Assumption College for Sisters (ACS) in Denville conferred Associate in Arts degrees on seven sister students and presented Certificates in Theological Studies on six novices of the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco at Mass and commencement on May 11 in St. Mary Church, also in Denville.
Sister students from religious communities in Tanzania and Vietnam who earned associate’s degrees were Sister Mary Marietha Kimaro, OSS/ALCS; Sister Advera Maximillian Jeremia, IHSA; Sister Teresa Nhung Nguyen, OP; Sister Renifrida Kilawe, SSJ; Sister Savior Mkulia, OSB-OLHC; Sister Joana Charles Musenero, IHSA; and Sister Teresa Dao Nguyen, OP.
Salesian novices who received a Certificate in Theological Studies were Sister Kaitlin Trokan, Sister Lucia Ramirez, Sister Alejandra Trevino, Sister Jazmin Rangel, Sister Natalie Doummar, and Sister Desiree Barro.
Father Martin Glynn, St. Mary’s pastor, and several other priests concelebrated the Mass, assisted by parish deacons.
Sister Kathryn Clauss, president of the Sister Servants of the Immaculate Conception in Scranton, Pa., delivered the commencement address. The religious community sponsors Marywood University there, which granted scholarships to ACS graduates.
Sister Clauss told graduates, “You will realize the need the world has for you and realize the great gifts you bring to the world through your academic preparation, your vowed life lived with passion, and your heartfelt respect for God’s people.”
ACS also recognized Sister of Christian Charity Carol Schuyler as Alumna of the Year. Born and raised in Reading, Pa., she entered the community in 1966. In her ministry, Sister Schuyler taught high school social studies and history. In 2011, she began teaching various history courses at ACS.
About teaching at the college, Sister Schuyler said, “I am always in awe of the international Sister students for all they do to study in English, living in a new culture while living and working with sisters from different countries and cultures.”
Sister Kimaro gave this year’s reflection by a graduate on her class’ experiences during their studies at ACS. At the end of commencement, Denville Mayor Thomas Andes awarded each graduate a proclamation declaring her an Honorary Citizen of Denville.
ACS is a two-year liberal arts college for religious women, founded in 1953 by the Sisters of Christian Charity of Mendham. Each year, the college offers 20 scholarships to sisters of developing nations. ACS also welcomes lay people.
Information: visit www.acs350.org
