Record-Breaking Graduation: Franciscan University of Steubenville Celebrates Its Largest Class Ever!

STEUBENVILLE — This past Saturday, Franciscan University celebrated a milestone with the graduation of its largest class ever: 907 students in the Class of 2025.

The festivities began with a Baccalaureate Mass on Friday, led by Bishop Andrew Cozzens from the Diocese of Crookston, Minnesota. He received an honorary doctorate for his significant contributions to the National Eucharistic Revival. Cozzens shared a powerful message about surrendering all to Jesus and highlighted the Eucharist as central to a faithful Christian life. He urged graduates to let go of what holds them back, warning that anything kept from God could lead to spiritual barrenness.

“Commit to living out your faith fully, especially in challenging times,” he said, echoing the legacy of St. Francis of Assisi, the University’s patron.

During the commencement ceremony, Mary Rice Hasson, JD, a prominent figure in religious liberty advocacy, was honored alongside her husband, Kevin “Seamus” Hasson. They were recognized for their efforts in defending human dignity. In her speech, Hasson challenged the graduates to engage with a cultural crisis affecting identity today. She characterized it as an “anthropological revolution” that distorts the understanding of what it means to be human.

“You are now part of this crucial conversation,” she told the graduates. “Your time at Franciscan has equipped you to make a difference in a world that desperately needs clarity about identity.”

The conversations around gender and identity are particularly timely. Recent research from the Pew Research Center shows increasing polarization in views on gender norms, with many young people advocating for greater understanding and acceptance of diverse identities. This highlights the relevance of Hasson’s message.

Lastly, University President Rev. Dave Pivonka, TOR, encouraged the graduates to carry their faith into the world. “The world needs to see what faith, honesty, and goodwill look like,” he emphasized.

This graduation wasn’t just a ceremony; it marked the beginning of a new chapter for these young adults as they step into a world that needs their voices and values.

For more on current issues in identity and culture, visit the Pew Research Center.



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