Winter 2019 Commencement: “The world awaits us”

Through the support of mentors, the camaraderie of good friends and the triumph over challenges, Mount Mary has “enabled us with a deep sense of ‘we can,’” said S. Comfort Anum, SSND, at Mount Mary’s commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 14.

Anum, who is from Nigeria, earned her B.A. in elementary education, a minor in psychology and a certificate in peace building. She said that while every student’s experiences is unique – she had to overcome an unfamiliar culture and the bitter cold Wisconsin winter – the gift of community and social justice has left a deep mark on all the graduates.

“We’ve got all that we need,” she said. “The world awaits us.”

Anum will pursue a master’s degree in school counseling in the spring of 2020.

Mount Mary’s December commencement celebrates the students who have graduated in August and December. A total of 129 students graduated during this terms.

Faculty speaker Kari Inda ’99 echoed the theme of personal change sparking social transformation, pointing out that her journey started upon graduating from Mount Mary 20 years ago. Inda, a professor who chairs Mount Mary’s occupational therapy program, is dedicated to educating professionals who deliver personalized, compassionate care.

“Choosing Mount Mary began a career trajectory that reaps rewards to this day,” she said.

Earlier this semester, Inda received Mount Mary’s 2018-19 Teaching Excellence Award.

Inda advised graduates to find their “flow,” which she defined as the joy of complete engagement in their occupation.

“Find a sense of pride and self-identity in your work,” she said. “Every day, look forward to what the day brings. Whatever you do, you will be ready.

“Be bold, brave and proud of where you came from,” said Inda. “We are very proud of you.”

View Commencement liturgy and Lantern of Learning ceremony photos on Facebook