05/16/11  Ancilla College graduated its 44th class in school history on Saturday, May 7, at the Ancilla Domini Chapel.

The College awarded 114 students their degrees, including nine students graduating with a double major.

“Commencement ceremonies are one of the highlight events at any college,” said Ancilla College President Dr. Ron May.  “This year’s commencement at Ancilla College was no exception.  It was my great honor to present diplomas to each of the graduates in this year’s class.”

Ancilla College alum Mary Szymusiak (AC ’95), the President and CEO of Wheatfield-based company Tefft Bridge and Iron, was on hand to deliver the commencement address.

“Mary is a prime example of the impact an Ancilla education can have,” said May.  “She spoke eloquently of her time at Ancilla and how that prepared her for her life after Ancilla.”

A reception organized by the Ancilla Alumni Association followed, as Ancilla faculty, staff, students, and their families gathered in Cana Hall for fellowship and refreshments.

“Commencement at Ancilla College is such an exciting time,” said Dr. Joanna Blount, Dean of Academic and Student Services.  “It is a celebration and culmination of hard work by students and faculty.  Marching across the stage, changing the tassel from right to left – these are signs of achievement and, for some, the fulfillment of a dream that students did not expect to accomplish.

“We see the ways in which our students grew and flourished with the individual attention they receive from faculty and staff and know that we have shaped the lives of our students, that we have started them on a journey that will last a lifetime. “

An Honors Convocation was also held on Friday, May 6, at the Ancilla Domini Chapel, as students and faculty alike were honored for their achievements.

Of the 114 graduates, 18 received recognition for graduating Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude.

Another 36 were honored for their affiliation with Ancilla’s Beta Beta Beta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the largest honor society in American higher education.

Receiving special honors were Brooke Mathias (Scholar of Distinction), Tyler Jackson (Outstanding Male Scholar-Athlete), Demi Schrader (Outstanding Female Scholar-Athlete), Dan Clampitt (Educator of the Year), Rebecca Geib (Outstanding Portfolio Award), and Amber Beaver and Mark Reel (All-Indiana Academic Team).

Ancilla College is a Catholic, two-year, co-educational, liberal arts college in Donaldson, Indiana sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.