Saint Joseph's University Graduation 2016

Saint Joseph's University Graduation 2016

Front:  Paul & Margaret Hondros, President Mark Reed, Jane Golden, Rev. Tmothy R. Lannon, S.J., Daniel J. Hilferty, III

President Reed and the Board of Trustees presented honorary degrees to the five people in this front row.

Paul and Margaret Hondros, founders of the SJU Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support.

Jane Golden, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program

Rev. Timothy R. Lannon, S.J., University President, 2003-2011

Daniel J. Hilferty, III, (SJU, 1978), President and Chief Executive Officer, Independence Blue Cross

Mr. Hilferty presented remarks to the students.   They included a reference to Pope Francis's question directed to all interested in his visit to Philadelphia, a visit that Hilferty helped arrange:

"What about you?  What are you going to do?"

Pope Francis was quoting an earlier Pope who addressed these questions personally to Katherine Drexel, the future saint,  encouraging her to give her life to the service of education of under-served Negroes and Native Americans.

Hilferty also encouraged us to "tear down walls", to "shatter glass ceilings" and to "reach across ideologies."  His were powerful remarks filled with references to his own Jesuit formation.