By Marguerite Linz

There is a common desire that connects the students of Notre Dame of Maryland University: the desire to graduate. After Honors Convocations, a transition between two presidents, long nights spent studying, and time enjoyed with professors and friends, Commencement arrived on May 25, 2013. Slightly more than 400 Women’s College students received their degrees on this day of personal milestones.

For the university, this day was also a milestone as the school’s first pharmacy graduate students also graduated. The ceremony took place at the Baltimore Convention Center at 9:30 a.m. The Commencement Address was given by Ms. Kathleen Koch, the award winning author and former CNN reporter, who reminded the Class of 2013 to never give up through the hard times and to get involved in service.

Class of 2013 graduate Rachel Jones commented on the ceremony, stating “At graduation, I found myself sitting in the middle of a group of women from my major whom I loved and respected. Lined up in a row, all of us a rainbow of cords. It was better than I expected, the feeling of empowerment and being prepared to say goodbye.”

In her student response, Class of 2013 graduate Kirby Gaddy said “They [the graduates] chose the path to success and are now graduating from Notre Dame of Maryland University. It was a good choice—a good path—and I know we will come back and walk it many times.” These students have worked hard to earn this achievement and Notre Dame has given them the tools to continue to achieve throughout life.

In exchange for this preparation, President James F. Conneely gave a task to the new graduates during his remarks: “Notre Dame dares you to make a better world— whether you’re part of that world is in front of a classroom, a boardroom or in a patient’s room.”

Throughout the Notre Dame of Maryland education, students have been taught to serve others and to create communities as leaders. This is the common desire that connects both current students and alumni of Notre Dame of Maryland University.

Congratulations to all the new alumni and good luck!