Commencement Celebrates Years Loras College held its historic 175th Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 24, 2014. More than 5,000 gathered in the Rock Bowl Stadium to celebrate the accomplishments of 400 new graduates. President Jim Collins (’84) noted students, faculty, staff, family and friends came together with one consistent theme: gratitude. Gratitude for the moment, family, mentors, faith and service to others. Gratitude for achievements, unique gifts and talents, and for Loras College. Senior class president Benjamin Berning (’14), delivered outstanding remarks that truly embodied what the Loras mission seeks to instill in each graduate. Berning reminisced about growing academically, spiritually, personally and socially with his class, memorializing their journey with a podium–selfie. He urged his classmates to think beyond self by being authentic, generous and ready to love as they continue down life’s path. Elizabeth Rogers, M.D. (’01), assistant professor at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Divisions of General Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, served as the commencement speaker. Rogers graduated magna cum laude from Loras College in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. She earned her doctor of medicine degree, with high honors, from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine. Dr. Rogers then completed her residency training in internal medicine and pediatrics at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital Boston Residency Program. Dr. Rogers urged the 2014 graduates to learn from others, break from the ordinary and serve as only they can serve. She wished for them to live their days seeking perspective, finding contradiction and being motivated by passion.
24
Feature Stories
During the 175th Loras College Commencement ceremony, the following individuals received honorary degrees: Wrestling Olympian Dan Gable for his contributions made to international wrestling and dedication to eradicating sexual violence. Among numerous awards and feats, Gable is a member of both the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. As a college wrestler at Iowa State University, Gable amassed an outstanding record of 138–1, which included three NCAA championship titles. Gable has dedicated his life toward wrestling, family and speaking out against sexual violence in memory of his sister, Diane, who was raped and murdered in 1964. Dan and his wife, Kathy, have four daughters. Their youngest daughter, Mackenzie McCord, graduated from Loras in 2010. Loras Regent Emeritus Andrew Studdert for his service to the U.S. during 9/11 and contributions made to the risk management industry. Studdert currently serves as President, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and Chairman of the Board for NES Rentals Holdings, Inc. in Chicago. Immediately prior to his current role, Studdert served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Executive Vice President of United Airlines. On September 11, 2001 when terrorists struck by hijacking two of United’s planes, it was his brave and heroic decision to ground the entire fleet after the news of the attacks. Andy and his wife, Mary Pat, have three children. Their son, Matt, is a 2007 Loras College graduate. Professor Emerita Dr. Donna Bauerly for her service and contributions made to the teaching profession and Loras College. Bauerly began teaching at Loras in 1971 as an English instructor, teaching American Literature and Composition. In 1980, she became the Department Chair of the Division of Humanities, English and Continuing Education. In 1983, Bauerly was promoted to full professorship. She then served as chair of the Loras Faculty Senate. She was the first woman at Loras to attain each of these respective roles. Bauerly is well known for her teaching excellence: Honored Faculty Award (1989 AAHE); nomination for CASE Professor of the Year (1989); Exemplary Teaching Forum (AAHE 1991, 1992); and the John Henry Cardinal Newman Award for Excellence in Teaching and Campus Leadership (Loras College 1994). Bauerly retired from Loras in 2007. Dr. Thomas Hunt for his service to and scholarly work done for Catholic education. From 1971–1996, Dr. Hunt served as a professor in the College of Education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. In 1996, he transitioned his teaching and scholarly work to the University of Dayton. Throughout his career, Hunt has written or co–authored several books surrounding the history of Catholic teaching and education. Hunt received a bachelor’s degree in History from Loras in 1952 and a bachelor’s degree in Theology from the Catholic University of America in 1956. He also obtained his master’s degree in Secondary Education Administration in 1965 from the Catholic University and a Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1971.