Saturday, May 10
Arts, Letters, Humanities
White
Commerce,
Accountancy, Business
Drab Olive
Economics
Copper
Education
Light Blue
Fine Arts
Brown
Journalism
Crimson
Law
Purple
Library Science
Lemon
Medicine
Green
Music
Pink
Nursing
Apricot
Philosophy
Dark Blue
Public Administration, including Foreign Service
Peacock Blue
Science
Golden Yellow
Theology
Scarlet
Universities have held ceremonies for the awarding of degrees since the eleventh century. Over these many hundreds of years, considerable tradition has evolved around these commencement exercises and the procedure by which degrees are awarded.
Authorization for the awarding of a degree is complex. In the United States, each state has laws that permit the state to recognize and acknowledge the worthiness of an institution to award a degree. The Louisiana Legislature granted a charter to Loyola University on July 10, 1912, recognizing the university’s right to grant degrees. Regional associations set standards and after careful examination will recognize an institution through accreditation. Loyola is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
The sequence of events that leads to the awarding of a degree consists first of a statement by the faculty of a college that an individual has completed all of the requirements and a recommendation to the dean that the individual be awarded a degree. The dean then certifies to the president of the institution that the student has completed the course requirements. The president, who has been authorized by the Board of Trustees, then confers the degree. A degree is a title that a college grants an individual upon completion of scholarly work. As proof of that title, a diploma is issued. The diploma repeats the sequence of faculty recommendations, certification by the dean, conference by the president, and the authority of the Board of Trustees as shown by the presence of the seal of the university.
In today’s ceremonies, the name of each candidate for graduation present will be announced publicly. Each individual will come to the stage when their name is announced. The president of the university will congratulate the recipient. The diploma cover symbolizes the academic achievement that the individual has attained. Those who have completed undergraduate degree requirements move the tassel on the mortarboard from right to left, another symbolic custom. The president will wait until all of the names of degree recipients and candidates are announced and then will confer a degree collectively upon each individual in a real or prophetic way. At many universities today, diplomas are not issued until some weeks after commencement exercises.
Academic gowns and hats are a custom that dates back to the Middle Ages. Since early European and English universities were founded by the church, students and teachers were required to wear distinctive gowns at all times. Although the custom was brought to this country in colonial days, the requirement for students was soon dropped. The custom for professors was confined to special occasions such as graduation exercises and inaugurations of college and university presidents.
With the increase in the number of educational institutions and the development of new fields of study, confusion arose about the type of gown and the color to denote various degrees. To introduce uniformity and set up a clearinghouse for new disciplines, a commission representing leading American colleges produced The Intercollegiate Code in 1895. In 1932, a national committee of the American Council on Education revised this code into The Academic Costume Code. It was revised again in 1959. Although not obligatory, most of the educational institutions in the country follow it in awarding their degrees, earned and honorary.
The most significant part of the academic dress is the hood. While there are bachelor’s degree hoods, many institutions reserve the wearing of hoods for graduate degrees. Each successively higher degree carries with it a longer hood. The doctoral hood also has side panels on the back. The color of its velvet border indicates the academic field, and it is lined with the color or colors of the institution granting the degree.
Although most doctoral gowns are black, with black velvet bars and panels, in some cases the color of the gown is that of the university conferring the degree—blue for Yale, crimson for Harvard, slate for Columbia. All such gowns have black bars and panels.
Academic fields also may be indicated by the color of velvet on the doctoral gowns: three two-inch bars on the sleeves and a five-inch border extending from the back of the neck down the two sides in front.
Caps are black. Gowns for bachelor’s and master’s degrees are plain black, but sleeves of the latter are short with trailing “elbows.” Doctoral gowns of European universities are usually very colorful. The caps often are not of the conventional mortarboard shape.
Undergraduate students graduating with honors wear distinction cords symbolizing the following honors:
Gold Cords — Summa Cum Laude (3.9 GPA)
Silver Cords — Magna Cum Laude (3.7 GPA)
Bronze Cords — Cum Laude (3.5 GPA)
Graduate students graduating with distinction wear cords symbolizing the following:
Maroon and Gold Cords — With High Distinction (4.0 GPA)
Maroon Cords — With Distinction (3.900–3.999 GPA)
Loyola University’s Ceremonial Mace is an ornamental mace traditionally carried at the head of academic processions as a symbol of educational authority and institutional identity. Its design and appearance typically resemble a metal torch or cross decorated by carvings including the university seal.
The Loyola mace was designed in 1995 by then Department of Visual Arts faculty member Erik Johnson. It is carried as a symbol of authority in processions at commencement and other academic ceremonies. During other times of the year, it is on permanent display in Marquette Hall. It was utilized for the first time October 28, 1995, at the inauguration of the Rev. Bernard P. Knoth, S.J., as 15th president of the university.
The iconography on the mace is derived from the seal of the university as designed in 1929 and stylized in 1970. The arms of the Loyola family consist of two gray wolves suspending a kettle between them. This is seen as a symbol of generosity because it signifies such abundance that after everyone was fed there was always something left in the pot upon which the wolves could feast.
The fleur-de-lis represents the French origins of the state and city.
The pelican feeding her young with her own blood affiliates Loyola with the state of Louisiana.
The wolves, fleur-de-lis, pelican, and bottom termination are of cast bronze. The kettle, with the facade of Marquette Hall in low relief, is cast iron. Overall length is approximately thirty-three inches.
The staff is inscribed with the following significant dates in Loyola University New Orleans history:
2012 — the 100th anniversary of Loyola’s charter; MCMXII — 1912 — chartering of Loyola University; MDCCCXLIX — 1849 — founding of the College of the Immaculate Conception; MDCCCXXXVII — 1837 — founding of St. Charles College; and MDCCXXVI — 1726 — arrival of the Society of Jesus in Louisiana.
Honorary degrees are awarded to individuals because of contributions the individual has made to their community and beyond. These degrees carry the distinction honoris causa, which means “cause of honor.”
The sequence of events is slightly different and is somewhat more ceremonial than for traditional degrees.
A committee of faculty, staff, and student representatives considers individuals for this honor, examining both the careers and the contributions of the nominees. This group presents its recommendations to the president, who forwards them to the Board of Trustees. The board selects the recipients and authorizes
the preparation of a diploma for each honoree. The diploma bears the signatures of the chair and secretary of the Board of Trustees, the president, and the provost.
The diploma notes the actions of the individual that the committee and the board considered. The president confers the degree. The honoree wears an honorary degree hood, bordered in velvet and lined in the maroon and gold colors of the university.
Major General Angela Salinas (Ret.) served in the United States Marine Corps for 39 years, becoming the first Hispanic woman promoted to brigadier general in the Corps’ history. She commanded at every level, including as Commanding General of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region. When she retired in 2013, she was the highest-ranking woman in the Marine Corps and the longest-serving woman in its history.
Salinas broke barriers throughout her career, including becoming the first woman to command a recruiting district, the first woman assigned to a major combatant command’s policy division, and the first female combat service support ground monitor. Her numerous honors include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, and Legion of Merit. Since 2015, she has served as CEO of the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, where she continues to lead and inspire future generations.
Salinas earned her Bachelor of Arts in History from Dominican University of California and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. She is a graduate of the Army War College, the Naval War College’s College of Command and Staff, and the Amphibious Warfare School.
Tom Gruber is a product developer, inventor, and entrepreneur best known as the co-founder, CTO, and head of design for the team that created Siri, Apple’s voice assistant. Acquired by Apple in 2010, Siri has become one of the most widely used AI technologies in the world. At Apple, Gruber led the Advanced Development Group, designing new AI-based product capabilities for more than eight years.
Gruber has co-founded companies that help travelers learn from the collective experience of others and enable large communities of professionals to contribute to and learn from a collective body of knowledge. He is currently the CTO and co-founder of LifeScore, which develops adaptive music that responds to listener needs and context.
An advocate for Humanistic AI, Gruber promotes the use of artificial intelligence to enhance rather than replace human capabilities. His TED talk on Humanistic AI has been viewed millions of times worldwide.
Gruber earned a double major B.S. in psychology and computer science at Loyola University New Orleans and both a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in Computer and Information Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Procession
Xavier A. Cole, Ed.D. President, Loyola University New Orleans
Candidates for Degrees Faculty and Staff Presidential Party
Marshals ....................................................................................
Kurt Bindewald, B.A. Mary Musso ’96
Mace Bearer ................................................................................ Sarah Allison, Ph.D.
Hutchinson Distinguished Professor, Associate Professor of English, Director of Composition, and Chair of the University Senate
University Gonfalon Bearer ......................................... John “Curry” O’Day, Ph.D. Director of Media Services and Senator-at-Large, University Staff Senate
Call to Order Robért LeBlanc ’00 Chair, Board of Trustees
Invocation
The Reverend John Cunningham, S.J., Ph.D. Vice President for Mission and Identity
National Anthem .............................................................................................. Justin Eifert ’25
Welcome and Presidential Remarks .................................................... Xavier A. Cole, Ed.D.
Ignatian Awards Presentation
The Reverend John Cunningham, S.J., Ph.D.
Presentation and Conferring of Honorary Degrees ...................... Xavier A. Cole, Ed.D. President Maria Calzada, Ph.D. Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Honorary Degree Recipients ........... Major General Angela Salinas, USMC (Ret.) Tom Gruber ’81
2025 Commencement Remarks ....................................................................... Tom Gruber ’81 Innovator, Entrepreneur, Leader
Musical Interlude....................................................
Aaniyah Michelle Anderson ’25 | Vocalist . Olivia Leigh Braafladt Bell ’25 | Vocalist . Kyron René Butler ’25 | Vocalist . Pablo Amat Góngora ’25 | Keyboard Haley Mia Pate ’25 | Vocalist . Skyler Tibor Phillips ’25 | Guitar . Michael Manuel Tenreiro ’25 | Bass . . . Mack Douglas Tracy ’25 | Drums . . Rénaissa Avari Washington ’25 | Vocalist .
Presentation of Candidates for Degrees
College of Arts and Sciences ......................................................Dean Leonard Kahn, DPhil College of Nursing and Health ............................................. Dean Michelle Collins, Ph.D. College of Music and Media .........................................Dean Sheryl Kennedy Haydel, Ph.D. College of Business ................................................................... Dean Robert A. Savoie, Ph.D.
Online and City College ............................................................... Dean Paul Cesarini, Ph.D.
Reader ................................................................ Kenneth J. Weber, M.M., M.P.S. ’25 Associate Director of Ministry
Conferring of Degrees Xavier A. Cole, Ed.D.
Message from Alumni Association ............................................. Eugenio Hernandez III ’07 President, Loyola University New Orleans Alumni Association
Blessing The Reverend R. Bentley Anderson, S.J. Professor and The Rev. Stephen J. Duffy Chair in Catholic Studies
Recessional ..................................................................................................... Presidential Party Faculty and Staff Graduates
Announcer Tom Evison University Athletics
There will be a brief celebratory noise at the end of the show. Guests may meet their graduates outside Gate A Ground following the recessional.
Anya Douglas
Shelby Rayna Peterson
Jaylin Marie Adkison
Luis Gabriel Aguirre Gudiño
Tara Alexander
Cum Laude
Natalia Arredondo Cum Laude
Honors in Environmental Studies
Emma G. Ausprung
University Honors
Honors in Philosophy
Marcela Avila Padilla
Magna Cum Laude
Michael A. Bailey
Magna Cum Laude
Brooke Kimberly Ball Cum Laude
Gabriela Elise Barbin
Magna Cum Laude
University Honors
Honors in Latin American Studies
Eleanor Sharon Becker
Brielle Rae Bel
Jordan Nelson Bennett
Mary H. Bennett
Nadir Mahdi Benslimane
Madison Skye Benton
Magna Cum Laude
University Honors
Collin Alexander Betzer
Magna Cum Laude
Janel Elizabeth Blessing
Magna Cum Laude
University Honors Honors in History
Kelli Elizabeth Bonin
Mia Frances Bordelon
Summa Cum Laude
University Honors Honors in English
Annaka Lee Bourque
Blake Alexander Braud
Sarah G. Braunlich
Anneliese Dominique Broussard
Magna Cum Laude
Honors in History
Marcella Salvatrice Caltagirone
Izabella Victoria Calvo
Grace Emily Campbell
Margaret Mary Campbell
Rekha Rishi Carmer
Candace Courtnee Carmouche
Meredith “Crow” Rose Carson
Magna Cum Laude
Jacqueline Mariel Casey
Joshua Raymond Casimier
Sawyer Frances Castle
Magna Cum Laude
Alessandra Margaret Cavallo
Michael Angelo Chandler
Seara Hope-Denise King
Zyrea Renee King
Kaitlyn LeRoux Kite
Summa Cum Laude
Magdelaine Ruth Ann Klinger
Brianne Earlene Knight
Patricia Ann Labbe
Anthony Hoang Lam
Emani Emma Leefort
Cum Laude
Madison Marie Leishman
Cum Laude
Michael J. Lennartz
Maggie B. Lewis
Lance Eugene Longo, Jr.
Magna Cum Laude
Anna Caroline Loughman
Mary Rose Lynch
Magna Cum Laude
Maggie V. Malone
Summa Cum Laude
Alyx MacKenzie Marroquin
Damaris Marrufo
Aubrey Jane McClaran
Magna Cum Laude
Bria A. McClure
Cody Luke McKiernan
Natalie Ann McLaughlin
Cum Laude
Tavon Ison Meggs
Caleb Michael Meyers
Bruce Molaison
Madeline Montanez
Maria Alexandra Moreno Alvir
Summa Cum Laude
University Honors
Taiyah L. Murphy
Kalena Trinity Myers
Summa Cum Laude
Michaela Catherine Needham
Cum Laude
Miller Wyatt Nichols
Andrea Teresa Norwood
Summa Cum Laude
University Honors
Honors in History
Sierra Danielle O’Brien
Laia C. Ortiz Martinez
Grace Catherine Otte Cum Laude
Ryan C. Oufnac
Sydney Evelyn Owens
Tarica LaShae Paige
Magna Cum Laude
University Honors
Sebastian Alexander Pedregon
Samuel Robert Pickering
Sofia Vanessa Pineda
Madison Rose Pizzolato
Johnranyce Lashea Price
Kaylin Ramirez
Magna Cum Laude
Savannah Mae Reeve
Magna Cum Laude
Christina Marie Reyes
Magna Cum Laude
Ella Sadie Rice
Anna Kathryn Robitaille
Yester Omar Rodriguez
Reagan Denise Rogers
Ashlyn Rose Rossi Cum Laude
Megan Elizabeth Roy
Summa Cum Laude
University Honors
Noah Thomas Rozzell
Magna Cum Laude
Nour Jamil Saad
Dajah Renee Saul
Magna Cum Laude
Lillia Rose Schuelke
Magna Cum Laude
Kathryn Jane Schultz
Magna Cum Laude
Madison Schweikarth
Magna Cum Laude
Alanna Isabel Sepulvado Maldonado
Melany Serrata University Honors
Camille Kathleen Seymour Cum Laude
Isis Anna Akhil Shah Summa Cum Laude
Zachary Holden Shapiro
Magna Cum Laude
Sophie Pearl D’Eon Sierveld Magna Cum Laude
Meghan Kathleen Smith Summa Cum Laude Honors in Environmental Studies
Christopher Alexander Sneed-Haynes Cum Laude
Phoebe Regina Swetish
Ajania Sanaa Thaxton Magna Cum Laude
Giselle Dayana Thomas Cum Laude
Natalie “Jade” Waiying Tran
Elinor S. Upham Summa Cum Laude
Cecily Kathryn Venema
Mia Vitello Honors in English
Charles Brent Wade
Katiah G. Ward
Sydney Holland Warren
Alexis Monet Washington
Kiera Anne Watkins
Lillian Hannah Watson Cum Laude Honors in Philosophy
Caroline Grace Wheeler Magna Cum Laude University Honors Honors in History
Katelin Marie Williams Cum Laude Honors in Environmental Studies
Idalis Cierra Wilson
Madison Raeanne Woolfolk Malayasia Antrinique Young
Alaina Franovich
Mallory Alexis Gutierrez
Kamren McKay Harper
Daischa Renee Henderson
Lhandon Michael Howard Magna Cum Laude
Paige Nicole Liberto
Mya O. Scott Cum Laude
Jonathan Aryn Thatcher
Michelle Ann Welb
Hooreya Abbas
Honors in Biological Sciences
Trinity Jayne Abdelsayed
LoriElle Imani Adams
Boris Alejandro Alarcón Vásquez
Summa Cum Laude
TaLaija L. Allen
Rory Anderson
Raquel Anguiano Cruz
Samuel Paul Annerino
Magna Cum Laude
Julia Karina Arcia
Gabrielle Joynese Arvie
Keagan Charles Authement
Alexis Nicole Babineaux
Mya Kelly Baker
Summa Cum Laude
Julian Christian Baldwin
Abby Elizabeth Barlow
Magna Cum Laude
Cornelius Barnett
Sophia Louise Baumann
Magna Cum Laude
Annabel Elizabeth Beatmann
Summa Cum Laude
Jacqueline Alexis Beisel
Nicholas William Bergman
Reign Ayanna Bernard
Alana Bernardez Banegas
Magna Cum Laude
Mia Hope Bertot Cum Laude
Rachel Anne Berzas
Summa Cum Laude University Honors
Victoria Biedermann Pallares University Honors
Marcus Gabriel Blea
Cum Laude
Chelsea Elizabeth Boudoin
Brooke Marie Bourg
Magna Cum Laude
Kylene Ann Marie Boutte
Magna Cum Laude University Honors
Emmory Elizabeth Bridges
Summa Cum Laude
Torron T. Brown
Natalie Tayte Burkholder Cum Laude University Honors
Regan Olivia Butler
Summa Cum Laude
Colleen Annalise Butler
Magna Cum Laude
Natasha Marina Calixte
Hallie Ngoc Tuyen Cao Cum Laude
Elly Grace Carpenter
Summa Cum Laude University Honors
Ana Cecilia Castillo Cum Laude University Honors
Emily Jane Chapin
Amore’ Terence Clark Cum Laude
Madison LaMarr Clemons
Rebecca Marie Conner
Brieon Kaila Cooper
Magna Cum Laude
Payton Allen Cooper
Summa Cum Laude
Isabelle Grace Copes
Jenna Elizabeth Copes Cum Laude
Honors in Chemistry
Jude Anthony Cox
Summa Cum Laude
University Honors Honors in Physics
Zora-Reign M’Angel Craft
Summa Cum Laude University Honors
Breanna Crain
Laura Elizabeth Crowe
Kennedy Paige Daniels
Elizabeth Ann MacKenzie
Magna Cum Laude
D’Ronze Lamahr Malcom
Lily Anne Manzi
Magna Cum Laude Honors in Chemistry
Zoe Madison Marceaux Cum Laude University Honors
Aimee Michelle Martin Honors in Biological Sciences
Dylan Anthony Martin
Gabriella Elizabeth Masiello Cum Laude
Panashe Francis Masunzambwa
Magna Cum Laude
Delaney Rae Mathis
Magna Cum Laude University Honors Honors in Biological Sciences
Hannah Marie McCall
Jerome James McGrath
Erin Margaret McIsaac Honors in Chemistry
Keelin Ann McWalter
Matthew Anthony Mendez Cum Laude
Maxwell Alexander Mendez
Abigail Isabella Miserendino Magna Cum Laude
Scarlett Kara Mitchell-Yang University Honors
Azur Laleh Mohammadpour
Hebah Syeda Mohiuddin Summa Cum Laude
Liselie Beatriz Molina Lugo Summa Cum Laude
Jalen Richard Moore
Summa Cum Laude
University Honors
Simone Moreau
Magna Cum Laude Honors in Chemistry
Jade Ayanté Morris
Kruz Anderson Moss
Philomena Isa Nargiso
Annushka Tahmina Noor
Chioma Lauren Emma Nwagbara
Amarachi Oluwatofarati Okenimkpe
Summa Cum Laude University Honors
Christian F. Ordoyne
Stefano Olmeda Rivera Daniela Padilla
Lucia Maria Paratore
Jinnah Lynn Parrish
Magna Cum Laude University Honors Honors in Biological Sciences
Sarah Abigail Perry
Ashunti Lou’Keyvon Peterson
Darby Shea Pezzani
Emma Paige Pond
Eric Orryn Potter, Jr.
Abigail Anne Powell
Nina Margaret Ratusznik
Magna Cum Laude University Honors Honors in Environmental Science & Honors in Chemistry
Elizabeth Redemann
Summa Cum Laude Honors in Environmental Science
Joy Rheams
Erica Mary Ricci
Magna Cum Laude
Mikayeia Richard
Sergio A. Rivera Castro
Kailee Robaina
Summa Cum Laude
Ana Victoria Rodriguez Martinez
Madison Renae Roig
Magna Cum Laude University Honors Honors in Biological Sciences
Rediate Ruth Sanders
Giuliana I. Sanguineti Lozada
Magna Cum Laude
Rowan Caroline Sawyer
University Honors Honors in Biological Sciences
Breonna Shardé Scott
Cum Laude
Lily Ryan Shapiro
Magna Cum Laude
Jamil Hakim Umar Sharif, Jr.
Magna Cum Laude
Alce John Shavers, Jr.
Cum Laude
Maia Elizabeth Silva
Cum Laude
Alicia Marie Simmons
Gabriyell Shantell Singleton
Magna Cum Laude
Ayana Joy Smith Cum Laude University Honors Honors in Physics
Jackson Gillespie Smith Cum Laude Honors in Chemistry
Juvernia Tyrone Smith
Amya Michele Snowden
Roberto Rafael Solá Lugo
Angelica Gabrielle Solano
Magna Cum Laude
Aryanne Lene’ Sonnier
Oliver Aron Spector
Magna Cum Laude
Isabella Marie Stathas
Cum Laude
Megan Danielle Stempkovski
Cum Laude
University Honors
Caroline Elizabeth Stoufflet
Anne Caroline Suchan Honors in Environmental Science
Honora Louise Sullivan
Magna Cum Laude
University Honors
Honors in Biological Sciences
Gabriela Telles
Harsiddhi Yogesh Thakor
Christin Thompson
Cum Laude
University Honors
Teshawna Thompson
Nalia Isabel Torres
Juan Pablo Tovilla Gudera
Alex H. Tran
Cum Laude
Alexis Bao Nhi Tran
Cum Laude
Katie Thi Tran
Summa Cum Laude
University Honors
Owen Alexander Traylor
Magna Cum Laude
University Honors Honors in Chemistry
Madison Claire Trippi Cum Laude
Teresa Christina Valcarcel Cum Laude
Olivia Catherine Valentine
Graham Henry Van Pelt
Magna Cum Laude University Honors
Carlos Alberto Villalobos Galindo
Magna Cum Laude
University Honors Honors in Chemistry
Haeden Edward Wahden
Summa Cum Laude
Honors in Biological Sciences
Elisse Michelle Ward Dones Cum Laude
Ceondra Danee Washington
Whitley Jane Watson
Chelsea Faith Webb
Margo Irene Gilthorpe Weese
Cum Laude
University Honors
Bryson Alexander White
McKenna Margaret Wilkerson
Elizabeth Grace Wilkinson
Kedrione Dominique Williams University Honors
Tara Lila Williams
Summa Cum Laude
Meghan Elizabeth Williamson
Zederia Lajohn Wilson, Jr.
Sarah Scott Wolffe Cum Laude
Margaret Elizabeth Woods-Crawford
Jonathan Wenhao Xu
Magna Cum Laude
Olivia Grace Zachary
Summa Cum Laude University Honors
Mandy Y Zheng
Summa Cum Laude
Shelsy G. Zuniga Talbott University Honors
Christine M. Alfred
Anne Marie Bennett
Alexandra Meredith Mason
Thu-Van Thi Nguyen
Kaitlyn Mae Becnel
Ja’Von D. Bradford
Christine Anne Vives Bridger
Sophia Abigail Bustillo
Magna Cum Laude
Norah Cecelia Carr
Samuel Scott Cooper
Megan Elizabeth Corrales
Sarah Alexis Davis
Magna Cum Laude
Sheradie Jackson Follins
Raquel Elena Garcia
Lauren Theresa Goens
Nicole Marie Guillot
Lylah Isadora Hakimoglu
Kourtni Amiri Michelle Harding
Holly Mae Hedrick
Jasmary Eugenia Higueros
Magna Cum Laude
Karin Lee Hollifield
Cum Laude
Ashley N. Jones
Kayla Deon Jones
Caitlin Kendra Keith
Rebecca Ashley LaCour Cum Laude
Haley Victoria Larks
Angelle Elaine Lemoine
Magna Cum Laude
Dawn McBeath
Camille Charlotte McConnell
Bao-Thanh Lauren Thi Nguyen
Cum Laude
Vincent Nguyen
Zoe Lee House Nisse
Sophia Annalyn Pender
Madeline Lorraine Puente
Kristina Alejandra Recinos
MaryGrace Scott
Ebony Nicole Simmons
CeAnna CeNae’ Snell
Tylesha Lyntrell Wallace
Leslie Caleb Williams
Cum Laude
University Honors
Jewel Marie Winfield
Jazmyn Marrá Womack
Yvonne Helen Adkison With Distinction
Lucy Gacheri Gituma With Distinction
Lisa Louise Gianturco With Distinction
Vimla Martinez de Hoz
Roger N. Jaubert†
Shatonda Sharail Jones With High Distinction
Amy J. Kanich With Distinction
Margaret Ann Lucas With High Distinction
Victoria Martinez
Trimiko C. Melancon With Distinction
Sarah Beth Mernaugh
Maria Rueda
Douglas Taylor
Kenneth J. Weber With High Distinction
Elizabeth LaFleur Fontenot
Jeannine E. Frederick
Elizabeth Carby Freeman With High Distinction
Beatrice Chinasa Iroegbu
Pamela Huntsman Mahler With High Distinction
Sharon Marie Raimondo With High Distinction
Paula Silliman
Michelle Theresa Tyson With Distinction
Anna Grace Wall
Douglas L. Wolz
posthumous
Matthew Wade Allred
Improving Management of Clostridium Difficile Infections at a Hospital in North Louisiana
Tyler Michel Benfatti With Distinction
Reducing Hospital Readmissions in Congestive Heart Failure Patients: A Quality Improvement Project
Darryl Jerome Davis
Hospice Healthcare Team Grief and Occupational Burnout Support: A Quality Improvement Initiative
Lekisa Michele Lacy-Ancalade
Promoting Civility Among Emergency Department Nurses Using Effective Communication and Cognitive Rehearsal Techniques
Keishia Henderson MacKie
Implementation of a Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Care Quality Improvement Program in Primary Care
Tyler Dean Mollet
Reducing Postoperative Infections in Obese Orthopedic Surgery Patients Using Preoperative Education
Wendy Prestenback Navarro
Implementation of an Endosurgery Checklist to Decrease Surgery Cancellations
Karen Grisamore Ogboro
Improving Medication Adherence Among Hypertensive Adults
Natasha Tezeno Sutton
Decreasing Patient Identification Errors during Document Scanning with a Two-Point Verification Process
Elizabeth Woods With Distinction
Exploring End-of-Life Discussions and Their Outcomes: A Comparative Analysis
Julia Bueno Alvarez
Summa Cum Laude
Aaniyah Michelle Anderson
Riley Anderson
Andrea Victoria Arroyo
Joelitza Enid Arroyo-Ramirez
Magna Cum Laude University Honors
Marcela Beatriz Baez
Laci Michelle Barrow
J. Hope Beberman
Emma Catherine Benoit Cum Laude
Chloe June Bernier
Magna Cum Laude
Dacia Bertrand
Gabriella A. Bonura
Summa Cum Laude
Derek Micheal Boudreaux
Elise Dorothy Bourg
Summa Cum Laude
Reilly Noelle Briggs Cum Laude
Lily Ann Broussard
Rex Marston Broussard
Joedi Maxine Brown
Campbell Madyson Bryan Cum Laude
Violet Ann Bucaro
Summa Cum Laude
Camila Alejandra Capriles Mileo Cum Laude
Marcos David Cardona
Grace Marielle Chachere
Magna Cum Laude
Yu Ching Tiger Cheung
Layah Grace Chouest
Magna Cum Laude
Spencer Elden Cody Cum Laude
Yari Milan Collins
Ana Laura Colón
Nyla Ann Cunningham
Hannah Gabrielle Darcey
Magna Cum Laude
Taina I. Del Arca
Jenna Rose DeLucia
Magna Cum Laude University Honors
Maria Lisa DiFelice
Summa Cum Laude
Eduardo Giacinto Diodato II Cum Laude
LaBresha Nicole Drain
Amanda Joyce Duffin Cum Laude University Honors
Francisco Manuel Esteves Morales
Magna Cum Laude
Laura Maxine Fairbanks
Camila Isabel Faraudo
Robert Morgan Florence Cum Laude
Thomasita Tyan Gilbert
Gary Paul Giofreda
Kaylee Simone Gomez
Laurence Graham
Julian Gautier Granger
Amanda Cathleen Greenebaum
Magna Cum Laude
Ireland Elizabeth Gross
Andrew Michael Hagen
Summa Cum Laude
Janneicia Chanel Harrison
Gabriella Lane Hawk
Magna Cum Laude
Riley Shea Hobbs
Magna Cum Laude
Grace Abbot Huber
James King Hufnagel Cum Laude
Emma Nola Iseman
Summa Cum Laude
Kayla Karrie Jackson
Leonard Jackson III
Sarah Jacques University Honors
Lloyd John Joshua Jefferson IV Cum Laude
Calvin Swain Johnson
Princess Avanni Joseph
Alondra S. Juarbe
Summa Cum Laude
Isabella Morgan Kelley
Christian Jeremiah Leroyal King
Addison Leigh Laird Cum Laude
Meredith Frances Landry
Malena Sofia Laporte-Rios
Angela Catherine LeBlanc
Mina Pauline Leffler
Magna Cum Laude
Christian Michael Lemoine
Gideon Myer Lichterman
Abigayle V. Lista
Emily Rose Livesay
Nathan Magnus Long Cum Laude
Alyssa Marie Mantifel
Athena Marianna Marks
Summa Cum Laude
Andy Orem Martinez
Magna Cum Laude
Daniela Cristina Martínez Préstamo
Magna Cum Laude
Alexandra Yorleni Martinez Ramos
Summa Cum Laude
Sophia Virginia Maxim
Summa Cum Laude University Honors
Kenneth Paul Menville
Magna Cum Laude
Patrick Casey Meskers
Elizabeth Grace Messinger Cum Laude
Evan H. Michell
Jada Victoria Mills
Lucille Adel Mixon
Norma J. Moore
Juliana Moser
Magna Cum Laude
Justice Madison Mosley
Melody Cherise Newsome
Aidan A. O’Connor Cum Laude
Alexandria Paige Partin
Jeanneclare Elizabeth Pierson
Taylor Michelle Pittman
Magna Cum Laude
University Honors
Lucas McKnight Pryor-Alcantar
Audrey Ruth Pugh
Natalia Ramis Galletti
Hannah Arden Renton
Matthew L. Richards Cum Laude
Asia Renee Riddle
William Ross Rogers
Alisa Yamila Salame Cum Laude
Lola Isabella Sanchez
Emma Grace Santangelo
Summa Cum Laude
Kyle Brandon Schiele
Magna Cum Laude
Abigail Claire Schmidt
Carmen Marie Seale
Renna Shows Cum Laude
Landon Joseph Simpson
Sarah Alice Smallwood
Myana Nyla Smith Cum Laude
Ella Mary Spalla
Lila N. Spray Larson
Jeanette G. Tanner Cum Laude
Siobhan Gale Terry
Silas Michael Thomas
Aaliyah Christine Thompson
Alana Nichelle Thompson
Summa Cum Laude
Camila Isabel Torres Hernández
Karen Elizabeth Trichell
Summa Cum Laude
Kaelyn Jo Turkmany Cum Laude
Maximo Vajna
Emma Michelle Velasquez
Giovanni Primo Ventello
Yalani Symone Warren
Summa Cum Laude
Tiara Joy Watson Cum Laude
Julian Ryan Weinheimer
Kloe Gene Witt
Magna Cum Laude
Mia Austin Ainsworth
Magna Cum Laude
Celeste Katherine Andrews Cum Laude
Virginia Antonia Armstrong Matta
Magna Cum Laude
Isokey Makeba Davis Cum Laude
Kennedy Delaine Dickerson Cum Laude
Emma Nicole Harlan
Summa Cum Laude
Greer Michelle Jines Cum Laude
Justin Joseph Lee
Jhett Alston McAdams
Magna Cum Laude University Honors
Alma Louise Myers
Mya Angèle Porter
Claudia Elena Portillo
Magna Cum Laude
Mark Robinson, Jr.
Gabriel Jose Rodriguez
Nathaniel Carey Smith
Tanesha Taylor
Aleigha Marie Thompson
Gabriella Vargas
Spencer Lee Wagner
Earl Wright III
Gabrielle Ann Yenewine
Magna Cum Laude
Damien Alexander Ceasar
Gavin Nathaniel Crehan
Stirling Skye Downes
Harrison James Fournet
Magna Cum Laude
Alexis Lauren Gautreau
Magna Cum Laude University Honors
Alvin Ronald Hamilton
Megan Hennigan
Katherine Rose Hogue
Magna Cum Laude
Kaleigh Jules Jacobs
Magna Cum Laude
Miracle Maria Leyro
Adelind Claire McGoldrick
Blair Elizabeth McKenzie
Magna Cum Laude
Kennedy “Oliver” Parker
Cum Laude University Honors
Jonathan Patrick Presson
Magna Cum Laude
Grecia Sofia Rodriguez Perez Cum Laude
Carmen Isabela Soria-Gilman Cum Laude
Christina M. Sterling
Magna Cum Laude
Janssen Dean Van De Yacht
Madison Taylor Wolfe
Magna Cum Laude University Honors
Quinn Young
Summa Cum Laude University Honors
Jarrel Shamarr Allen
Eli Bartlett
Magna Cum Laude
Banjo Bergfeld
Nicole Ann Bittner
Magna Cum Laude University Honors
Jordan A. Bush
Alanis Cartagena-Hernández Cum Laude
Liam Antonino Case Cum Laude
Isabel Marie Chase
Magna Cum Laude
Justin David Eifert
Summa Cum Laude
Elijah Jaelin Hartman
Caleb James Hedemark
Morale Immanuel Hoskins
Jakob Stanley Kinsbourne
Collin Gregory Ledesma
Arnold Little
Simon Leigh Rhett
Nathaniel Patrick Richard
Willa Rose Rudnick
Magna Cum Laude
Jamil Hakim Umar Sharif, Jr.
Magna Cum Laude
Taylor Dianne Tumulty Cum Laude
Veronica Marie Weisensee
Magna Cum Laude
Charlotte A. Wheeler
Anna Kate Yeager Summa Cum Laude
Joaquin D. Aboitiz-Romero
Oluwatobiloba “Tobi” Abolade
Sebastian Robert Acosta
Pablo Amat Góngora
Treniti Akoi Anderson
Royale Marshall Baez
Olivia Leigh Braafladt Bell
Savannah Catherine Bergeron
Summa Cum Laude University Honors
Daniel Arjun Bhattacharya
Kathryn Eve Bronsink
Kyron Rene’ Butler Cum Laude
Isabella Cabal Cum Laude
Isaiah Jarrod Carter
Agustin Federico Clavier
Cason Taite Cottrell
Magna Cum Laude
Ian Matthew Craven
Alexander Garrison Hayes Dalseth
Magna Cum Laude
Nicholas Alan Daniels
Maya Helena Davis University Honors
Graham S. Dennis
Michael A. Duckworth
Matthew Salame Eghdami
Michael Justice Enright
Joseph Thomas Fondriest
Zoe Adrienne Freeman
Wesly Amadi Gabriel
Madelynn Mae Gartland
Summa Cum Laude
Lee Charles Gonsoulin
Andres J. Gonzalez
Diego Moss Gutierrez
William Oakes Harrington
Benjamin West Heil
Magna Cum Laude
James Michael Hogan
Lyle Brandhorst Hutchins
Summa Cum Laude
Tyler Nash Johnson
Sean Michael Kenneally
Miles Joseph Patrick Ledanois
Tabitha Lewis
Ezekiel Eli Lieberman Cum Laude
Aaron Nicholas McFadden
Aidan Heath Miglio
Tavi Moddel
Halim Handy Moldaver Cum Laude
Maria Cristina Olivera Arbona
John Steven Owen Cum Laude
Haley Mia Pate
Summa Cum Laude University Honors
Skyler Tibor Phillips
Magna Cum Laude
Christopher S. Plourde
Madeline Elise Polley
Justin Xavier Polynice
Deven Raval
Jagger Audis Butler Rhodes
Corey Michael Sanders, Jr.
Michael Manuel Tenreiro
Magna Cum Laude
Phelan Daniel Thatcher-Keane
Haley Robin Thibodaux
Mack Douglas Tracy
Aaron Khalid Walker
Rénaissa Avari Washington
David Michael Sigler
Tamia Dayanari Poret
Jessica Danielle Legree
Thrad Lee Weibley With Distinction
Cody F. Cox
Hooreya Abbas
Christopher Peter Adams
Bradley Charles Alcime
Angel Quin Allen
Cum Laude
Milana Nina Ammari
Sebastian Arango Meneses
Emmanuel Matthew Asprodites
Magna Cum Laude
Isaac Attias Lechtig
Rinny Esther Barcenas Harari
Joshua Alejandro Barraza
Garrett Lane Beadle
Maverick Louis Becnel
Summa Cum Laude
Savannah Catherine Bergeron
Summa Cum Laude University Honors
Angel Adrian Bickham
Hannah Genevieve Blakely University Honors
Preslie Lynn Boswell
Cum Laude
Brady Joseph Bowen
Connor Michael Braley
Dominic Sincere Brown
Cum Laude
Kelvin Keith Brown, Sr.
Lindsey Starr Browne
Cameron Bruce
Vincent Paul Caire, Jr.
Ileanna Lecor Calcano Rosario
Erick Eduardo Campos Ortega
Magna Cum Laude University Honors
Milana Noelle Cardona
Summa Cum Laude
Audrey L. Casey Cum Laude
Javier Castillo
Sebastian Chaves
Madison LaMarr Clemons
Juliette Marie Cole
Ragan Orion Cole
Emily Lyn Cooper
Magna Cum Laude
Brady J. Covington Cum Laude
Nicholas Christopher Cronk
Thomas O’Riley Davidson
Enrique Jesus de Castro Cum Laude
Sebastian Antonio DeJames
Elvin Ejub Delic Cum Laude
Kaleigh Renae McNab
Diamond Nijae Dixon
Cum Laude University Honors
Maximilien Dugas
Kyle Banner Dupuis
Kileigh Marie O’Toole
Cum Laude
Elijah Otten-Rashad
Sofia Ribeiro Paoleschi
Cum Laude
Lucas Passiani Sassarao
Melody Joy Perez Cum Laude
Joshua Thomas Plaisance
Anthony Ponce III
Hunter Joseph Ponson
Vivienne Ella Ragnone
Cum Laude
Byron Sebastian Reyes
Soad Catalina-Martine Rochez
Chanelly Crystal Rodriguez Cruz
Cum Laude
University Honors
Diego Alejandro Rodriguez Tobar
Fabiana Maria Rohrmoser
Magna Cum Laude
University Honors
Kiondra G. Ruffin
Patricia Jasmin Ryan
Andrea Elizabeth Safie
Emily Cristina Salgado
Emily JoAnne Schaefer
Summa Cum Laude
Hayden Conrad Schuster
Joshua Ajani Sheridan
Michael Luca Silvestri
Magna Cum Laude
Catherine Nicole Singletary
Summa Cum Laude
University Honors
Ryan Thomas Smilari
Lindsay Marie Smith
Melvin Soto Salguera
Chandler Logan Stedman
Marcus Robert Steen
Jackson Finn Steinmeyer
Tracie Yvette Strickland
Gabrielle Marigny Tanet
Ryann Marie Taylor
Connor Joseph Thompson
Magna Cum Laude
Sawyer McMullan Thompson
Makayla Le’Day Marie Tilley
Juan Pablo Tovilla Gudera
Naomi Rachel Ulman
Jose Manuel Unanue
Domenica Valdivieso Alvear
Cum Laude
Vivian Emma Valladares Cum Laude
Rosemary Marie Vanney
Francisco Javier Arce Vieyra
Magna Cum Laude
Samantha Jo Vignes
Cum Laude
Areina Star Walker
John Kirkland Watkins
Matthew J. Weil
Cum Laude
Joelle Sarah Weinstein
Alexander Wilson III
Aiden J. Womack
Elea Amber Xiao
Carlos Daniel Zelaya
Magna Cum Laude
Collin Joseph Zeringue
Hein Htet Zin
Braelee Albert With Distinction
Abdelmunem Mahmoud Alkhatib
Marco Alejandro Amador
Brian Edward Anderson With High Distinction
Jennifer Baez Mota
Caroline Skylar Barnhill
Lindsey Anne Beeman
Zachary David Begoun With Distinction
Brianna Alexis Bergeron
Marcus Brown, Jr.
Raphaella Marie Brown With Distinction
Eddie Keshawn Burgess III
Dorthy Kay Burnside With Distinction
Monica Maria Cabrera Amaya
Ashley Cain With Distinction
Sandra Cannady
Lucy Larsen Carpenter With Distinction
Cristian Gabriel Catala
Nicholas Chetta
Walter Cothern II
Amari Danyale Davis
Benjamin J. Diebold
Leith Brant Edgar
Garrett Chad Felix
Sean Preston Fitzpatrick
Jonathan Stephen Floyd With Distinction
Stephanie Ann Gerarve
August Allen Guidry
Ruaa Hamdan
Joseph Hammond With Distinction
Cole L. Henderson
Georrell Lance Jones
Torrey Jones
Teziona S. Keller
Elijah Zantale Kinchen
Eric M. Kravetz With High Distinction
Macie Patrice LaFonta
Roland Andrew Losas
Joshua A. Lowe
Robert John Lozier
Sebastiani Costantino Maraldo With Distinction
Angel Fernando Martinez
Jasmine Nicole Martinez With Distinction
Kayla Mejia
Taylor A. Mikulsky
Maria Morazan Montgomery
Migle Liepa Muraskaite
Catherine Frances Novella
Juliana Camazano Pacini
Marcus John Pierre
Elizabeth Ann Ratcliff
Jasslyn Laray Reeves
Casey Anne Roberts
Rohan Maria Rodrigues
Desirée Kersten Rodriguez
Cole Matthew Romero With Distinction
Cade Ross Scarborough With High Distinction
Melvin Joseph Segue
Gino Jeffrey Spadafore
Carla C. Stamps
Ryen Michael Moison Stevens With Distinction
Douglas Taylor
Dennis James Teeter With Distinction
Asha Elaine Thomas With Distinction
Taylor Thomas
Gabriel A. Trastoy
Landon Paul Trosclair
Alexander Grant Troyer
Nathaniel John Untch With Distinction
Luvi O. Valverde Perez
Kirsten Gardiner With High Distinction
Brittany M. Jackson
Jennifer Lynn Natal
Destiny Sincere Parker
Ashley Vaughn With High Distinction
Loyola’s highest award for students, Ignatian Award winners have distinguished themselves by their holistic involvement in the life of the university — representing Loyola with honor and distinction, maintaining a distinguished grade point average, living a strong faith commitment, demonstrating examples of service for and with others, and showing high regard for Ignatian, Jesuit values.
Ignatian Award recipients are chosen by a committee of faculty, students, and staff from nominations submitted by the Loyola community.
The 2025 Ignatian Award recipients are:
Undergraduate Recipients
Diamond Nijae Dixon Bachelor of Business Administration
Mia Vitello Bachelor of Arts
Graduate Recipient
Kenneth J. Weber Master of Pastoral Studies
Robért LeBlanc ’00 Chair
Ryan Haas ’99, M.S. ’06 Vice Chair
Xavier A. Cole, Ed.D. President
The Rev. Gregory Waldrop, S.J., Ph.D. Secretary/Treasurer
Michael Bell
The Reverend John Brown, S.J., M.Div.
The Reverend John Cecero, S.J., Ph.D.
The Reverend Thomas Curran, S.J., J.D.
The Reverend Brian Dunkle, S.J., Ph.D.
Benjamin C. Fields ’18
Joe George, M.P.S. ’16
Caroline Gonzalez ’17
Nancy Hairston ’90
Morton Katz, J.D. ’69
Rachel Kent ’74, Ph.D.
Dennis Lauscha, Sr., M.B.A. ’93
The Reverend Brian Linnane, S.J.
Gregory Rattler, Sr. ’81, M.B.A. ’85
Scott Rodger
Lisa Osborne Ross
Leah Schlater-Brown ’93, M.B.A.
Jared Schoch ’97
Leonardo Seoane ’91, M.D.
Michael Skehan ’76
Tod Smith ’84
Stephanie Stokes, M.S. Cherrell Simms Taplin ’98, J.D. ’02
The Reverend John Thiede, S.J., Ph.D. Conrad “Duke” S.P. Williams III ’75, J.D. ’84
Trustees Emeriti
Adelaide W. Benjamin, H ’08
Donna D. Fraiche, J.D. ’75
Theodore “Ted” M. Frois, J.D. ’69
S. Derby Gisclair ’73
Anthony Laciura ’74
Jerome J. Reso, Jr., ’58, J.D. ’61
Jeanne Wolf
President Emeritus
The Rev. James C. Carter, S.J., Ph.D.
Xavier A. Cole Ed.D. President
Maria Calzada, Ph.D.
Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Alicia Bourque, Ph.D. Vice President of Student Affairs
Aariel Charbonnet, Ph.D. Vice President of Marketing and Communications
The Rev. John Cunningham, S.J., Ph.D. Vice President for Mission and Identity
Stuart Gay, M.B.A. Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Stephanie Hotard ’04, M.B.A. ’10 Vice President for University Advancement
Anthony E. Jones, M.Ed. Vice President of Enrollment Management
Desirée Rodriguez, M.B.A. ’25 Chief of Staff
Sharonda Williams, J.D. ’01 Vice President, General Counsel, and Director of Government Affairs
Leonard Kahn, DPhil Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
Michelle Collins, Ph.D. Dean of the College of Nursing and Health
Sheryl Kennedy Haydel, Ph.D. Dean of the College of Music and Media
Robert A. Savoie, M.B.A. ’81, Ph.D. Dean of the College of Business
Paul Cesarini, Ph.D. Dean of Online and City College
The Honorable Madeleine M. Landrieu, J.D. ’87, H’05
Dean of the College of Law
Trish Nugent, M.S.
Interim Dean of Libraries
The preceding program lists candidates eligible to participate in the spring 2025 commencement. Participation in this commencement exercise is not restricted to those who have completed all requirements for graduation. All candidates for the degree in spring participate without consideration of their final semester grades. Therefore, the program may not be a true list of degree recipients and their date of graduation. Likewise, the honor distinctions are based on current grade point averages.
The academic distinctions listed in this program are based on work completed through fall, 2024. Distinctions may change based on spring and/or summer grades.
Graduation distinctions for transfer students who complete 60 or more Loyola quality hours will be based solely on the Loyola cumulative grade point average.
Transfer students who complete fewer than 60 Loyola cumulative quality hours are not eligible for graduate distinctions.
Spring 2025 graduation candidates will be awarded their degree upon approval of their dean on June 1. Candidates for summer and fall 2025 will be awarded their degree upon approval at a later date.