University of Saint Mary Inc.
05/01/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/01/2026 08:02
USM to Send Off Class of 2026 During May 9 Commencement Ceremonies
USM to Send Off Class of 2026 During May 9 Commencement Ceremonies
May 1, 2026
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John Shultz
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(Leavenworth, Kansas) - The University of Saint Mary will celebrate the close of another academic year and the achievements of the class of 2026 during two commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on May 9 in McGilley Field House on USM's Leavenworth Campus, 4100 South 4th Street.
Traditionally, the university has honored all graduates at a single event. Due to growth in the number of graduates, USM has elected to hold two ceremonies. The morning ceremony will honor graduates from the Division of Health Sciences, Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Division of Liberal Arts and Humanities. The afternoon ceremony will celebrate graduates from the Division of Business and Information Technology, Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and Division of Nursing.
The ceremonies will also mark one of the final university events of Sister Diane Steele's presidency. Sister Steele, who was inaugurated in September 2001, will conclude her 25-year tenure this summer.
In addition to recognizing graduates, USM will honor recipients of the Sullivan Award for Teaching Excellence and University Leadership and Service and the Mehring-Banikowski Endowed Distinguished Faculty and Staff Awards.
The Sullivan Award recognizes a full-time faculty member nominated by students, faculty, and staff as a person who "has made a distinct difference in the teaching climate at the University of Saint Mary." The Mehring-Banikowski Awards honor employees who exemplify the University of Saint Mary mission, demonstrate excellence in their roles, provide service above and beyond assigned duties, and serve as positive representatives of the Saint Mary Way.
- Sullivan Award for Teaching Excellence and University Leadership and Service: Assistant Professor of Biology Thomas Radosevich, PhD
- The Mehring-Banikowski Endowed Distinguished Faculty Award: Associate Professor and Program Director of Management and Marketing Adrianne Ford, PhD
- The Mehring-Banikowski Endowed Distinguished Director Award: Controller Nicole Bibler
- The Mehring-Banikowski Endowed Distinguished Support Staff Award: Admissions Advisor Joe Perez
Tickets are not required for entrance into McGilley Field House. The ceremonies will be broadcast through USM's YouTube channel at youtube.com/live/P8OEjVhs7HM?si=Y_nn1Z5sYI1kjIy1. Visit https://stmary.edu/graduation to learn more.
The University of Saint Mary is a Catholic co-educational applied liberal arts university founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The University of Saint Mary main campus is located at 4100 South 4th Street, Leavenworth, Kan. USM-Johnson County, at 11221 Roe Ave., offers evening accelerated graduate and undergraduate degree-completion programs. The university also offers online programs. Visit stmary.edu for more information.
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