Two words best describe Marian University’s class of 2023 graduates-
excited and relieved.
“I’m very proud of myself, and excited for my future because I’ve worked very hard to get to this day,” said Sheree Hunt ’23, a marketing major who also minored in psychology. She dreams of a career in marketing or human resources.
Hunt’s parents, Thomika and David Leeper, share their daughter’s sentiments. “The dedication she put in has paid off, and it’s a beautiful thing to see her grow,” explained Hunt’s father.
Those comments were repeated from many out of the over 1000 students at all Marian’s campuses: 655 undergraduates and 334 graduate degrees from Marian University Indianapolis, and 60 from Marian University Ancilla.
“With the record number of Fulbright scholars, Orr fellows, medical and graduate school admissions, and the outstanding employment rates of our graduates, we could not be prouder of the Marian University class of 2023,” said President Daniel J. Elsener.
One graduate began his college journey at Marian’s Saint Joseph’s College with an associate degree, then continued to Marian University Indianapolis and graduated with a business management degree.
“Marian University’s St. Joseph’s College prepared me through their Earn and Learn program,” Leo Ortiz ’23 explained. “I got an internship with Allison Transmission during my freshman year, and I’ve been there ever since.” “I’ve transitioned to a few different roles including human resources, supply chain and now, I have a new role as a full-time employee.”
Ortiz ’23 noted that Marian’s top awarded Byrum School of Business helped prepare and propel him into his new career. Marian University President Daniel J. Elsener agreed.
“Marian University is privileged to be part of the central Indiana community, and providing the outstanding talent the professions, businesses, social service agencies, and civic leadership organizations need,” President Elsener continued. “Our medical students had a 100% match rate with outstanding residencies throughout the country, but especially here in Indiana, and the surrounding states. “Our Marian graduates are not only outstanding scholars, but they are prepared to be transformational leaders in their professions and serving the common good.”
During Marian’s Indianapolis commencement ceremonies, Ambassador to the Vatican and former Indiana representative to the U.S. House of Representatives Joseph Donnelly delivered the commencement address and received an honorary degree in Public Service. Two other prominent community leaders were also recognized with honorary degrees: Tony Mason, president, and CEO of the Indianapolis Urban League, received an honorary degree in Public Service, and Fred and Judy Klipsch, education advocates and philanthropists, and namesake of the Fred S. Klipsch Educators College, received an honorary degree in Philanthropy.
“With the record number of Fulbright scholars, Orr fellows, medical and graduate school admissions, and the outstanding employment rates of our graduates, we could not be prouder of the Marian University class of 2023,” said Marian President Daniel J. Elsener.
“It’s crazy, four years flew by and it’s like all the hard work paid off, and I’m ready for the real world,” said marketing major Madeline Worchester ‘23. “Marian made it possible for me and I’m so excited for my next chapter.”