With a stunningly beautiful spring day as the backdrop for graduates and their families and friends, William R. Hite Jr., EdD, Superintendent of The School District of Philadelphia, addressed bachelor’s degree candidates at Cabrini University’s undergraduate Commencement on Sunday, May 21 on the campus in Radnor, PA.
Bhavna Shyamalan, PhD, Co-founder and Vice President of the M. Night Shyamalan Foundation, addressed master’s degree candidates at the University’s graduate Commencement on Sunday afternoon May 21.
Celebrating a trifold of milestones, the ceremonies marked Cabrini’s 57th Commencement, the first exercises since becoming a University, and Cabrini’s 60th anniversary.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Hite and Dr. Shyamalan during a year of momentous occasions,” said Donald B. Taylor, PhD, President of Cabrini University. “By sharing Cabrini’s steadfast commitment to social justice and education, these leaders exemplify how graduates will continue to impact their communities, long after leaving campus.”
During the undergraduate ceremony honorary degrees were conferred upon several past presidents of Cabrini University: Sr. Regina Casey, MSC (1969 – 1972) accepted by Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC; Sr. Mary Louise Sullivan, MSC, PhD (1972 – 1982) – given posthumously and accepted by her cousin Marcia Butland – Sr. Eileen Currie, MSC (1982 – 1992); and Dr. Antoinette Iadarola, (1992 – 2008) the first lay president of Cabrini College. Honored also was the University’s longest serving faculty member Professor Emeritus Dr. Joseph Romano.
During the afternoon Commencement, Dr. Bhavna Shyamalan, Vice-President of the M. Night Shyamalan Foundation was awareded an honorary degree. In her heartfelt address, Dr. Shyamalan encouraged graduates to be their most authentic selves, to believe in themselves and say ‘yes’ to opportunities to grow.