Fr. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., president of the University, has announced the speakers for next month’s commencement exercises.
Cynthia Zane, president emerita from Hilbert College, and Fr. Dennis Holtschneider, C.M., president of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, will speak at the School of Health Sciences and Education’s graduation ceremonies.
Zane will speak at the SHSE’s graduate school ceremony (Saturday, May 11, at 9 a.m.) and Fr. Holtschneider will address those gathered for the SHSE undergraduate ceremony (Saturday, May 11, at 1 p.m.).
Attorney Paul “Mickey” Pohl will speak at the School of STEAM, the Shields School of Business and the Division of Professional Studies graduation ceremony on Sunday, May 12, at 9 a.m.
“Each will share some of their background in the message that they will give to the graduates,” said Fr. Malachi.
Fr. Malachi said he begins considering candidates for commencement speakers around a year in advance and that he seeks input from faculty and staff regarding potential candidates.
Zane served as president of Hilbert, a Franciscan college in Hamburg, New York, from 2006-18. She has worked with Fr. Malachi on various initiatives since he began his presidency at SFU in 2014.
“I have been so impressed during my visits to your campus with the passionate commitment of the students, faculty and staff,” said Zane, who is a native of Johnstown.
Zane’s speech will focus on the opportunities that students will experience post-graduation and the difference that they will make in their professional careers.
“I want graduates to leave with a positive message about the Catholic, Franciscan education they have received and how these values are important to bring to the world,” said Fr. Malachi.
All three speakers will receive an honorary degree during their visit to campus.
“The honorary degree allows us to recognize someone who has done exceptionally well in their field,” said Fr. Malachi.
Pohl’s commencement speech will cover what he believes are core values in life.
“Your education is just beginning,” said Pohl, a Pittsburgh attorney. “Always be grateful, be thankful, be kind, be optimistic, be prayerful, and be not afraid.”
Pohl has connected with Franciscans from Loretto’s Sacred Heart of Jesus Province in Loretto, in Steubenville, in Rome and in Austria. He has served on multiple boards with Fr. Malachi and worked with former Franciscan University President Michael Scanlan.
“The TORs have had a profound influence on my spiritual life – they lead by example,” said Pohl.
“I have been so blessed that God has allowed me to see many great leaders in situations, big and small.”
Holtschneider leads the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities. The ACCU’s goal is to strengthen and promotes Catholic identity and the missions of its member institutions.
“I’ve been to Saint Francis before and know how beautiful it is, but even more, how wonderfully kind and friendly the people I met are,” said Holtschneider.
Holtschneider has served in many roles, both in higher education and in business. He served as chief operations officer for Ascension, the nation’s largest not-for-profit health system.
From 2004-17, he was president at DePaul University.
