CT PHOTOS BY E.L. HUBBARD

Father Edward Smith, president/rector of the Athenaeum of Ohio/Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, gives a welcome to those in attendance at the commencement ceremony.

Athenaeum graduates recognized Oct. 19

ARCHDIOCESE — The Athenaeum of Ohio/Mount St. Mary’s Seminary graduated 24 students during ceremonies on Oct. 19 in the Chapel of St. Gregory the Great. The degrees were conferred by Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk.

In addition to recognizing the faith and dedication of the graduates, the ocassion was also the opportunity to honor Sister of Mercy Victoria Vondenberger. A lecturer in canon law and member of the Athenaeum faculty since 1991, Sister Victoria was recognized with the Athenaeum’s annual Celebration of Teaching Award.

Sister Victoria was selected in recognition for her excellence in teaching on the basis of student course evaluations. Students appreciate her knowledge of her subject and her pedagogical skills, said Dr. Terrance D. Callan, dean of the Athenaeum.

Students are grateful for the experience that underlies Sister Victoria’s teaching, Callan said. In addition to teaching at the Athenaeum, she serves as director of the archdiocesan Tribunal Office. In that capacity, she deals with canon law on a daily basis. One student says one of her key teaching strengths is "the experience and insight of the instructor."

Another student expressed the views of many when he noted that "Sister Victoria has a great teaching style. Other professors could learn how to teach from her."

Sister Victoria holds a bachelor’s degree from Edgecliff College, a master’s degree in education from Xavier University and a bachelor’s degree and licentiate in canon law from St. Paul University in Ottawa.

The graduates and their degrees are:

Master of Divinity: Father Jason Bedel, Father Edward Pratt, Father Ryan Ruiz; Master of Arts in Biblical Studies: Father Ryan Ruiz; Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling: Heather Alley, Julia Groh, Bryan Manderfield, Kim Lukens; Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry: Teresa Davis, Mark Friedman, Judine Lambert, Terri Parker, Charles Roemer, Robert Staab, Janice Von Handorf; Master of Arts in Theology: Father Michael Appau.

Advanced Graduate Certificates in Pastoral Administration were earned by Marilyn Fryer, Carol Roosa and Robert Schroeder.