Nearly 1,300 Students Honored At Lewis University May Commencements

ROMEOVILLE, IL — Lewis University celebrated May commencement ceremonies for more than 1,300 students May 5-6 on the university’s campus in Romeoville.

The celebration began Friday, with the graduate degree ceremony for the College of Aviation, Science and Technology and the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, which honored almost 350 students receiving certificates of advanced study and master’s degrees, as well as graduates of adult accelerated programs, according to a release from the university.

The morning graduate degree ceremony for the College of Business and the College of Education and Social Sciences, honored more than 300 students receiving doctoral degrees, certificates of advanced study, and master’s degrees, as well as graduates of adult accelerated programs. Rafah Hassan Faraj and Miguel Stepto Millett earned a Doctor of Education degree.

The afternoon undergraduate degree ceremony honored more than 300 College of Business, College of Education and Social Sciences as well as College of Humanities, Fine Arts and Communications degree recipients. Tyler Samaras offered the Lasallian Address, sharing insights on the University mission values of Knowledge and Association. Samaras earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, according to the university.

The evening undergraduate degree ceremony honored more than 300 College of Aviation, Science and Technology, as well as College of Nursing and Health Sciences degree recipients. Again, Samaras offered the Lasallian Address, sharing insights on the University mission values of knowledge and association, the university said.

Also, during the ceremony, Andrea Martinez was recognized with the Father Aquinas Colgan Award for her transformation while earning a bachelor’s degree in biology.

Aviation leader Dolores Pavletic ’83, B.A., received an honorary doctorate degree and addressed the graduates, the university said. The Lewis University alumna has devoted her life’s work to aviation–serving as an accomplished commercial pilot, administrative leader, mentor and an advocate for women and other underrepresented groups in the aviation industry.