Loyola celebrates Class of 2019 at 167th Commencement

More than 1,300 undergraduate and graduate students received degrees at Loyola University’s 167th Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 18, 2019, at Royal Farms Arena in downtown Baltimore.

The Commencement address at this year’s ceremony was delivered by Rev. William Watters, S.J., the founder of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School and the assisting priest at St. Ignatius Catholic Community in Baltimore.

“I thank you for your spirit of commitment to helping others. It is that dedication to a faith that does justice which is foundational to Jesuit education,” Watters told the Class of 2019, after commending the class for showing a keen interest in social justice before they even started their first year. “Now, as you complete your years at this University, you have the challenge to engage as men and women for others in our deeply wounded and divided world. It is that world where you will live out your strong truths and put into practice the full values of your Jesuit education.”

Justin Montague, ’19, a biochemistry major from Philadelphia, Pa., delivered a Commencement address on behalf of the Class of 2019.

“By now, whether we’re leaving today with an undergrad or a graduate degree, we know that a Loyola education is rooted in the mission to inspire students to learn, lead, and serve in a diverse and changing world,” Montague said. “Now, more than ever, we are poised to answer this call to action. We possess the necessary tools to understand varying perspectives and empathize deeply with others; while also possessing the courage to call out discrimination and stand in solidarity with the marginalized.”

Rev. Brian F. Linnane, S.J., president of Loyola, led the Class of 2019 in a brief Commencement examen, a form of spiritual reflection used by Loyola’s namesake and patron, St. Ignatius of Loyola.

“As you look back on your time at Loyola, pay attention to the experiences and emotions that come to mind. Look at what brought you joy along the way—and think about why. Ask yourself, what is it about your experience that you’re grateful for? Is there something unfinished—something you want to carry forward as you take this next step in your life?” Fr. Linnane said. “Then as Ignatius would ask you to do, let’s look toward tomorrow. Tomorrow is full of promise.”

At the ceremony, Strong City Baltimore received the Milch Award; Carol Abromaitis, Ph.D., professor of English at Loyola, received the Newman Medal; Gerry Holthaus, ’71, Loyola’s 2008 Business Leader of the Year, received the President’s Medal; and Karen Paterakis Philippou, ’90, secretary of the board of trustees, received the Carroll Medal.