HAMBURG, N.Y. – Hilbert College held its 62nd annual commencement ceremony on Friday, May 19 at the Hafner Recreation Center on the Hilbert campus. The graduates welcomed commencement speaker The Most Reverend Michael W. Fisher, Bishop of the Diocese of Buffalo—the Bishop’s first commencement speech since arriving in Buffalo in January 2021.
Reverend Fisher told the graduates, “In this moment of celebration, it’s altogether fitting to take a deep breath - or perhaps even a sigh of relief - to celebrate and marvel at what you have achieved, what you have gained, what you have overcome, and most especially, what you have made possible.”
“What we’re ultimately celebrating and awarding beyond a degree in one course of study or another is your personal vision, your inner determination to make a difference, your decision to live lives of meaning and purpose.”
Chair of the Board of Trustees, Laurie Boreanaz Carra ‘81, presented the College Medal to Bishop Fisher on behalf of the Board for his distinguished contributions to the community and the role model he is for Hilbert’s Franciscan learning community.
President Brophy also presented the Hilbert College Medal at the ceremony to two members of the Hilbert community. Professor Colleen Kumiega was recognized for her 24 years of service to the community, both as a Human Services professor and as an active supporter of the Athletics program. Lauren Watkins was recognized for her work in the College’s business office, where she helped students and employees with distinction for 17 years. Both have served as Franciscan role models for all members of the Hilbert community.
President Brophy conferred master’s degrees in addition to four- and two-year degrees to graduates in the Class of 2023. 179 degrees were awarded in total.
Top student awards that were presented at Hilbert’s 62nd commencement include:
- Lambert and Margaret Graham Award for a full-time returning adult student who has earned the highest cumulative quality point average. Presented to Lynn Adams-Gilden.
- Kimberly Bruch Raczkowski Memorial Alumni Association Award for a graduate who reflects the spirit of Hilbert and its mission and possesses strong leadership skills and demonstrates loyalty and dedication to others. Presented to Kody Harrison.
- Sister Mary Edwina Bogel Award to an outstanding graduate in recognition of their character, intellectual achievement, and devoted service to fellow students and the college. Presented to Matthew Domagala.
- John Kissel Award to outstanding student in recognition of their character, intellectual progress, organizational ability, and participation in activities and programs. Presented to Jordan Salomone.
- The Hilbert College Graduate Award is bestowed upon a Master’s graduate, who has maintained a GPA within the top 15% of all Master’s candidates. This awardee has demonstrated excellence in research, academic contributions and achievements, which further renders them outstanding among their peers. Presented to Anthony DiNizo.
Additional commencement information, including the video of the ceremony, is available on our commencement page. Mass and commencement photography can be found on our Flickr album.