In her May 18 commencement address, Valedictorian Brianna Reim reminded her fellow graduates about their shared academic experience.
“We were able to see how unique and intentional the professors are here at Neumann,” she said. “They took the time to know us, support us, and push us to be the best students and people we can be. And because of that, we all get to be just a little wiser and kinder as we move forward in life.”
She also expressed gratitude for her athletic experience as a member of the softball team. Describing her teammates as her “family away from home,” she credited them for years of friendship and support.
“They taught me how to persevere in the face of adversity, how to lead with empathy when helping people in their struggles and about celebrating each other in our successes,” she told the crowd that filled the Mirenda Center.
She concluded her remarks by urging classmates to “seize every opportunity, embrace every challenge, and cherish every moment” in the future.
An elementary education and special education major, Reim graduated with a 4.0 GPA.
John (Jack) Lynch III and Monsignor Federico Britto received Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees for their decades-long leadership and community service.
Lynch is president and CEO of Main Line Health, suburban Philadelphia's most comprehensive health care system. Monsignor Britto serves as the founding pastor of St. Cyprian Catholic Church in Philadelphia.
Neumann awarded 361 undergraduate and graduate degrees at two on-campus commencement ceremonies.