Lourdes 54th commencement

Over 300 students are graduated at the 54th commencement of Lourdes University in Toledo, Ohio on May 19, 2012. It was the first commencement for Lourdes as a university, and the last for outgoing president Robert Helmer, PhD.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Tracy Wendell with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Over 300 students are graduated at the 54th commencement of Lourdes ... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Charity Lyn Anderson, the undergraduate commencement speaker, is introduced by university provost Janet H. Robinson, PhD., projected image behind her.... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Charity Lyn Anderson, undergraduate commencement speaker, during the ceremony. THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Chrys Peterson receives her Master of Organizational Leadership, from program director Patrice McClellan, Ed.D. THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Father Dominic Savyo receives his Master of Organizational Leadership, from program director Patrice McClellan, Ed.D. THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Master ofScience in Nursing graduate Darrah Samuel Obong Okeke blows a kiss to her cheering family as she is hooded ... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Outgoing president Robert Helmer, PhD., J.D. left, and his wife Linda. Helmer was given a special award for his ... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Linda Helmer, left, with her husband, outgoing president Robert Helmer, PhD., J.D. The preisdent was given a special award ... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Karen T. Biscay, M.M., chairperson, Department of Music, leads the audience in the "Song of Lourdes". THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Over 300 students are graduated at the 54th commencement of Lourdes University in Toledo, Ohio on May 19, 2012. THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Graduates celebrate as their degree is called. Over 300 students are graduated at the 54th commencement of Lourdes University in ... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Sister Ann Carmen Barrone, OSF, M.M., vice president for Mission and Ministry, giving the benediction. THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Bachelor of Arts in Social Work recipients Chris Langenderfer, of Sylvania, left, and Fatima Joma, of Sylvania, before the ceremony.... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Christine W. Boudrie, M.D., Assistant Professor of Biology & Health Sciences leads the processional as she carries the university's ... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Bachelor of Arts in the Science of Nursing [B.S.N.] graduates Rebecca McCann, of Adrian, Michigan, left, and ... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Over 300 students are graduated at the 54th commencement of Lourdes University in Toledo, Ohio on May 19, 2012. THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Sister Diana Lynn Eckel, OSF, M.A., congregational minister, Sisters of St. Francis, delivers the invocation. THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Robert L. Maxwell received an honorary degree. THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Robert L. Maxwell received an honorary degree. It was the first commencement for Lourdes as a university, and the last ... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Robert L. Maxwell, left, and Robert Helmer, Ph.D., J.D., president of the university. THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Dr. Elizabeth S. Ruppert, M.D., left, is hooded by Lourdes University president Robert Helmer, PhD., J.D. as she ... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Dr. Elizabeth S. Ruppert, M.D., left, is hooded by Lourdes University president Robert Helmer, PhD., J.D. as she ... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Maureen Marie Sullivan celebrates as she receives her degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing. THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER