DeSales University Holds Its 43rd Commencement Exercises

Good weather smiled upon the graduates of DeSales University Saturday May 21, although the threat of inclement weather forced the decision to hold commencement ceremonies inside the Billera Hall gymnasium.

University president The Very Rev. Bernard F. O’Connor noted that there had been a whole week of rain prior to the ceremonies, and storms were predicted again for mid-afternoon and evening, but there was a “little pause” of beautiful, clear skies in the morning that was, he said, “a credit to the students of DeSales. They always bring the sunshine.”

U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania delivered the commencement address, and 412 students received bachelor's and master's degrees. Two honorary degrees were conferred and the names of seniors winning two prestigious awards were announced.

In his remarks, Toomey stated that the country’s current fiscal problems have been caused by policy mistakes. Despite the self-inflicted problems, Toomey suggested, “America’s future is quite bright. I still believe in the ideals of American exceptionalism. He defended the free enterprise system as the best economic system, superior in practical and moral terms, because it is based on the dignity of the individual.

To the graduates, he proclaimed, “I hope you agree, and I urge you to keep it so.”

Timothy Nolan, chairman of the De Sales board of trustees, presided over the ceremonies. He will retire as chairman after six years in that position and 15 years on the board. Nolan is a 1977 DeSales graduate and the first alumnus to serve as board chairman. The honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters was conferred upon both Nolan and Toomey.

The printed program recognized students who had received more than 40 awards for academic excellence and service in particular disciplines. Two awards to outstanding members of the senior class are not announced until commencement day.

The Provincial Medal of Honor was presented to Micah Beckstead, who graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Studies. The award is presented to a student who best exemplifies the spirit of St. Francis de Sales, an eminent scholar, zealous apostle and true gentleman who perfectly blended  a love of knowledge with the love of God.

The President's Medal is presented annually to a graduating senior who has attained intellectual maturity demonstrated by a manner of living that is guided by principles of Catholic teaching and exhibited by service to the DeSales University community, loyalty and devotion to the university and the principles on which its philosophy is based. O’Connor named Aaron Gildner as recipient of the President’s Medal. Gildner graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting.

Graduating senior Kevin Walker, who recently completed a semester of student teaching at Southern Lehigh High School, is the oldest child of Dennis Walker. The elder Walker commented that the whole weekend of graduation observances, including a baccalaureate Mass and dinner dance on Friday night,  is a much richer experience for students and families than one would find in many other schools. “It’s a nice community here,” Walker said. “It’s nice to see Kevin enjoying all his hard work. He certainly deserves it.”

Laura Fehrle, president of the Class of 2011, addressed her classmates on their last day together at DeSales. “I hope that these past four years have been exceptional for you,” she said. “Do something worth remembering.”