Assumption College for Sisters (ACS) in Denville, N.J., celebrated its commencement exercises at St. Mary Church, located in the same town, on May 9.
Father Zig Peplowski, pastor of St. Cecilia Parish in Rockaway, N.J., was the main celebrant and homilist of the commencement liturgy. Afterward, a reception was held in the Riverview School annex auditorium, courtesy of Father Martin Glynn, pastor of St. Mary’s.
Sister of Christian Charity Marie Pauline Demek, ACS president, announced that there were four graduates from religious communities in Tanzania and Vietnam, four novices of the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco, and a lay person.
The following graduates earned an associate in arts: Sister Mary Therese Mai Ho, FMSR; Sister Letisia Komba, OSB; Sister Mary Thu Nguyen, LHC-GV; and Sister Mary Therese Huong Tran, FMSR.
Receiving an associate in religious arts were Sister Mary Therese Mai Ho, FMSR; Sister Letisia Komba, OSB; and Sister Mary Thu Nguyen, LHC-GV.
Graduates who earned a certificate in theological studies were SisterRose Enyeart, FMA; Sister Evelyn Lopez, FMA; Ms. Loretta Napolitano; Sister Michelle Rotter, FMA (audit); and Sister Lisa Scarduzio, FMA.
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As part of the commencement, Sister Maureen Shaughnessy, general superior of the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township, N.J., delivered the address.
“As you take the next step, you are moving toward your goal. You will be prepared to minister more effectively among your own people when you return to your home countries,” Sister Shaughnessy told graduates. “What a gift you will be for these communities. Never doubt the difference you can make!” she said.
This year, ACS named Sister Geralyn Schmidt “Alumna of the Year.” She graduated in 1987 and has served as student services director and instructor for the past two years.
Continuing an annual ACS graduation tradition, Benedictine Sister Letisia Komba reflected on her three years of study at the college in remarks delivered during the commencement.
“We thank you from the bottom of our hearts — each one of you – for the countless roles played in our journey, whether through prayers, a kind word, a helping hand, or a moment of inspiration, or interaction, that have contributed to our success,” Sister Komba said. “Every small effort has made a difference, and today we celebrate our achievement,” she said.
To bring the celebration to a close, Mayor Thomas Andes of Denville declared each graduate an “Honorary Citizen.”
ACS, founded in 1953 by the Sisters of Christian Charity of Mendham, N.J., is a two-year liberal arts college for religious women. Each year, the college awards 20 scholarships to religious sisters from developing nations and also welcomes lay people. To learn more, visit www.acs350.org.
