HELENA, MONT. - On Saturday, May 14, 2022, Carroll College (Helena, Montana) conferred degrees on 228 graduates including both baccalaureate and masters degree recipients, as well as Carroll’s first cohort of Accelerated Nursing students, during its 112th commencement ceremony held in Nelson Stadium. The ceremony included a number of awards and honors for students, faculty, and staff.
Mr. Ray Kuntz, alumnus from the Carroll College class of 1977, provided a special address to the graduates. In addition, Anthrozoology instructor and recipient of the 2021 Outstanding Teaching Award, Molly Sumridge provided the faculty address.
The class of 2022 senior speaker was Megan Michelotti from Butte, Montana. Michelotti graduated summa cum laude with a double major in communications and public relations. During her time at Carroll, she served as the editor of the Prospector student newspaper for three years, and was active in residential life as a resident advisor, among other involvements. Michelotti plans to work as a journalist for the Helena Independent Record newspaper following graduation.
The college’s Bishop Gilmore Memorial Award for Outstanding Scholarship, awarded to seniors who have attained the highest grade-point average after four years at Carroll, was awarded to three graduates: Emily Rose McLean of Bend, Ore., Shane W. Sater of Helena, Mont., and Frances Faith Tupper of Helena, Mont.
The Michael Murphy Award for Outstanding Collegiate Citizenship was presented to two graduates. Brynn Shewman from Anchorage, Alaska, graduated summa cum laude with a major in Anthrozoology. While at Carroll she served as a mentor and support system for her fellow students, worked as a TA in Anthrozoology, was a resident assistant, and volunteered in the community with therapy animals. Kaden Connor from Boise, Idaho, graduated summa cum laude with a double major in political science and international relations. He is seen as a quiet leader who is welcoming, accepting and devoted to others. He was active in theatre and was a member of the men’s soccer team for four years.
The Raymond G. Hunthausen Outstanding Service Award was presented to three graduates. Courteney Boyle from Yakima, Wash. graduated summa cum laude from the nursing program. She was active in the Hunthausen Center for Peace and Justice coordinating Service Saturdays and other student service opportunities in the local community. Taylor Leistiko from Missoula, Mont., graduated cum laude with a major in biology. She served as president of the pre-med club, was a CAMP leader, mentor to new students, and volunteered with numerous organizations in the community. Francie Tupper of Helena, Mont., graduated summa cum laude with a double major in psychology and Spanish. She was an officer in the Gay-Straight Alliance and Psychology and Wellness Club, organized campus events, coordinated mental health outreach efforts and advocated for the marginalized. In addition, two students were recognized as Honorable Mentions: Riley Dowdy from Fort Collins, Colo., graduated magna cum laude from the nursing program and Mariama Manneh from Joliet, Mont., a graduate of the Accelerated Nursing program.
Several faculty and staff awards were also conferred. The Outstanding Teaching Award recipient was Dr. Eric Sullivan, associate professor of mathematics, who models active learning in his courses teaching his students independence and reliance on one another while remaining exceptionally accessible and supportive. The Distinguished Scholar Award was awarded to Dr. Elvira Roncalli, professor of philosophy, for her long and impressive record of scholarship, including numerous published works and frequent participation in academic conferences. The Excellence in Service Award was awarded to Jeff Wald, Senior Designer and Web Manager, for his willingness to frequently go above and beyond in his daily work. Senior Major Gifts and Planned Giving Officer Ms. Kathy Ramirez was presented with the Presidential Distinguished Service Award by President John Cech, Ph.D., in recognition of her work successfully leading the Office of Institutional Advancement during a transition in leadership.
The ceremony also honored 50-, 60-, and 70-year graduates from the classes of 1970-72, 1960-62, and 1952.
See the full list of graduates, awards, and Jubliarians here.