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Mount Saint Mary’s University celebrated one of the most highly anticipated events of the academic year, the 2024 Commencement ceremonies, on May 6 at the iconic Shrine Auditorium — a day of joy and pride to honor the remarkable achievements of the graduating Class of 2024.

Over 350 undergraduate and 150 graduate students walked across the stage to receive their hard-earned degrees, symbolizing not only the culmination of their academic journeys at the Mount but also the beginning of a new chapter filled with possibilities.

Addressing the graduates, Mount Saint Mary’s President Ann McElaney-Johnson, PhD, conveyed her heartfelt congratulations and words of wisdom, urging them to carry forth the values instilled by the University — justice, compassion and a commitment to service.

“Each of you is called to a life of true purpose, live it fully. We are counting on you, our unstoppable graduates, to change this world,” said President Ann McElaney-Johnson.

Graduate ceremony

The day kicked off with the graduate ceremony, which also celebrated the inaugural cohort of the Doctoral of Clinical Psychology program. This year’s graduate student greeter, Lilybeth Valencia ’24, PsyD, was among that cohort of students.

“I couldn’t be happier standing here today one step closer to becoming a first-generation Latina clinical psychologist and beside me a group of dedicated colleagues and friends ready to enter the field and serve our community with empathy, compassion, and love for years to come,” said Lilybeth among happy tears.

In the moments before graduates walked towards the stage to be hooded by faculty from their programs and receive their diplomas from President McElaney-Johnson, they heard from Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, who delivered the keynote address.

A longtime friend and supporter of Mount Saint Mary’s, Supervisor Mitchell praised the University’s work for “continuing to call to attention inequities that are unacceptable and challenge its students, industry leaders, and community to take action.”

She also spoke about the responsibilities of being a leader, and urged graduates to lead with respect, determination and courage.

“I know a thing or two about the cost of leadership. As only the second Black woman to serve on the LA County Board of Supervisors, and as the first Black woman to serve as Chair of the Budget for California, what I can tell you is that your lived experience matters, whether you are the first or the only, you belong in every room you walk into,” said Supervisor Mitchell.

Upon the conclusion of her speech, President McElaney-Johnson and 国产传媒 Chair of the Board of Trustees Thomas Blumenthal bestowed her with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, which is “conferred to persons of distinguished leadership and service to their community, and exceptional achievements consonant with the University’s mission.”

Undergraduate ceremony

In the afternoon, hundreds of undergraduate students and over 4,000 of their guests filled the Shrine Auditorium with a jubilant atmosphere of love and support.

During her welcome remarks, President McElaney-Johnson acknowledged the resilience, perseverance and hard work of the Class of 2024, noticing that many of the students in the room didn’t get to experience a high school graduation in 2020 and their first college year was upended by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“You made a decision to come to the Mount to finish your degree in spite of a pandemic. You all understand that some dreams cannot be deferred,” said President McElaney-Johnson.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the moving and impactful Commencement speech delivered by Hollins University President Mary Dana Hinton, PhD. A distinguished author and leader in higher education, Dr. Hinton serves on numerous boards including the American Association of Colleges and Universities, InterFaith America, and The Teagle Foundation. She is also a member of Mount Saint Mary’s Board of Trustees.

Drawing inspiration from the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet, the University’s founders, Dr. Hinton emphasized the value of going deeper, journeying farther, responding boldly, and being prophetic. She encouraged the graduates to embrace their identities and strive for excellence, despite any obstacles they may face.

“Be you because in a world that wants to tell you who you can and cannot be and what you can and cannot do, being yourself is a radical and bold act of political disobedience,” said Dr. Hinton.

Drawing from her own experiences, Dr. Hinton shared words of wisdom into the power of perseverance and self-belief. Emphasizing the importance of embracing one's uniqueness, she encouraged them to journey farther and pursue their dreams with confidence and determination. “Your journey is now moving forward and is limited only by your imagination. So don’t limit yourself. You have proven that you have everything in you to be successful.”

With a resounding call to action, she urged the graduates to “go deeper, journey farther, respond boldly, and be prophetic,” confident in their ability to effect change and create a brighter future for themselves and others. “As you prepare to depart, I want you to hold these eight words in your heart,” said Dr. Hinton.

Her heartfelt message was punctuated by moments of thunderous applause and ovation from the audience, underscoring the power of her words.

Dr. Hinton was also bestowed with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during the ceremony.

The two student speakers representing the Class of 2024 proved that the next generation of Mount alumnae is ready to shape the world.

Rondah Delos Reyes, who was graduating with a bachelor’s in business administration from the Weekend/Evening & Online College, described her 28-year long academic journey marked by twists, obstacles and triumphs.

Reflecting on the nonlinear nature of the journey to success, Delos Reyes highlighted the transformative power of resilience in adversity. “Through struggle and perseverance, we shape ourselves into something greater than we imagined,” she said.

Graciela Escamilla, who received her degree in political science, urged her classmates to use their Mount education to make a lasting impact in their communities.  “Be a role model and lead by example to help empower your communities so that their journeys can be as fruitful as your own,” said Escamilla.

The first-generation student also spoke about the consistent support she received from the Mount community. “Throughout my time at the Mount, my professors have pushed me outside of my comfort zone,” said Escamilla. “They saw capabilities in me that I couldn’t see for myself, but the initial discomfort ultimately led to opportunities that helped me grow not only as a student but also as a leader.”

As the new graduates turned their tassels to signify the completion of their degrees, a huge cheer went up from the crowd.

“If you ever forget which side your tassel goes on, remember that you wear it on the left side, over your heart, to remind you of your alma mater,” said President McElaney-Johnson, concluding the ceremony. 

Watch the graduate ceremony Watch the undergraduate ceremony