Graduating Class of 2022: Love One Another

De Smet Jesuit celebrated its Graduation Mass and Ceremony for the Class of 2022 on May 15 at The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. The occasion marked the school’s 52^nd commencement exercises. 

The principal celebrant of the Mass, Fr. Ronny O’Dwyer, S.J., reminded graduates, “The most important lesson De Smet Jesuit taught you boils down to three words: love one another.” He asked them to consider the stories that they will tell, over and over, long after graduation, and to remember that each memory they carry with them reveals God’s love and presence in their lives.  

“The friendships you made at De Smet are a tangible experience of the love that God has for you,” Fr. O’Dwyer said. “You mattered here. Your presence made a difference. You belonged – and still do belong – to each other.  Each of you was necessary.  Each of you made a difference.”  

Watch Fr. O'Dwyer's full homily here.

Earlier in the day, graduates and their parents gathered in De Smet’s gymnasium for the Baccalaureate Brunch, during which guests heard remarks from Spartan alumnus Brian Flavin ’72. 

The following individuals were also honored as award recipients.

Fr. Ron Windmueller, S.J. Ignatian Educator Award 

Daniel Likos ’94

 

Pierre-Jean De Smet, S.J. Outstanding Service Award

Kevin Ruder ’93

 

Jesuit Schools Network Awards

Nicholas Ford

Luke Rothermich

William Teepe

Ryan Voelker

 

President’s Medals

Jacob Lorimer

August Waller

 

Jerry McMahon, S.J. Award

Lewis Worthy III

 

Valedictorian

Joshua Williams

 

Salutatorian

Ryan Voelker

 

The 169 members of the Class of 2022 received acceptances to 153 colleges and universities and were awarded $25.9 million in scholarship dollars. Sixteen members of the Class of 2022 are sons of De Smet Jesuit alumni.

Godspeed, Class of 2022. Our love and prayers go with you.