It’s raining, it’s pouring, the Bluejays are soaring: Elmhurst University celebrates the class of 2022

Graphic by- Abbey Mark

On Saturday, May 21, Elmhurst University held its graduation ceremony for the class of 2022, despite a few rain clouds dampening the atmosphere. 

As the ceremony began, the graduates walked through EU to take their seats on the campus mall, the center, and the heart of Elmhurst University’s campus.

To start the ceremony, Elmhurst University President Troy VanAnken addressed the graduates with some words of wisdom.

“Today marks the end of one aspect of your personal and academic journey, but the beginning of another for you,” said VanAnken. 

After this statement, VanAnken proceeded to list EU’s accomplishments during the 2021-2022 school year, some of the highlights being EU’s Men’s Basketball team making the NCAA division three championship game and welcoming Bruce King, the inaugural Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion. 

Following VanAnken’s speech, James S. Yerbic and Maureen L. Heakin addressed the crowd with words of encouragement for the soon-to-be graduated class of 2022. 

The rain began to fall harder as the class of 2022 walked the stage to receive their diplomas. The atmosphere was full of light as the families cheered for their students, a complete difference from the darkness surrounding the campus.

“I don’t remember walking across the stage,” said Olivia Janicke, former chief copy editor of The Leader, who graduated in the ceremony. “But I’ll never forget the puddle that soaked my shoe through on the way up there.”

The Leader would like to congratulate the class of 2022 for all of their accomplishments.

However, The Leader would like to extend a special congratulations to the graduates who participated in the newspaper. 

The Leader Graduates:

Kathleen Berger, Bachelor of Arts in English

Jared Boekenhauer, Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Journalism

Nathan Burns, Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Journalism

Niklas Faulk, Bachelor of Arts in Communication

Princess Gonzalez-Esparza, Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design

Isabely Hernandez, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science 

Olivia Janicke, Bachelor of Arts in English

Kween Jeán, Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Multimedia Journalism 

Keithleen Mendoza, Bachelor of Arts in Digital Marketing Communications

Gianna Montesano, Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Journalism

Sarina Okrzesik, Bachelor of Arts in English

Nicholas Redmond, Bachelor of Arts in English 

Marisa Sandoval, Bachelor of Arts in Digital Marketing Communications

Vanessa Sevilla, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology