All Things Commencement and Senior Celebrations

Anna Hsia

On March 27, President Gerard Joyce’s weekly email announced that Michael R. Wysong will be the guest speaker for the 218th Commencement on Saturday, May 16.  

Wysong is the CEO of CARE Pharmacies, a member-owned network of independent pharmacies across the country. As CEO, Wysong grew the network to over 200 locations, and annual sales have grown to almost $2 billion.   

His focus has been helping local pharmacies stay competitive while making sure personal relationships and community care are being preserved, which makes neighborhood pharmacies so important to patients.  

The school also announced the guest speaker on LinkedIn, and the comments were flooded with positive remarks about Wysong and how lucky the class of 2026 will be to hear his words of advice.   

Seniors have been awaiting commencement since the start of the year. Earlier in the year, seniors marked the start of their final year at the Senior Pinning Ceremony, one of the Mount’s most meaningful traditions. At this event, seniors received their symbolic senior pin that features the iconic Dubois Cupola. The pin is inscribed with Spes Nostra (Our Hope) and the year, 2026. It represents their time here at the Mount and the legacy they will leave behind.   

Following the ceremony, seniors celebrated with classmates through live music, food and drinks, lawn games and fire pits.   

On April 16, during One Mount One Day, seniors gathered at Makers House for the “Crafting a Legacy” event. This event gave the seniors the opportunity to reflect on their Mount experience while supporting the Senior Class gift. It included food, fellowship and activities designed to be looked back upon at future class reunions.  

One of the last senior events is the Senior Send Off. It is the chance to come together, take a photo in front of the Mount St. Mary’s sign, and spend time with each other, food and drinks.  

On May 14, following the final day of exams, seniors will have their formal at Springfield Manor Winery Distillery Brewery. This annual tradition celebrates graduating seniors in a fun way as this will be some of their final moments together. The event will include hors d’oeuvres, desserts, an open bar, a DJ and a photo station. 

On May 15, seniors will have their Baccalaureate Mass, where they will celebrate Mass together one last time. This is also when the Hooding Ceremony will take place.   

Then Commencement Day is on May 16, where seniors and their families and friends will gather to see them walk across the stage, receive their diploma and become official Mount Alum.   

Congratulations on your accomplishments and what is to come, seniors!