S. Marine Corps. The flag was flown on an MV-22 Osprey by Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 over Al Anbar Province, Iraq, on Sept. 28, 2008, while in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 08.1.
The international flags displayed represent the individual countries of this year’s graduates.
The tribal flags displayed are the 11 federally recognized tribal nations in Minnesota. They are flown to respect and honor the original caretakers of this land who were forcibly removed from and are still connected to this territory.
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.
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.
Saint John’s University Board of Trustees
Gretchen Agee Vice President, Asset Management Administration Thrivent Minneapolis, Minnesota
Corie Barry ’97 Chief Executive Officer Best Buy Co. Inc. Richfield, Minnesota
Dennis Beach ’78, OSB Order of Saint Benedict Collegeville, Minnesota
Scott Becker ’77 Advisory Partner Northstar Capital LLC Minneapolis, Minnesota
Ed Bonach ’76 Retired CEO CNO Financial Group Inc. Carmel, Indiana
Mary Dombovy ’77, MD, MHSA Retired, VP and Chair, Neurosciences Rochester Regional Health Rochester, New York
Sandy Pfefferle Forster ’82 Owner little pepper promotions Minneapolis, Minnesota
Michaela Hedican, OSB Director of Mission Advancement Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict St. Joseph, Minnesota
Nina Lasceski, OSB Planned Gift Specialist Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict St. Joseph, Minnesota
Nick Kleespie ’06, OSB, SOT/Sem ’15 Chaplain, SJU Campus Ministry Saint John’s University Collegeville, Minnesota
Joan Lescinski, CSJ President Emerita St. Ambrose University Davenport, Iowa
Bill Lies ’84, CSC Provincial, U.S. Province Congregation of Holy Cross Notre Dame, Indiana
Michele L. Martin President Lurie Wealth Advisors LLC Minneapolis, Minnesota
Brian McGrane ’93 Former EVP & CFOBusiness Units
Ameriprise Financial Minneapolis, Minnesota
Greg Melsen ’74 Self-employed consultant and retired CFO Minneapolis, Minnesota
Bennett Morgan ’85 Retired President & COO Polaris Industries Excelsior, Minnesota
Lynn Myhran ’89 Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Administrative Officer SPS Commerce Minneapolis, Minnesota
General Paul M. Nakasone ’86 (USA, Ret.)
Former Commander of U.S. Cyber Command and Director, National Security Agency
Joy Plamann, DNP, MBA, RN, BC Executive VP and COO for CentraCare and President for St. Cloud Hospital St. Cloud, Minnesota
Marilyn J. Porter
Director of Engineering & Facilities St. Cloud, Minnesota Metropolitan Council/Metro Transit Minneapolis, Minnesota
Edgar C. “Chip” Ray ’82 Retired CEO Catamaran Solutions Woodland, Minnesota
Mary Reuter ’60, OSB Professor Emerita, Theology Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict St. Joseph, Minnesota
David H. Roberts
Retired, Senior Vice President and President, U.S. Market Medtronic Inc. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Carol Morrow Schleif, CFA, FSA Deputy Chief Investment Officer BMO Family Office Minneapolis, Minnesota
Aelred Senna, OSB Order of Saint Benedict Collegeville, Minnesota
Kelly Skalicky CEO and President Stearns Bank N.A. St. Cloud, Minnesota
Gregory J. Soukup ’72 Chairman Warrior Mfg. LLC Hutchinson, Minnesota
LeAnne Matthews Stewart ’87 Founder and CEO LeAnne Co. LLC and CFO, HOPCo Phoenix, Arizona
Edwin Torres DeSantiago ’16 Vice President of Public Affairs NewPublica LLC Minneapolis, Minnesota
Jona Van Deun ’92 Managing Partner Prairie Coast Strategies LLC Omaha, Nebraska
Dan Whalen ’70 President Whalen Family Foundation Oakland, California
Corporate Members of Saint John’s University
Abbot Doug Mullin ’76, OSB, SOT/SEM ’82
Order of Saint Benedict Collegeville, Minnesota
Fr. Daniel Ward ’67, OSB, SOT/SEM ’71
Chair, SJU Corporate Member
Order of Saint Benedict Collegeville, Minnesota
Fr. Nickolas Becker, OSB
Order of Saint Benedict Collegeville, Minnesota
Fr. Nick Kleespie ’06, OSB, SOT/SEM ’15
Order of Saint Benedict Collegeville, Minnesota
Br. Dan Morgan ’03, OSB
Order of Saint Benedict Collegeville, Minnesota
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University Leadership Team
Brian J. Bruess
President
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Richard Ice
Provost
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Kara Kolomitz
Chief Operating Officer
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Bob Alpers
Athletic Director
Saint John’s University
Kelly Anderson Diercks
Athletic Director College of Saint Benedict
John Andrick
Dean of Student Academic Success
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Pam Bacon
Associate Provost and Dean of the Faculty
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Chantel Braegelmann
Chief Human Resources Officer College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Shawn Colberg
Dean, School of Theology and Seminary
Saint John’s University
Rob Culligan
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Saint John’s University
Karyl Daughters
Dean of Curriculum and Assessment
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Amanda Erdman
Dean of Students
Saint John’s University
Mary Geller
Associate Provost for Student Success
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Casey Gordon
Chief Information and Transformation Officer
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Betsey Kershaw
Chief Marketing Officer
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Russ Klein
Director of Physical Plant
Saint John’s University and Order of Saint Benedict
Interim Director of Facilities College of Saint Benedict
Sandra Mitchell
Senior Diversity Officer
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Sucharita Mukherjee
Chair, Joint Faculty Assembly
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Rodger Narloch
Benedictine Institute Director
Saint John’s University
Anne Oberman
Chief Financial Officer
College of Saint Benedict Interim, Chief Financial Officer
Saint John’s University
Heather Pieper-Olson
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
College of Saint Benedict
Christi Siver
Vice Chair, Joint Faculty Assembly
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Edward Lamm
Chief Admission & Strategic Enrollment Officer
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Ben Stommes
Director of Strategic Analytics and Finance
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Jody Terhaar
Dean of Students
College of Saint Benedict
Faculty Retirements
It is with great appreciation that we honor the following members of the CSB and SJU faculty who are retiring this year. Thank you for your many years of service and for your dedication to our institutions.
Gordon Brown
Philip Chu
Noreen Herzfeld
William Lamberts
Julie Lynch Parker Wheatley