AMU Commencement Activities Begin with Mass, President's Award

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Published on Saturday, 04 May 2013 02:03

Graduation from Ave Maria University began becoming a reality Friday afternoon for about 160 students and their families, who packed the Oratory for the Baccalaureate Mass. Above, graduates toss their caps following the Mass.

"Take all you have from here and offer it to the world as only you can," Fr. Robert McTeigue, director of AMU campus ministry, said in his homily, after which families streamed onto the plaza outside the oratory for hugs and photos.

Graduates and their families then walked across the university mall to the student union for the annual President's Dinner, at which Zach Crocket was named the recipient of this year's President's Award, which is AMU's highest honor  and recognizes a student who exemplifies university ideals for scholarship, service and campus leadership. Mr. Crockett, who plans to marry fellow AMU graduate Vivian Nunez, served as president of the AMU Student Government Association. After graduation, he'll begin working for the locally-based Foundation for Government Accountability. Right, Mr. Crockett with his parents Linda, who homeschooled him through high school, and Edward.

Commencement ceremonies are at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 5, in the Golisano Field House. Florida Governor Rick Scott is the scheduled commencement speaker.

Left, many hugs were exchanged following the Baccalaureate Mass. Below, graduates and professors on their way to the oratory for Mass.