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Over the weekend, more than 800 John Carroll students marked the end of one crucial journey and the beginning of their inspired future. The graduates turned their tassels, signifying earning their degrees during the university's 135th commencement ceremony (The 2020 ceremony was remote). The class of 2022 is one of the university’s largest graduating classes. 

 

JCU Undergrad Commencement 2022

Commencement weekend started Friday morning with Cleveland's Army ROTC commissioning ceremony, held in the Dolan Science and Technology Building. Fourteen cadets, including five JCU graduates, earned their appointment as Army Officers. JCU alum Major General (retired) Robert Stall '77 served as the event's keynote speaker; he earned his commission through JCU's ROTC program. 

 

ROTC

Maj. Gen. (ret) Robert Stall (left) with 2LT Cade Acitelli

Saturday, graduate students lined the Hamlin Quad for their commencement ceremony. JCU President Alan R. Miciak, Ph.D. delivered initial remarks ahead of the featured speaker, Marla E. Pérez-Davis, Ph.D., Director of NASA Glenn Research Center. Dr. Pérez-Davis reminded graduates of the importance of staying true to one's self. 

 

Listening to those who believe in you and accept you for who you are is a better path than getting stuck trying to prove your worth to the non-believers.
Graduate ceremony

Grey skies and a light mist on Sunday morning did not dampen the excitement of nearly 700 undergraduate students ready to receive their diplomas. Provost and Academic Vice President Steve Herbert Ph.D. and President Miciak welcomed guests and graduates before turning over the program to the featured speaker Jackie Acho Ph.D., President of the Acho Group and author of Currency of Empathy.

 

JCU Undergrad Commencement 2022

President Miciak with Beaudry Award Winner Ray Flannery '22

In a truly moving and inspiring speech, Dr. Acho encouraged graduates to find meaning in their next venture by using empathy to continue growing while focusing on “becoming whole.” She also offered practical advice on how to achieve this. 

 

 

Learning to say no helps make room for when you should say yes. And your internal compass of empathy is your guide. That’s the best news of all. You already have the superpower of empathy inside.
JCU Undergrad Commencement 2022

Dr. Acho Addressing the Class of 2022