Loyola celebrates Class of 2023 at 170th Commencement ceremony
91łÔąĎÍř celebrated the Class of 2023 at the University’s 170th Commencement Exercises during a ceremony at the CFG Bank Arena in downtown Baltimore on Saturday, May 20, 2023. Approximately 1,200 students walked across the stage to mark the completion of their bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees during the ceremony.
The Commencement speaker, Chris Lowney, received a doctor of humane letters, honoris causa, from Loyola. Lowney is an author and business leader with a deep understanding of Jesuit ideals.
"You show up and stand beside those you love, you make sacrifices for those in your life, and you welcome life with gratitude for what it brings you," said Lowney, who told stories from his father's life to inspire the Class of 2023. "As long as you are pursuing some worthy mission, then the whole world will be your home, and you’ll be at home anywhere, whether you never travel far from Baltimore, or, like my dad, cross an ocean to find your life calling."
Terrence Sawyer, J.D., president of Loyola, offered the Class of 2023 words of encouragement and wisdom as graduates prepared to embark on the next chapter of their lives.
“As you receive your degree and move on to your next destination, keep in mind the difference between success and significance," Sawyer said. “It is one thing to be successful—and you’ve already proven that you are well on your way there. But significance! Significance is when you use your success to improve the lives of others. That’s what you’ve already done here at Loyola. And that’s why we look at you with so much hope, and so much pride, today.”
Albert Kang, ’23, who graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a dual concentration in Finance & Information Systems and Data Analytics, addressed his classmates during the ceremony.
“Loyola has readied us for whatever the world has in store and has helped us discover the fire that’s within every single one of us. It has nurtured this fire throughout our time here and with this inner fire now ablaze, we’re ready to go forth, and set the world on fire,” said Kang, who came to Loyola from Vancouver, British Columbia, and competed on the Loyola Greyhounds men’s soccer team.
Also at the Commencement Exercises, awards were received by; James D. Forbes, ’80, who received the President's Medal and a doctor of commercial science, honoris causa; Kelly Bryan Rizzo, ’98, who received the Carroll Medal; Curtis J. Wilson, Jr., who received the Newman Medal (awarded posthumously); and Sisters Academy, who received the Milch Community Partnership Award.