Lourdes University Commencement Week Activities

SYLVANIA, Ohio—Lourdes University is pleased to announce December Commencement Week Activities. Events begin on Thursday, December 12, and culminate with Commencement on Saturday, December 14, at 11:00 a.m. All events take place on campus, 6832 Convent Blvd. The media is invited to attend and cover all events.

Nursing Pinning Ceremony

Thursday, December 12, 2024, 5:00 p.m. in the Franciscan Center Commons

The College of Nursing Pinning Ceremony recognizes Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Doctor of Nursing graduation candidates. The event includes an official pinning, oath, and blessing of the hands. A reception follows. It is open to the public.

67th Commencement Ceremony

Saturday, December 14, 2024, 11:00 a.m. in the Franciscan Center Theatre

Lourdes University President William J. Bisset, Ph.D., will confer degrees on graduates. Jim Haudan, Chairman and Co-Founder of Root and a former Lourdes University board member, will receive a Doctor of Public Service, Honoris Causa degree during the ceremony and deliver the 67th Commencement speech. Joseph and Judith Conda will receive the Mother Adelaide Award. Commencement is a ticketed event.

About Jim Haudan

For more than 30 years, Jim Haudan has been helping the world’s most influential organizations transform their business, change how they engage their people, enhance their culture, and deliver exceptional results. Jim captures Root’s story in his bestselling book, The Art of Engagement: Bridging the Gap Between People and Possibilities (McGraw-Hill, 2008). His latest book, What Are Your Blind Spots? Conquering the 5 Misconceptions That Hold Leaders Back (McGraw-Hill, 2018) – co-authored by Root CEO Rich Berens – dives into effective ways to engage and motivate people at every level of the organization. Jim has assisted over 150 Global 2000 companies navigate their business transformations. He has personally coached many of their senior teams on effectively leading change.

Jim is an executive coach to CEOs looking to elevate and sharpen their leadership, change, and strategic decision-making skills. He is also a frequent speaker on leadership, leadership alignment, strategy execution, employee engagement, business transformation, change management, and accelerated learning. Jim has spoken at TEDxBGSU, Tampa TEDx, and Conference Board events and has given keynote speeches for many organizations worldwide. He contributes regularly to business publications, including Inc. and Switch & Shift, where he ranked on the Top 75 List of Human Business Champions. He is also recognized as one of the top experts in creating more human workplaces.

The Mother Adelaide Award

The Mother Adelaide Award is conferred upon an individual distinguished by dedicated Christian service in any sphere of life. Recipients are recognized for exemplifying one or more of Lourdes University’s core values. Presented annually by the President of Lourdes, the award is a medal bearing a portrait of Mother Adelaide, founder of the Sisters of St. Francis, Sylvania, Ohio, under whose leadership and inspiration Lourdes University was founded. 

About Joseph and Judith Conda

Long recognized for their support of many community initiatives, Joseph and Judith Conda have a passion for projects that focus on access, belonging, and building a brighter future. Residents of Perrysburg for the last 36 years, Joe retired from OI in 2007 and then worked for H. D. Smith Wholesale Drug Company, retiring in 2015. Judith retired in 2003 after 34 years as an educator.

Joe and Judith grew up in households where time and talent were freely shared, with their parents’ lives serving as models for their current philanthropic endeavors. Joe and Judith have touched numerous corners of our community (Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo Lucas County Public Library, Toledo Symphony, Youth Orchestra, and a host of initiatives focusing on youth). Their impact is felt in endeavors related to music and the fine arts, youth education, and efforts that strengthen the family. The Condas truly exemplify the mandate of Mother Adelaide to make the place better for having been there.

Live Stream

Join us for a momentous occasion as we celebrate the achievements of our graduating class at Lourdes University’s Fall 2024 Commencement. The live stream event will take place on December 14th, 2024, starting at 11:00 a.m. in the prestigious Franciscan Theater.