Ave Maria University held its 13th commencement exercises on May 7, 2016 in the Tom Golisano Field House. A record 211 undergraduate students received diplomas. The University conferred 10 Master’s and 2 Ph.D. degrees as well. Recent commencement speakers at Ave Maria University include former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, Governor Rick Scott, Librarian of Congress James Billington, and Dr. Arthur Brooks, president of the American Enterprise Institute.
Cardinal O’Malley is in his 13th year as Bishop of the Archdiocese of Boston, and 46th as an ordained priest. He was elevated to the rank of Cardinal-Priest in 2006 and is a key advisor to Pope Francis, serving as a member of the group of eight Cardinals assisting the Holy Father on reforming the Church’s governance and central administration. His Eminence holds both Master’s and Doctoral degrees from The Catholic University of America, and was a professor there for four years. He currently is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of his alma mater. He also is no stranger to Florida, having served as Bishop of the Diocese of Palm Beach prior to his appointment in Boston.
