Degrees awarded to 399 students at Thomas More University, with 101 being the first in their families to earn college degrees.
Thomas More University held its 97th annual commencement exercises over the weekend at Thomas More Stadium in Florence, where a total of 399 students were conferred degrees, including 288 bachelor's degrees and 111 graduate degrees.
The graduation ceremony was marked by the recognition of several outstanding individuals. John Hageman, Ph.D., was honoured as the outstanding full-time faculty member from the St. Elizabeth College of Natural and Health Sciences. Meanwhile, John J. Cioffi, MBA, received the outstanding part-time faculty award from the Robert W. Plaster College of Business, and Kayla Steltenkamp, Ph.D., assistant professor for the School of Education, was recognised as the outstanding full-time faculty member from the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.
Seven military veterans were among the graduates, and one of them, Michelle Bump '25, was the top graduate from the ranks of traditional undergraduate students and the recipient of the Presidential Award. The Presidential Award recognises the graduate for exemplifying the mission of the University, service to others, and creating a positive environment on campus.
In his address to the graduates, Thomas More University President Joseph L. Chillo, LP.D., spoke about the graduates embodying the values of the University in their careers and life. He also highlighted that the class of 2025 includes representatives from 17 states and 17 countries.
Sandra Kerr '25 received the First-Generation Student Award, and Stephanie Burnside '24/'26 received the Lifelong Learner Award. The graduates who earned the first academic degree in their families in 2025 were individuals whose families had no prior university graduates, such as a student from Osnabrück who stated, "I am the first in our family to study".
John D. (Jack) Rudnick, Jr., Ed.D., professor and director of the MBA program, was also recognised as the outstanding full-time faculty member from the Robert W. Plaster College of Business. Sarah LaFollette '25 received the Dean's Graduate Award.
Finally, Michelle Bump '25, the Presidential Award winner, spoke about her experience at Thomas More University embodying the university's mission. She shared her journey and the impact the university had on her personal and professional growth. The graduation ceremony was a celebration of the achievements of the class of 2025 and a testament to the University's commitment to providing a transformative education.
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