The Gannon University community gathered for winter commencement exercises on Sunday December 7.
The graduation ceremony took place at 1:00 p.m. in the Highmark Events Center.
Gannon University conferred degrees on some 300 students, with Bishop Lawrence Persico and Gannon University President Dr. Walter Iwanenko handing out the diplomas.
Those graduating represented 18 different countries. They earned degrees ranging from Associate and Bachelor’s degrees to Masters and Doctoral degrees.
Dozens of students were recognized for achieving academic honors as well.
We talked with sisters Jheniya and Jhenaya Jones who are following their mother’s path into nursing careers. Each said their studies have been long and hard, but well worth it. Jheniya Jones said, “I’m just so grateful that we both got to share this experience together and walk the stage together.” Jhenaya Jones added, “We were able to like study together, motivate each other, pick each other up when we were down, it just felt so good to do it together.”
And the sisters graduating from the nursing program had this advice for Gannon students still working on their degrees. “Keep going,” Jheniya said. “Any hardships that ever happen, keep going, don’t give up.” Her sister Jheniya added, “I would say put yourself in your own shoes. Don’t worry about what other people are doing, they’ll have fun. You’ll have your own fun when you’re done, so keep your head on a swivel and pay attention.”
Both sisters will start in nursing careers but hope to move on to become nurse anesthetists.
The keynote speaker for winter commencement was Mark Gusek, President and CEO of the Lutheran Foundation for long-term living.