May. 11, 2015

On May 9, 2015, St. Edward’s University held its 129th commencement ceremony, and more than 1,000 Hilltoppers received their degrees. Graduates filed into the Frank Erwin Center accompanied by the traditional music of Edward Elgar’s “Pomp & Circumstance,” performed by the St. Edward’s University jazz band, Steady.

Aly Jones and Heather Garsen set the tone for a moving ceremony by singing the national anthem, and Caitlin Maples inspired classmates with her Valedictory Address by reminding them to, “Be fearless, be compassionate and be patient.”

St. Edward’s was honored to have Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, as the keynote speaker. Cardinal DiNardo received an honorary degree and used the biblical story of Paul and Barnabas to illustrate the importance of believing in the value of friendship and collaboration. The Cardinal reminded students to, “never be so hyped up on yourself that you forget we’re all in this together.”

A glimpse of the graduates for the 2014–2015 academic year:

Fall 2014 Degrees Awarded 
Traditional Undergraduate - 166
New College - 45
Graduate - 108

Spring 2015 Certified to Graduate 
Traditional Undergraduate - 476
New College - 43
Graduate - 93

Group photo of St. Edward's graduates.

Summer 2015 Participating in Ceremony
Traditional Undergraduate - 126
New College - 33
Graduate - 50