Loyola University Chicago to Host 2023 Commencement Ceremonies in May

CHICAGO – May 1, 2023

Loyola University Chicago will host nearly 5,000 students and over 20,000 guests to celebrate the Class of 2023 throughout Commencement Week in May. In addition, many schools, colleges, institutes, and university departments will host unique receptions and academic events honoring their work. 

Eleven distinguished individuals will deliver keynote speeches at the ceremonies for the graduates of Loyola’s Colleges, Schools, and Institutes, including U. S. Senator Richard J. Durbin. The University announced in March that it will confer honorary degrees on two of the speakers–Emilce Cuda, PhD, STD, a leading Vatican scholar, and Vincent Rougeau, JD, President of the College of the Holy Cross–for their contributions to the advancement of knowledge, their examples as models of achievement and commitment to the common good, and dedication to the values and ideals of the University’s Jesuit, Catholic heritage. 

“Commencement is a very special time for our students and their families,” said Dr. Mark C. Reed, president of Loyola. “It is the culmination of all their hard work and dedication throughout years of study and marks a powerful milestone. These ceremonies, and especially the honored guests who will deliver each Commencement address, reflect the best of our Jesuit, Catholic identity and the commitment to service and excellence that distinguish our graduates as alumni of Loyola University Chicago.” 

The University’s 153rd annual Commencement ceremonies will be held on the Lake Shore Campus on May 9–13. Formal ceremonies are listed below and online. 

Class of 2023 Commencement Ceremonies: 

Tuesday, May 9 

10 a.m. – School of Education and School of Environmental Sustainability  

Speaker: Mónica Ramírez, JD, MPA (BA ’99) 

Founder/President Justice for Migrant Women; Co-founder, The Latinx House, Poderistas & Alianza Nacional De Campesinas 

3 p.m. – The Graduate School and Institute of Pastoral Studies  

Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient: Emilce Cuda, PhD, STD 

Secretary, Pontifical Commission for Latin America; Member, Pontifical Academic of Social Sciences; Member, Pontifical Academy for Life 

Wednesday, May 10 

10 a.m. – Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing  

Speaker: Donna Marie Wolowicki, CR, MBA (RN ’71, MSN ’75) 

Provincial Superior, Chicago Based Sisters of the Resurrection 

3 p.m. – Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health and School of Social Work  

Speaker: Johnnie Thomas, EdD (MSW ’00) 

Superintendent of Schools, Rich Township High School District 227 

Thursday, May 11 

9 a.m. – Quinlan School of Business (Undergraduate) 

Speaker: Tom Hund (BBA ’76) 

Former Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer, BNSF Railway Co. 

1 p.m. – Quinlan School of Business (Graduate) 

Speaker: Tom Hund (BBA ’76) 

Former Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer, BNSF Railway Co.  

5 p.m. – School of Communication and School of Continuing and Professional Studies  

Speaker: Dom Merritt (BA ’10) 

Chief People Officer, dscout 

Friday, May 12 

9 a.m. – College of Arts and Sciences Morning Ceremony 

Speaker: Joseph A. Sheils (BA ’90) 

Executive Vice President and President of Consumer and Digital Banking, Busey Bank 

1 p.m. – College of Arts and Sciences Afternoon Ceremony 

Speaker: Jeanne M. Wrenn (BA ’93, JD ’01) 

Judge, Circuit Court of Cook County 

5 p.m. – College of Arts and Sciences Evening Ceremony 

Speaker: Plamen Petrov, PhD (MS ’92)  

Chief Technology Officer, Hydrogen Health 

Saturday, May 13 

10 a.m. – School of Law  

Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient: Vincent Rougeau, JD 

President, College of the Holy Cross 

3 p.m. – Stritch School of Medicine 

Speaker: Richard J. Durbin 

United States Senator from Illinois 

—— 

About Loyola University Chicago
Founded in 1870, Loyola University Chicago is one of the nation’s largest Jesuit, Catholic universities, with nearly 17,500 students. The University has four campuses: three in the greater Chicago area and one in Rome, Italy, as well as course locations in Vernon Hills, Illinois (Cuneo Mansion and Gardens), and a Retreat and Ecology Campus in Woodstock, Illinois. The University features 15 schools, colleges, and institutes. Ranked a top national university by U.S. News & World Report, Loyola is also among a select group of universities recognized for community service and engagement by prestigious national organizations including AmeriCorps and the Carnegie Foundation. To learn more about Loyola, visit LUC.edu or follow us on Twitter via @LoyolaChicago.