Congratulations to Marymount’s Class of 2018

From writers, activists and athletes, to future politicians, statisticians and researchers, these newly-minted graduates join the ranks of over 4,000 Marymount alumnae as they matriculate this fall to over 55 colleges in 24 states and 3 countries.

 

As Commencement began, Christina F. ’18 delivered the invocation prayer, thanking God for the gift of Sailor Sisterhood and asking for His blessing of the graduates’ new journeys.

 

“As intellectual women of faith, we have learned the impact familial ties have in scripture, and, because of these last four years, we have discovered ties of friendship that mirror what we have learned,” Christina said. “At this moment, accompanied by our families, friends and loved ones who have influenced us more than we may ever completely understand, we come before you in prayer, Heavenly Father.”

 

Taking full advantage of the Class of 2018’s last moments together, Associated Student Body President Elle L. ‘18 addressed her “feisty” Sailor Sisters with a heartfelt salute. Elle said her classmates taught her to question everything, accept challenges with open arms, and unapologetically explore every aspect of life.

 

“Marymount taught me that I won't find the answers to all of my questions, and that high school never ends with a bow on top or a fun, catchy theme-song to launch us into summer,” Elle said. “Rather, successful, global participants must grapple with complex concepts and end all of our thoughts with another question. What a daunting task for even the bravest among us!”

 

Marymount’s graduation ceremony continued with the 2018 Commencement speaker Dr. Ann McElaney-Johnson, President of Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles, and a champion for women’s issues and innovative teaching and learning. 

 

Dr. McElaney-Johnson commended the graduates’ intelligence, sense of justice, integrity, openness and courage.

 

“There is so much we need to talk about as women at this particular moment is history; this world has such need of you,” said Dr. McElaney-Johnson, who pointed to Marymount’s founders’ absolute commitment to the RSHM mission, that all may have life to the full, now embedded in the Class of 2018’s DNA.

 

 

“Your founders’ understanding of the transformative power of education is firmly established in your understanding of your responsibility as a human being. And you are forever marked by this group of fearless women who have worked for the empowerment of women and children since their founding in 1849,” Dr. McElaney-Johnson said.

 

Turning to Marymount’s faculty and staff and the graduates’ families and friends, Dr. McElaney-Johnson said, “You are sending forth women of consequence!”

 

And women of consequence they are! The 96 women who came to Marymount eager and willing walked across stage as their names were announced to receive their diplomas and begin their journeys outside Marymount’s iron-wrought gates. Marymount’s doors are always open to these new alumnae, who leave an indelible imprint on the lives of everyone they touched. The Class of 2018 – so full of life and gumption – will be greatly missed. Congratulations, Class of 2018 – you did it!