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In an address to more than 1,600 members of Loyola University Maryland's Class of 2010, Harry K. Thomas, Jr., United States ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines, challenged the graduates to apply their educations and abilities to making America—and the world—a stronger, safer, healthier place for all.
“Winston Churchill saluted the victorious Battle of Britain by stressing that future generations will look back on it saying ‘This was their finest hour,’” said Thomas, who also received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree during the ceremony. “Loyola graduates: what will be your finest hour? How will it be recalled? Use your degrees to solve the world’s challenges. Keep America strong, and make the world a better place. And whether President Obama and Hillary Clinton or John McCain and Sarah Palin inspire you, leave here today as Americans – not African Americans, Asian Americans, European Americans, Native Americans. Leave here as Americans. Do good, do well, remain true to the spirit of Ignatius Loyola.”
The 158th Commencement Exercises were held Saturday, May 15, at Baltimore's 1st Mariner Arena. Learn more about Thomas, or, view an excerpt from his address.
Honorees recognized at Commencement included:
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Harry K. Thomas, Jr.,
U.S. ambassador to the Philippines - Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa
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David L. Ferguson, ’77,
Loyola trustee since 2002 and current vice-chairman; a partner in the venture capital firm Weston Presidio – Doctor of Commercial Science, honoris causa
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Mary C. Mangione, MSA ‘52,
former trustee of the Baltimore Opera Company, board member of the Association of Italian Matters, and member of the Mount Saint Agnes College Alumnae Association’s annual Sister Cleophas Costello Lecture committee; along with her late husband, Nicholas B. Mangione, established the Mangione Family Foundation, which provides philanthropic support to a wide variety of non-profit organizations in Baltimore – The President's Medal (awarded to cherished friends and benefactors for service to Loyola and/or the community)
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John A. Palmucci,
vice president for finance and treasurer, Loyola University Maryland, 1994-2010 – John Henry Newman Medal (recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves as exemplars of Catholic education).
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Refugee Youth Project,
an after-school program for refugee youth in the Baltimore metropolitan area; established in 2003 as part of Baltimore City Community College’s extensive array of refugee support programs – The Milch Award (recognizing superior contributions and achievement by an organization, typically one involved in service)
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Hans R. Wilhelmsen, ’52, M.D., DDS,
former Loyola trustee; served as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1956-67; now retired from plastic surgery practice at St. Joseph’s Medical Center – The Carroll Medal (recognizes distinguished alumni for noteworthy and meritorious service on behalf of the University)
For more information or questions regarding this story, contact Media Relations Manager Nick Alexopulos at nalexopulos@loyola.edu or 410-617-5025.