The Walsh University community came together on Sunday, May 1, to celebrate the academic and personal accomplishments of its 424 spring graduates as they received their respective associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees. They join the 300 graduates from Walsh’s winter Commencement Ceremony for a total of 724 graduates for the 2015-16 academic year, one of the largest number of graduates in the school’s history.
Walsh University Provost, Dr. Laurence Bove, served as the ceremony's keynote speaker and was honored with the Walsh University Founders’ Award by President Richard Jusseaume.
The Walsh University Founders' Award was established in 1985 and is awarded to those who have achieved national stature by illustrating in their lives the same ideals that inspired the Venerable John de La Mennais and Father Gabriel Deshayes in establishing the Brothers of Christian Instruction, Walsh’s founders. These ideals are faith in God, fidelity to the Catholic Church, active concern for Christian education, dedication to authentic social justice and courageous promotion of human welfare especially among those less fortunate and disenfranchised.
"First, I’d like to thank the Brothers of Christian Instruction, the Walsh University Board of Directors, President Richard Jusseaume, my fellow Vice Presidents, the faculty, staff and students for the opportunity Walsh has given me to, in the words of my mentor Br. Francis Blouin, strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others," said Dr. Bove, during his remarks. "The Walsh community has both challenged and supported me these last 38 years. I look back with love and gratitude for all that we have accomplished together to make Walsh University a Catholic University of Distinction."
Laurence Bove, Ph.D., has dedicated nearly 40 years of his personal and professional life to Walsh University, leading the expansion of Walsh’s academic programming under two presidents.
He has held various positions including Chair of the Philosophy and Theology Department and the Humanities Division, Chief Academic Officer, and Provost. Dr. Bove was involved in the development of programs such as Walsh’s Jewish-Catholic Studies Institute, which led to the launch of the Lifelong Learning Academy. Dr. Bove has overseen the establishment of Walsh’s five formal schools and has fostered internships and global service as hallmarks of a Walsh education. He spearheaded the development of Walsh’s Master of Arts in Education program in Uganda, and his commitment to issues of social justice and Walsh’s mission of service directly contributed to Walsh’s Global Learning Programs. Dr. Bove also helped to lay the foundation for the establishment of northern Uganda’s first Catholic university, the Sacred Heart University of Gulu Archdiocese. Dr. Bove also helped to establish the Aultman College of Nursing, serving on its Board as well as on the Aultman Hospital Ethics Commission. He was also a Founding Member of the Area Faith Network for Peace and Justice and the Greater Canton Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission.
The Tower of Excellence Award recipient and senior class speaker Andrew Chwalik received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing with minors in History, Entrepreneurship and Government and Foreign Affairs.
"Now that we have had our opportunity to impact that value, it is time we take our final bow and look forward to our new challenges and opportunities. Our university leaders and faculty have equipped us with the necessary tools to succeed and solve the issues that face our generation," said Chwalik, during his address. "These diplomas are the validation and inspiration for us to go out and make a meaningful and sustainable difference through our faith-based education, servant leadership, and global perspective."