Mendham and Chester Students Graduate from UC

Nearly 900 University of Scranton students were conferred bachelor's degrees at its undergraduate commencement on May 27 at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre.

Graduates included recipients of some of the nation's most prestigious scholarships, including the Truman Scholarship, the Goldwater Scholarship and two Fulbright scholarships. Graduates represented 15 states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. Majors with the most graduates in 2012 are nursing, communication, biology, accounting, exercise science, and counseling and human services.

Sister Patricia Eck, C.B.S., congregation leader of the Sisters of Bon Secours and chairperson of Bon Secours, Inc./Bon Secours Ministries Board of Directors, served as the principal speaker at The University of Scranton's 2012 undergraduate commencement. She also received an honorary degree from the University.

"What a great day it is to graduate – Pentecost," said Sr. Eck to the nearly 9,000 in attendance at the undergraduate ceremony. "As you go into the world, you have God's assurance that the Spirit is with you. If you remember nothing from this day, and this is a good possibility, remember that God's Spirit is always with you. No matter what, God's Spirit is always with you."

In addition to the remarks by Sr. Eck, University of Scranton President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., addressed the graduates and their guests. This was Father Quinn's first undergraduate commencement ceremony as president of the University.

"You were challenged to make Ignatius' charge, to love and serve in all things, your own," Father Quinn said. "This is the value-added of a Scranton education, and for this we and the faculty are rightly proud. Remember, you are sons and daughters of The University of Scranton forever."

Area residents receiving a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton are:

Kenneth G. Sendelsky of Chester majored in accounting in the Jesuit university's Kania School of Management

Molly A. Geppert of Mendham majored in communication in the Jesuit university's College of Arts and Sciences

Caroline A. Pagana of Mendham majored in criminal justice in the Jesuit university's College of Arts and Sciences

Colleen M. Tyrrell of Chester majored in English in the Jesuit university's College of Arts and Sciences

The University of Scranton is located in northeast Pennsylvania.

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