HELENA, MT – On Saturday, May 9, 2026, Carroll College held its 116th Commencement Ceremony at Nelson Stadium, conferring degrees on 281 graduates, including recipients of baccalaureate, master’s, and accelerated nursing degrees. The celebration also featured the presentation of several student and faculty awards recognizing excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and teaching.
Professor of Communications Dr. Alan Hansen provided the faculty address during the ceremony.
The senior speaker for the Class of 2026 was Christopher Jack Conway, a cum laude graduate from Creswell, Oregon, who earned a double major in Biology and Chemical Biology. At Carroll, Conway served in the Associated Students of Carroll College for all four years, most recently as student body president, and conducted undergraduate research with multiple faculty mentors. Following graduation, Conway plans to take a gap year before applying to MD/PhD programs in pursuit of a career in neonatology and biochemistry.
The college’s Bishop Gilmore Memorial Award for Outstanding Scholarship, granted to seniors who have attained the highest grade-point average after four years at Carroll, was awarded to four graduates: Brynn Bohrer (Biology) from Billings, MT, Olivia Smith (Mathematics Education) from Bozeman, MT, Kennedy Venner (Elementary Education) from Billings, MT, and Matthew Yakawich (Political Science) from Missoula, MT.
The Michael Murphy Award for Outstanding Collegiate Citizenship was presented to two graduates. Ashlynne Jeffries of Vancouver, WA, graduated summa cum laude with degrees in International Relations and Political Science and a minor in Public Health, distinguishing herself through leadership on Carroll’s nationally recognized Forensics team, service with organizations including the American Red Cross and WorldMontana, and a deep commitment to justice, advocacy, and the Carroll community. Asher Casey of Helena, MT, graduated summa cum laude with a triple major in Catholic Studies, Philosophy, and Hispanic Studies, dedicating his time to peer and music ministry, Caritas service immersion trips, weekly volunteer service with God’s Love since his freshman year, and ongoing leadership in diocesan youth ministry and outreach. Honorable mentions for this award included Kayla Botkin and Kennedy Venner.
Two graduates received the Raymond G. Hunthausen Outstanding Service Award. Ella Hubach of Seward, Nebraska, graduated with majors in Environmental Science and Gender Studies and distinguished herself as a passionate advocate for sustainability, conservation, and inclusion, most notably through her leadership as president of Carroll’s Special Olympics Club. Michael Klooster of Belmont, Michigan, graduated in Health Sciences and became known across campus for his servant leadership as a student-athlete, resident assistant, peer minister, and mentor who generously served others through Carroll’s Special Olympics Club and Florence Crittenton Home and Family Services.
Faculty honors included the Outstanding Teaching Award, presented to Dr. Julian Nolen, assistant professor of Psychology, who is known for his innovative, experiential approach to teaching, deep commitment to student mentorship, and genuine care that inspires students to fully experience their education. The Distinguished Scholar Award was presented to Dr. John Rowley, associate professor of Chemistry, for his contributions as an accomplished researcher, dedicated mentor, and leader of one of Carroll’s most dynamic undergraduate research programs, creating exceptional opportunities for students while advancing innovative work in renewable energy.
Carroll College also conferred the title of Professor Emerita on Professor of Accounting Dr. Belle Marie, who devoted 34 years of distinguished service to Carroll as an exceptional teacher, mentor, department chair, and leader whose unwavering commitment to students, academic excellence, and Carroll’s mission has shaped generations of Saints.
The ceremony also recognized Carroll’s 50-, and 60-year graduates from the classes of 1966 and 1976.
This year’s ceremony also marked an important leadership milestone for Carroll College, as it was the first Commencement celebrated under the leadership of co-presidents Dr. Jennifer Glowienka and Bishop Austin Vetter, with Dr. Glowienka set to officially assume the presidency on July 1.
