2026 COMMENCEMENT
May 16, 2026
May 16, 2026
Abbey and University Church Collegeville, Minnesota
Saint John’s
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. Robert Christy Class of 2026
Commencement Address
Dr. Michael Kelly ’20 Resident Physician, Mayo Clinic
Presentation for Degrees in Course
Dr. Richard Ice Provost
Presentation of Candidates for Graduate and Baccalaureate Degrees
Dr. Jeffrey DuBois
Associate Professor, Languages & Cultures
Hooding of Candidates for Master’s Degrees
Dr. Shawn Colberg
Dean, School of Theology and Seminary Alumni Welcome
Mr. Mike Anderson ’05 President, SJU Alumni Association
Alma Mater
SJU Tenor-Bass Ensemble
Closing Remarks
Dr. Brian J. Bruess
Benediction
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
Rhosymedre
Ralph Vaughan Williams
Transcribed by David Baldwin
A Centennial Fanfare John Zdechlik
Processional
The Mace and the Medal (A Ceremonial March) Dr. Brian Campbell Associate Professor of Music
Hymns
O Beautiful, for Spacious Skies (America the Beautiful)
Recessional
The Mace and the Medal (A Ceremonial March) Dr. Brian Campbell Associate Professor of Music
Musicians
Trumpet
Josie Beneke
Grant Hellermann
Charlie Nichols
Trombone
Kevin Lamb
Samuel Edwards
Tarin Gatchell
Horns
Twila Lefeber
Dylin Kunkel
Tobias Conover
Krow Zagars
Gilbert Torvinen
Euphonium
Sophia Turja Hubbard
Tuba
Cyprian Little
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 gradepoint average of 4.0;
Candidates for the Degree of Master of Divinity
Fabian Shermaie Adderley Nassau, Bahamas Divinity
Kristyn Lise Demers Pelham, New Hampshire Divinity
Benjamin Anthony Epper Waseca, Minnesota Divinity
Mary-Francis Okwuchuckwu Ikejiuba, OCSO Illah, Nigeria Divinity
Maria Elena Mendez Lindsay Sun Prairie, Wisconsin Divinity
Vinh Phuc Nguyen, ICM Baton Rouge, Louisiana Divinity
Gilbert Perez Houston, Texas Divinity
David Schmidt Canyon Country, California Divinity
Aimee Marie Thompson Arevalo Glenwood, Minnesota Divinity
My Thi Tra Tran, OP Hô Chí Minh, Vietnam Divinity
Candidates for the Degree of Master of Arts
Fabian Shermaie Adderley Nassau, Bahamas Theology
Johnathan David Bell Perham, Minnesota Ministry
Fanuel Jean Fort-Liberte, Haiti Ministry
Barbara Ann Kowalkowski, OSB Yankton, South Dakota Ministry
Gabriel Mario Lefaan, OSC Surabaya City, Indonesia Theology
Lucy Anderson Lyngen Rogers, Minnesota Theology
Nicholas Matthew Marie, OSB Sleepy Eye, Minnesota Theology
Chad Rae Middendorf Cold Spring, Minnesota Ministry
Cong Van Nguyen Nghi Loc, Vietnam Ministry
Minh Tho Nguyen Doan Hung, Vietnam Theology
Jason William Prigge Sauk Rapids, Minnesota Ministry
Anthony Charles Ray Salt Lake City, Utah Theology
Xiuli Wang Heze, China PR Ministry
Candidates for the Degree of Master of Theological Studies
Alexa Carballosa Centreville, Virginia Monastic Studies and Spirituality
Xiaoqiang Jia Taiyuan, China PR Liturgy
Van Ngoc Ngo, CM Lam Dong, Vietnam Systematics
My Thi Nguyen, CUM Ha Noi, Vietnam Liturgy
Tuyet Thi Pham, OP Nam Dinh, Vietnam Scripture
Huyen Thi Phan, LHC Scripture Ca Mau, Vietnam
Bradley Jacob Risch Hastings, Minnesota Scripture
Luu Tran, O. Cist. Aptos, California Monastic Studies and Spirituality
Candidates for the Degree of Master of Theology
Robert Po-Wen Chung Los Angeles, California Theology
An Van Nguyen, O. Cist. Nghe An, Vietnam Theology
Patrick Glen Ellsworth Russell Muscatine, Iowa Theology
Dinh Ngoc Vo Da Nang City, Vietnam Theology
Candidates for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts
Robert Almore Adderley Nassau, Bahamas Individualized - Education
Zane Wadie Al-Saeed Winona, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Ivan Alcantara Dallas, Texas Economics
Thomas Clarke Allen Colorado Springs, Colorado Accounting
Brandon Thomas Altenburg Watkins, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Faaris Ernest Amegankpoe** Brooklyn Park, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Owen Sullivan Amrhein* Waconia, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Jonathan Norman Andersen Rockwell, Iowa Art
Joshua Dennis Anderson* Hopkins, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Anthony Roger Arens Minneapolis, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Henry Thomas Ascheman*** Hastings, Minnesota Art, English
Dominic Rylee Ballou St. Joseph, Minnesota Biochemistry
Francis Barbosa St. Paul, Minnesota English
Tommy Robert Barrett Ramsey, Minnesota Biology
Nicholas Anthony Bartlett Ham Lake, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
William M Bassett*** Farmington, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Jacob Thomas Becker** Lincoln, Nebraska Computer Science, Mathematics
Adrian Andrew Belisle Jr. Los Angeles, California Political Science
Jacob Paul Beton* Lakeville, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Isaac John Beuning* Circle Pines, Minnesota Accounting
Blake Michael Bierscheid** Sartell, Minnesota Accounting
Joshua Patrick Black Eagan, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Aiden James Blaeser St. Michael, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Brennan Patrick Blake Minneapolis, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Will Jelani Blakey St. Cloud, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Matthew Howard Boberg Chanhassen, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Alexander Nicholas Boebel** Brook Park, Minnesota Psychology
Brandon Thomas Bollman Annandale, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Luke Eron Bordson Becker, Minnesota Elementary Education
Alexander Robert Bowman Otsego, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Isak Mark Brandt Eagan, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Grady Donald Breen St. Michael, Minnesota Biology
Augustin Peter Briguet Woodbury, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Charles James Brophy Independence, Minnesota Accounting
Cale Daniel Bryan* Renville, Minnesota Accounting
Connor J Brynteson*** Crystal, Minnesota Computer Science
William Benjamin Elbridge Bugbee** Paynesville, Minnesota Political Science
Brenden William Burggraff* Centerville, Minnesota Accounting
Gavin Matthew Burns Foley, Minnesota Nutrition
Riley Holt Buxell Stillwater, Minnesota Hispanic Studies, Psychology
Caden Antonio Caligiuri La Salle, Manitoba Global Business Leadership
Mason Thomas Campbell Rosemount, Minnesota Economics
Aiden C Chalmers* Chaska, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Noah Perry Chase Tustin, California Finance
Anthony Singh Tomar Chaudhary Minneapolis, Minnesota Music
Robert John Christy St. Paul, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Joseph Patrick Coffey Appleton, Wisconsin Psychology
Foster David Conlin* Mooresville, North Carolina Finance
Maxwell Webber Cornell St. Paul, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Conner Hunter Couet St. Michael, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Ethan Nicholas Dauk Apple Valley, Minnesota Economics
Mitchell Michael Degen** Brainerd, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Ian Ronald DeGross Elko New Market, Minnesota Biology
Joshua David Delange Medina, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Nicholas James Demo Lakeville, Minnesota Accounting
Riley P DeRosier**** Fort Ripley, Minnesota Accounting
Jacob Mathew Deutschman Ramsey, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
James Paul Diaz III Hemet, California Environmental Studies
Zander Douglas Dittbenner**** North Mankato, Minnesota Elementary Education
Jack Timothy Dobesh Edina, Minnesota Elementary Education
Finnegan McNamara Dolezal*** Cold Spring, Minnesota Economics
Connor Michael Drong*** St. Cloud, Minnesota Accounting
Tiegen Carew Drontle** Cold Spring, Minnesota Accounting
Joseph Robert Dub** Owatonna, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Cole Thomas Duffy Burnsville, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Kainen Christopher DuFresne-To St. Paul, Minnesota Computer Science
Taylor Jon Duncan Benson, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Evan Walfred Dushek Owatonna, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Jack Matthew Dzubnar St. Paul, Minnesota Accounting
Samuel Louis Edwards* Burnsville, Minnesota Computer Science
Cameron Phillip Ehlen*** Sartell, Minnesota Accounting, Global Business Leadership
Charles James Eibensteiner North Oaks, Minnesota Accounting
Evan Nicholas Eisinger Andover, Minnesota Computer Science
Cooper Chevalier Emmerson Houston, Texas Physics
Zachary Lawrence Enebak Prior Lake, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Cole Maximus Engen Esko, Minnesota Psychology
Andrew John Erkenbrack Wyoming, Minnesota Political Science
Uriel Espinoza Dallas, Texas Environmental Studies
McKenna Ryan Evans Minneapolis, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Will Patrick Falkman Waconia, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Trey D Feeney** Moorhead, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Mason Jeffrey Fike White Bear Lake, Minnesota Psychology
Easton Carl Fleck Waconia, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Anthony Joseph Forare Forest Lake, Minnesota Psychology
Kobe Jeter Davard Forbes**** Nassau, Bahamas Physics
McDermott Jay Franklin*** St. Paul, Minnesota Psychology, Sociology
Kenton Thomas Frohrip* St. Cloud, Minnesota Environmental Studies
Clayton Cecil Fuller** Sartell, Minnesota Biochemistry
Joseph Carmelino Fuller North Platte, Nebraska Communication
Timothy David Fultz Stillwater, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Landon Matthew Gallagher Menifee, California Exercise and Health Science
Tarin Howard Gatchell*** Granite Falls, Minnesota Ancient Mediterranean Studies, Political Science
Jackson Thomas Geislinger Grove City, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Joey Gendreau Shorewood, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science, Global Business Leadership
Anthony Alex Gerlach Nowthen, Minnesota History
Jack Aaron Giitter Omaha, Nebraska History, Political Science
Peyton Thomas Gremmels Stillwater, Minnesota Data Science
Benjamin Paul Greshowak** Sartell, Minnesota History
George Patrick Griffin Mendota Heights, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Kole Roger Guth St. Peter, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Sebastian Guzman Cicero, Illinois Peace Studies
Jack Andrew Haglund Shakopee, Minnesota Communication
Nicholas Scott Hamak*** Sartell, Minnesota Accounting
Charles Rand Hammond Edina, Minnesota Political Science
Mathieu Joo Seong Hanson Owatonna, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Parker Charles Harmon Nevis, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Alexander Steven Harren Rice, Minnesota Accounting
Bennett Arthur Harris Woodbury, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Owen Kenneth Haubenschild**** Princeton, Minnesota Economics, Mathematics
John Timothy Hawkins St. Cloud, Minnesota Communication
Marcus Allen Hayes Katy, Texas History
Aidan Ryan Hecimovich Mountain Iron, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Anthony James Hecimovich Mountain Iron, Minnesota Accounting
Michael Richard Heimel Prior Lake, Minnesota Communication, Political Science
Brendan Donald Hemr* Minneapolis, Minnesota Computer Science
William Edwin Henningsgard St. Paul, Minnesota Accounting
Owen William Herbst Buffalo, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Carter Jacob Hermanson Eagan, Minnesota Global Business Leadership, Political Science
Noah Ryan Hermanson** Eagan, Minnesota Computer Science
Manuel Hernández Vega Melrose, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Peter Christopher Heroux Avon, Minnesota Computer Science
Jack Joel Hillmann*** Cokato, Minnesota Accounting
Riley Scott Hoeper** St. Cloud, Minnesota Social Science
Ben Richard Hoernemann** Hamburg, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Lucca Holman Escazu, Costa Rica Global Business Leadership
Jon Bradley Howe*** Chanhassen, Minnesota Accounting
Zachariah Phillip Hunter Lake Elmo, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Graham Lloyd Imholte Minneapolis, Minnesota Environmental Studies
Anthony John Jacoby Manitowoc, Wisconsin Accounting
Caden J Jager* Brainerd, Minnesota Accounting
Nicholas John Jenniges Annandale, Minnesota Computer Science
Noah Sebastian Jensen*** St. Cloud, Minnesota Environmental Studies
Andrew Joseph Johnson*** St. Cloud, Minnesota Physics
Brayden Dean Johnson Hutchinson, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Carter William Johnson Sartell, Minnesota Economics, Political Science
Jonah Matthew Johnson Stanchfield, Minnesota Individualized - Biology, Natural Science Education
Per Jens Johnson** Duluth, Minnesota Mathematics, Physics
Riley Eric Johnson Elk River, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Joshua Gregory Johnston Cold Spring, Minnesota Art
Carter Christopher Jostock*** Delano, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Zachary Bae Karnes Otsego, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Benjamin Joseph Karr Stillwater, Minnesota Economics
Grant James Ketcher* Hutchinson, Minnesota Accounting
Edward Francis Kies* Loves Park, Illinois Political Science
Joshua Chase Kirchoff Carver, Minnesota Accounting
Colin Klein St. Joseph, Minnesota Art, Communication
Parker James Koland** Maple Grove, Minnesota Chemistry
Samuel Joseph Koppi Waconia, Minnesota Psychology
Evan Jay Kostynick Hudson, Wisconsin Global Business Leadership
Trace Leland Krattley* Stillwater, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Collin Michael Kray**** Little Falls, Minnesota Chemistry
Samuel Marvin Kray*** Wausau, Wisconsin Environmental Studies
Lucas Gilbert Kreft** Hinckley, Minnesota Environmental Studies
Ethan David Kress Woodbury, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Tony Paul Krystofiak*** Mounds View, Minnesota Computer Science, Physics
Jonathon Robert Krza Littleton, Colorado Accounting
Tom James Kuriscak Marine on Saint Croix, Minnesota Biochemistry
Camden David Langerman Brainerd, Minnesota Accounting
Aiden Robert Langheim** Prior Lake, Minnesota Finance
Yair Emanuel Lara Houston, Texas Global Business Leadership
Jayden Michael Leach-Wirwahn Bayport, Minnesota Accounting
Ermiyas Tilahun Legesse Worthington, Minnesota Computer Science
Marcus Raymond Lemos Shakopee, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Alexander Xiong Lesnar* Savage, Minnesota Accounting
Anson Leung Kowloon, Hong Kong Psychology
Jonathan Beck Lewin Wayzata, Minnesota Accounting
Tanen Li Shenzhen, China PR Global Business Leadership
Sander Roy Lien St. Paul, Minnesota Psychology
Caden Gerald Ligman Roseville, Minnesota Accounting
Ethan Michael Lochen St. Cloud, Minnesota Biology
Aaron Lopez Dallas, Texas Global Business Leadership
Caesar Elijah Lopez Amado, Arizona Psychology
Xor Lor St. Paul, Minnesota Accounting
Tate David Lovas* Forest Lake, Minnesota Accounting
Teagyn Robert Ludwig Richmond, Minnesota Elementary Education
Henry James Luetmer Medina, Minnesota History
Brock R Lutzke**** Little Falls, Minnesota Accounting
Dillon Lynch St. Paul, Minnesota Accounting
Luca Thomas Lynch Surbiton, England Biology
Connor Bennett Mahoney** Wayzata, Minnesota Finance
John James Maile Eden Valley, Minnesota Economics, Global Business Leadership
Jacob Malecha* Lonsdale, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Jason Benjamin Malmgren Willmar, Minnesota Biology
Samuel James Dolek Mancino Maple Grove, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Alexander Ronald Markgraf St. Michael, Minnesota Accounting
Reed Kenneth Marquardt Lindstrom, Minnesota Finance
Hiram Edgar Martinez-Santos Immokalee, Florida Biochemistry
Parker John Mathewson**** Otsego, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Preston Everette McGraw* Sartell, Minnesota Biology
Aiden James McMahon* Maple Grove, Minnesota Accounting
Joe Edward Mechels*** Minneapolis, Minnesota Chemistry, Hispanic Studies
Clay Walter Megaw Monticello, Minnesota Psychology
Marselio Martin Mendez St. Paul, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Thomas Brian Menk Lewiston, Minnesota Accounting
Riley Lamar Messer* New London, Minnesota Elementary Education
Maxwell Michael Meyer**** St. Joseph, Minnesota Accounting
Colin Akira Middlekauff* Minnetonka, Minnesota Art, Biology
Ashton James Miller St. Joseph, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Grant David Miller Lake Elmo, Minnesota Finance
Joseph Emmanuel Moberg St. Paul, Minnesota Computer Science
Andrew John Molenaar** Shoreview, Minnesota Strategic Communication Studies
Adolfo Molina Minneapolis, Minnesota Economics
Samuel Paul Mollet Jefferson, South Dakota Biology
Reese Thomas Moneypenny St. Joseph, Minnesota Biochemistry
Owen Thomas Montreuil*** Jordan, Minnesota Finance
Daniel Joseph Moog** Cold Spring, Minnesota Accounting
Howard Gregory Moore** Mounds View, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Aidan Michael Morey*** Omaha, Nebraska Accounting
Ulathi Mpofu Farmington, Minnesota Computer Science
Collin David Murray Woodbury, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Michael Thomas Murray St. Joseph, Minnesota Individualized - Languages and Cultures
Zakarya M Napla Maple Grove, Minnesota Communication
Walker Jack Nielsen Owatonna, Minnesota Accounting
Adam Dennis Novak St. Joseph, Minnesota Environmental Studies
Chandler Martin Obering Orange, California Exercise and Health Science
Cormac Sean O’Connor Woodbury, Minnesota Computer Science, Political Science
Thomas John Odenthal Albany, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Micheal Edward O’Donnell Farmington, Minnesota Economics
Michael Duane Oehler* Waterloo, Nebraska History
Hayden Morrissey Olson Albertville, Minnesota Environmental Studies
Alexander Kenneth Organ** Northfield, Minnesota Political Science
Ganard Ceni Orionzi St. Cloud, Minnesota English
Michael Geoghegan O’Rourke New Prague, Minnesota Mathematics
John Christopher Ortmann Kirkwood, Missouri Global Business Leadership
Joshua Paul Oswald* Papillion, Nebraska Finance
Derek James Pass** Chanhassen, Minnesota Accounting
Grant Michael Pedersen*** Omaha, Nebraska Biochemistry
Derek Edward Pepin*** Rockford, Minnesota Accounting
Jackson Ray Peter Elrosa, Minnesota English
Caleb Nathan Peterson* Edina, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Joshua William Peterson Perham, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Lucas Jeffrey Pfannenstein* St. Cloud, Minnesota Accounting
Samuel Nicholas Pfieffer** Owatonna, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Kody Aek Phommavongxay Sartell, Minnesota Computer Science
Ethan David Pihart Minneapolis, Minnesota Accounting
Owen James Ping*** Winona, Minnesota Accounting
Charles David Plum Mendota Heights, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Riley Jakob Porter** Farmington, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Isaac Blake Potter** Waseca, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Jack William Potter**** Champlin, Minnesota Computer Science
Ethan Francis Quinn Minneapolis, Minnesota Communication
Hadi Imad Rahal Sartell, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Benjamin Gerard Reddan*** Chaska, Minnesota Biology
Edward Gordon Reece Hudson, Wisconsin Global Business Leadership
Carsten David Reuter Hermantown, Minnesota Biology
Rito Jr. Reyes** Los Angeles, California Exercise and Health Science
Isaiah John Rieser New Ulm, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Jackson Thomas Riley Shakopee, Minnesota Economics
Timothy John Ringer* Wayzata, Minnesota Communication
Christian Peter Ripplinger Holdingford, Minnesota Accounting
Wyatt Matthew Robertson** St. Paul, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Giovanni Rodriguez Sandoval Minneapolis, Minnesota Computer Science
Andrew Michael Roggeman St. Cloud, Minnesota Communication
McCormick Everett Rohlk Mankato, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Kennedy Dwayne Kipling Wendall Rolle Nassau, Bahamas Psychology, Sociology
William Rollin Minneapolis, Minnesota Ancient Mediterranean Studies
Timothy Arthur Rotter Blaine, Minnesota Computer Science
John Orin Ruff Rochester, Minnesota Psychology
Caden Edward Ruhoff Oak Park, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Nicholas L Ruzynski** Grant, Minnesota Economics
Henry Charles Ryan Waconia, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Charles Alan Ryks*** Maple Grove, Minnesota Accounting, Finance
Charles J Salzer Champlin, Minnesota Accounting
Jack Sande Owatonna, Minnesota Accounting
Alexander William Savage*** Minneapolis, Minnesota Accounting, Finance
Wyatt Harvey Sawatzke Monticello, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Jaxon Donovan Sawyer San Jose, California Biology
Wyatt John Schaeffer** Clearwater, Minnesota Biology
Adam John Schavey Winnebago, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Quinn Thomas Scheider* Woodbury, Minnesota Mathematics
Vincent Robert Schleper*** Shakopee, Minnesota Elementary Education
Drew Carl Schmidt St. Cloud, Minnesota Psychology
Alexander Douglas Schmitz Minneapolis, Minnesota Biology
Thomas Schnell Minneapolis, Minnesota Accounting
Cameron John Schreifels Sartell, Minnesota Environmental Studies
Braxton Michael Schroepfer Edina, Minnesota Biology
Kouper C Seidl Brainerd, Minnesota Psychology
Jonah Steven Seifert* Burnsville, Minnesota Environmental Studies
Abdul Samba Sesay St. Paul, Minnesota Political Science
Arthur Murphy Setter Lakeville, Minnesota Political Science
Owen Nicholas Eiler Siegel Chanhassen, Minnesota Economics
Jaime Sifuentes-Lopez Immokalee, Florida Global Business Leadership
Isaiah Edmund Silver* Maple Grove, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Blake Richard Simonson* Waconia, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Eddie Richard Sirek New Prague, Minnesota Accounting
Owen Matthew Skonseng**** Savage, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Brayden Joseph Slavik Glencoe, Minnesota Psychology
Jacob Lee Slipka St. Paul, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Nolan Matthew Smith Redwood Falls, Minnesota Strategic Communication Studies
Brady Robert Spaulding Annandale, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Michael Weston Spinner* Prior Lake, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Jack St. Fleur Fort Lauderdale, Florida Strategic Communication Studies
Nicholas James St. Peter** Maple Grove, Minnesota Data Science
Zachary James Stang* Avon, Minnesota Biology
Leo Edward StattelmanScanlan Madison, Wisconsin Environmental Studies
Corey Steen Dorchester, Wisconsin Exercise and Health Science
Samuel Joseph Steil Maple Lake, Minnesota Accounting
John Michael Stevens Eagan, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
John Christian Sundet** Albany, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Justin Robert Swenson** Buffalo, Minnesota Accounting
Luke Patrick Tahnk St. Paul, Minnesota Accounting
Owen Eugene Talberg Swanville, Minnesota Computer Science
Jack Louis Theisen**** St. Cloud, Minnesota Accounting
Caleb Walter Thom Coon Rapids, Minnesota Finance
Carter Richard Thomes Excelsior, Minnesota Finance
Joseph Ian Thorsten** Oak Park, Minnesota Finance
Ryan Thomas Thurk*** Mound, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Gilbert Angelo Torvinen** Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin Biology, Music
Leo James Troje Centerville, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
William Misael Valverde Zanabriga Arden Hills, Minnesota Computer Science
Owen Joseph Varley* Gem Lake, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Takhi Javien Vaughn Eden Prairie, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Mitchell Robert Vener Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Carter Henry Versaevel Marshall, Minnesota Environmental Studies
Benjamin Thomas Virnig** Hillman, Minnesota Accounting
Evan Wahlin** Sartell, Minnesota Accounting
Jakob Henry Waller** Maple Plain, Minnesota Music
Jack Allen Wells* Stillwater, Minnesota Finance
Garrett Robert West Anoka, Minnesota Theater
Caden Michael Wheeler Andover, Minnesota Accounting
Dylan Wheeler* North Oaks, Minnesota Finance
Benjamin T Wigley Minnetonka, Minnesota Computer Science
Nicholas Jon Williams Owatonna, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Zachary Richard Wimmer** Swanville, Minnesota Elementary Education
Matthew John Wingerd St. Paul, Minnesota Finance
Maxwell Edwin Winter Edina, Minnesota Finance
Ethan Duane Wolff St. Joseph, Minnesota Environmental Studies
Lukas Dean Wright* Woodbury, Minnesota Finance
Sorato Yamane Noboribetsu, Japan Economics, Global Business Leadership
Chenxu Yang St. Paul, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Liko Vang Yang St. Paul, Minnesota Biology
Pengqian Yu Beijing, China PR Psychology
Jonathan Zapata-Martinez Immokalee, Florida Accounting
Zachary Jonothan Zebell Glencoe, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Sam Martin Zeimetz Wausau, Wisconsin Exercise and Health Science
Noah Robert Zent** West Fargo, North Dakota Computer Science, Mathematics
Brandon Randolph Zimmer** St. Joseph, Minnesota Environmental Studies
Candidates for the Degree of Bachelor of Science
Nikolaus Robert Hughes** Elk River, Minnesota Nursing
Alfonso Segura Sanchez Immokalee, Florida Nursing
The College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University Commencement ceremonies are a celebration of the pride we share in our students’ accomplishments and opportunities during their studies. The appearance of a candidate’s name in this commencement program may not be taken as evidence of final honors designation or that all requirements for the degree have been fulfilled.
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.
Anthony Alex Gerlach John Orin Ruff
Alpha Alpha Alpha
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.
Brennan Patrick Blake
Ermiyas Tilahun Legesse
Rito Jr. Reyes
Alfonso Segura Sanchez
Jonathan Zapata-Martinez
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
Wyatt Matthew Robertson
Jonah Steven Seifert
Think Deeply
Finnegan McNamara Dolezal
Parker James Koland
Benjamin Gerard Reddan
Wyatt John Schaeffer
Live Courageously
McDermott Jay Franklin
Phi Beta Kappa
Established in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa, as the oldest and most prestigious academic honor society, celebrates and advocates excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. Its campus chapters invite for induction the most outstanding arts and sciences students at America’s leading colleges and universities. The society sponsors activities to advance these studies — the humanities, the social sciences, the fine arts and the natural sciences — in higher education and in society at large. About 10 percent of the nation’s institutions of higher learning have Phi Beta Kappa chapters and only about 10 percent of the arts and sciences graduates of these distinguished institutions are selected for Phi Beta Kappa membership. Each year, approximately one college senior in a hundred, nationwide, is invited to join. The following students have been invited to the Phi Beta Kappa Academic Honor Society:
Henry Thomas Ascheman
Connor J Brynteson
Finnegan McNamara Dolezal
Kobe Jeter Davard Forbes
Clayton Cecil Fuller
Tarin Howard Gatchell
Benjamin Paul Greshowak
Owen Kenneth Haubenschild
Edward Francis Kies
Samuel Marvin Kray
Sigma Beta Delta
Lucas Gilbert Kreft
Tony Paul Krystofiak
Joe Edward Mechels
Grant Michael Pedersen
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.
Mitchell Michael Degen
Riley P DeRosier
Connor Michael Drong
Cameron Phillip Ehlen
Nicholas Scott Hamak
Jack Joel Hillmann
Jon Bradley Howe
Aiden Robert Langheim
Tate David Lovas
Brock R Lutzke
Connor Bennett Mahoney
Parker John Mathewson
Maxwell Michael Meyer
Owen Thomas Montreuil
Howard Gregory Moore
Aidan Michael Morey
Derek James Pass
Samuel Nicholas Pfieffer
Owen James Ping
Charles Alan Ryks
Alexander William Savage
Owen Matthew Skonseng
John Christian Sundet
Jack Louis Theisen
Joseph Ian Thorsten
Ryan Thomas Thurk
Evan Wahlin
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 19th 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 3 feet for the bachelor’s to 4 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
Chris Coborn ’81 Chairman & CEO Coborn’s Inc St. Cloud, Minnesota
Michaela Hedican, OSB Director of Mission Advancement Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict St. Joseph, Minnesota
Kristen Hodge-Clark Senior Assistant Dean, Program Planning Georgetown University Washington, D.C.
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, CSC ’84 Provincial, U.S. Province Congregation of Holy Cross Notre Dame, Indiana
Jeanne Lust ’73, OSB Professor Emerita College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University St. Joseph, Minnesota
Michele L. Martin
President Lurie Wealth Advisors LLC Minneapolis, Minnesota
Denis McDonough ’92 Former VA Secretary Senior Advisor Clarion Strategies Virginia
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
Gen. 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
David H. Roberts
Retired, Senior Vice President and President, U.S. Market Medtronic Inc. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Aelred Senna, OSB Publisher Give Us This Day Liturgical Press Order of Saint Benedict Collegeville, Minnesota
Kelly Skalicky CEO and President Stearns Bank N.A. St. Cloud, 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
Pam Wheelock
Retired, Community Leader St. Paul, Minnesota
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
Dan O’Brien
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
Jennifer Schaefer Interim 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 Frohrip
Dean of Curriculum and Assessment
College of Saint Benedict and 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
Chief Facilities and Resilience Officer
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Sandra Mitchell-Goode
Senior Diversity Officer
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Christi Siver
Chair, Joint Faculty Assembly
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Rodger Narloch
Director, Benedictine Institute
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
David Mitchell
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 Financial Strategy
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Jody Terhaar
Dean of Students
College of Saint Benedict
JoNes Van Hecke
Interim Dean of Students, Saint John’s University
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.
Richard Ice Strategic Communication Studies
Michael Heroux Computer Science
Theresa Johnson Education
Paul Marsnik Global Business Leadership
In Memoriam
Shane Miller Strategic Communication Studies
James Read Political Science
It is with great reverence that we honor two faculty members who passed away this year, leaving indelible marks on our institutions.
Warren “Boz” Bostrom Accounting and Finance
Frank Placheski Global Business Leadership