Aquinas College Commencement 2025

Aquinas College marked a significant milestone with its Baccalaureate Mass and Sixty-third Commencement Ceremony held on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The Most Rev. J. Mark Spalding, J.C.L., presided over the Mass as the main celebrant and delivered the homily. Other clergy members, including Rev. John Sims Baker and Rev. Mark Chrismer, concelebrated the Mass, with Rev. Rhodes Bolster serving as the Master of Ceremonies. Seminarians from the Diocese of Nashville served as altar servers.

Mrs. Amy Lavender delivered the Commencement Address, speaking about the importance of teaching and giving advice to the graduates on how to gracefully inspire their students. Sister Cecilia Anne Wanner, O.P., President of Aquinas College, conferred degrees upon the candidates, who were presented by Sister Mary Edith Humphries, O.P., Vice President for Academics.

Aquinas College bestows bachelor’s and master’s degrees upon individuals who are equipped to “teach, preach, and witness to Truth and Charity, for the salvation of souls and the transformation of culture.” The graduates from the School of Education were Sister Chiara Grace Maurer, O.P. (B.S. English – Secondary Education) and Sister Simone Adams, O.P. (B.S. English – Secondary Education), and the graduate from the School of Arts and Sciences was Giovanni Greer (B.A. History). Additionally, four seminarians were recognized for completing the Certificate in Propaedeutic Studies, a program tailored for seminarians in the Diocese of Nashville who are in the Propaedeutic year of formation.

In her opening remarks, Sister Cecilia Anne reflected, “Our graduates emerge from Aquinas College ready to teach and evangelize, touching countless souls each and every day by their witness to Truth and Charity. The Holy Spirit is truly at work, guiding and directing the work of our College. Together, we give thanks to God for the good that He has done, and continues to do, in and through Aquinas College.”

Aquinas College looks forward to the continued success and impact of its graduates as they carry forth the mission of Truth and Charity into the world.