(Leavenworth, Kansas) – In the lead up to its May 9 Commencement Ceremonies, the University of Saint Mary recognized the class of 2026 during a Convocation Honors and Hooding Ceremony on April 29 in Annunciation Chapel on the university’s main campus in Leavenworth – 4100 South 4th Street.

Saint Mary is one of the few universities in the U.S. continuing the time-honored tradition of hooding its undergraduates. The hoods are worn over the graduation robes and denote a student’s academic discipline.

During the ceremony, Kansas Senator Jeff Klemp presented a Senate Tribute to University President Sister Diane Steele in recognition of her leadership and 25 years of service. Sister Steele will conclude her tenure as president this summer and was also recognized with the rank of Professor Emerita.

USM also recognized academic honors and achievements, including:

  • Business Student of the Year: Jordan Knipp of Bonner Springs, Kansas
  • Chase Student Award in Biology: Aidan Arnold of Brea, California
  • Mother Mary Ancilla Award: Abigail White of Pretty Prairie, Kansas
  • All-University Honors:
  • Rylee Knight of Edwardsville, Kansas
  • Ian Hunter Izaak Hein of Kansas City, Kansas
  • Jadyn Mae McBurney of Independence, Missouri
  • Luke Carter Taylor of Wichita, Kansas
  • Hannah Michelle Gilbert of Easton, Kansas
  • Marta Grazyna Beougher of Kansas City, Kansas
  • Chloe Denise Byrd of Springfield, Illinois
  • Olivia Ringle of Tehachapi, California
  • Sullivan Award for Teaching Excellence and University Leadership and Service:  Assistant Professor of Biology Thomas Radosevich, PhD
  • The Mehring-Banikowski Endowed Distinguished Faculty Award: Associate Professor and Program Director of Management and Marketing Adrianne Ford, PhD
  • The Mehring-Banikowski Endowed Distinguished Director Award: Controller Nicole Bibler
  • The Mehring-Banikowski Endowed Distinguished Support Staff Award: Admissions Advisor Joe Perez
The University of Saint Mary is a Catholic co-educational applied liberal arts university founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The University of Saint Mary main campus is located at 4100 South 4th Street, Leavenworth, Kan. USM-Johnson County, at 11221 Roe Ave., offers evening accelerated graduate and undergraduate degree-completion programs. The university also offers online programs. Visit stmary.edu for more information.