���ϲ�����

“This is our moment of thanksgiving, of gratitude for everything that has been accomplished this year on this campus,” said Bishop Szkredka in his homily. “We thank God especially for our graduates, the faculty, their parents, for the work that has been done. And as we pray, we invoke the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Father of the Poor.”

Soon thereafter, the Commencement ceremony began. In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Paul O’Reilly held the Class of 2024 out as a hopeful sign amid the violent unrest that plagues so many other campuses. “Rest assured that, despite the troublesome times we live in, it is not those who make the most noise, organize violent protests, who will have the final impact on our society,” he said. “You should be confident that the men and women who graduate today will, in their quiet way, lead us to a better tomorrow.”

Always bittersweet, this day of farewells was especially so for this year’s graduates, who mourned the absence of Sam Morson (’24), a classmate who died in a car accident after their freshman year. “Sam’s classmates have dedicated this program to his memory and signify his membership in their class with an empty chair among their own,” said Dr. O’Reilly. “May God console his family members who are present with us today, including his parents. … May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”

Next, the California Class of 2024’s elected speaker, Andrew Grumbine (’24) came to the stage to deliver the year’s Senior Address. “Living in the truth means being recognized by evil and bitterly hated because of it,” he said. “It means dying to yourself every day, decreasing so that Christ may increase. This sounds daunting, and that’s because it is. But I believe we have been prepared for the challenge.”

After an introduction from Dr. O’Reilly, Professor Snead took the podium to deliver the Commencement Address. “Being TAC students, you rightly appreciate and excel in the life of the mind. And, thus, you may be tempted to think of yourself as simply a mind and a will. … You should resist this temptation,” he advised, encouraging the graduates to seek out and aid those who are in need. “Lift your gaze up from inside and look around you to find the weakest and most vulnerable. They may be in places you never expected or didn’t think to look.”

The ceremony additionally included the recognition of a couple who has been outstanding in its support of ���ϲ�����, Heather A. and Milton F. Daily. In gratitude, Chairman of the Board of Governors Scott Turicchi presented Mr. and Mrs. Daily with a bust of St. Albert the Great, signifying their newly awarded membership in the Order of St. Albert — an honor reserved for those benefactors whose generosity to ���ϲ����� has been exceptional. “It is fitting that they are surrounded today by their children and grandchildren,” said Mr. Turicchi, “and that they will have their names engraved on the base of the statue of St. Albert overlooking the academic quadrangle.”

As the ceremony continued, the seniors became graduates, receiving their academic hoods and diplomas. President O’Reilly then presented the College’s “Charge to the Graduates,” reminding members of the Class of 2024 of their responsibility for “maintaining, defending, and protecting your Catholic heritage — its faith, its hope, its charity, and all its learning and culture.” In reply, the graduates sang the traditional Non nobis domine, giving the credit for their achievement to God and God alone.