Father Dave Pivonka, TOR '89 President | Franciscan University website

On May 11, Franciscan University of Steubenville celebrated a record-breaking graduation ceremony for the fourth consecutive year. The Class of 2024 saw 899 students graduate, surpassing the previous year's total of 818.

The graduates hailed from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, California, Texas, Michigan, New York, Florida, Illinois and 29 other states as well as 14 countries. Their majors ranged from theology to business to psychology and more. Additionally, the class included 245 online students with nearly 100 attending the commencement ceremonies on campus.

The festivities began on May 10 with the Baccalaureate Mass presided over by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut. In his homily, Bishop Caggiano encouraged the graduates to go forth confidently in their faith.

“You, my young friends, are graduating from a university that has given you a graced confidence and every tool you need to climb whatever mountain the Lord asks of you and to traverse any valley,” he said. “Go forward with confidence and joy because the Lord will always be at your side.”

Bishop Caggiano was also awarded an honorary doctorate in catechetics and evangelization for his leadership within his diocese and beyond.

The commencement on May 11 featured U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., who received an honorary doctorate in Christian ethics for his public service and efforts to uphold justice and law. Justice Alito addressed both morning and afternoon ceremonies encouraging graduates to boldly engage with the world while respecting tradition.

“There will be troubling times," he said. "If we have fixed and clear principles...we may be able to find our way through."

In closing remarks Father Dave Pivonka praised the graduates' faithfulness during uncertain times due to COVID-19 policies since many started their college careers in 2020.

“This is your first step in faith, but you will have a thousand more,” he said. “God has a plan for you. He will satisfy that plan. He will give you everything you need to be faithful to that. There is no other way to live than by continually walking in faith.”

The ceremonies also included an invocation by Father Jonathan St. André, a welcome by Father Joseph Lehman, and a benediction by Father Shawn Roberson.