Notre Dame College President J. Michael Pressimone, Ed.D., congratulated the Class of 2020 and encouraged them to reflect on and continue to connect with their campus mentors for continued success.
Pressimone donned his academic regalia to address graduates via video from Notre Dame’s Christ the King Chapel as part of the College’s conferral of degrees with respect for social distancing. The new president inspired the nearly 200 students receiving bachelor’s and master’s degree from Notre Dame to express their gratitude to the faculty, staff, administrators and family and friends who have supported them throughout their College careers.
“So many people have been with you along the way. Remember them, reach out to them, thank them. Celebrate with them,” Pressimone said.
He urged the graduates to keep in touch digitally with members of the College community for now and reassured the new alumni that the Notre Dame family, they along with current and future students, will be united again in person on campus.
“I look forward to a day when we can all gather together, and I can congratulate you personally sometime later this year,” he said.
Pressimone evoked the Class of 2020 show their appreciation to the Notre Dame faculty who shared their knowledge and experience and offered academic and career advising to aid the graduates in earning their degrees. The president underscored how these educators will serve as supports for the alumni for years to come.
“They have dedicated their lives to perfecting their craft so that you may take that expertise into your various fields, so please be mindful of them, remember them, stay in touch with them,” Pressimone said. “They will be great sources of help and inspiration for you into the future.”
The president highlighted the role of others on campus, including residence hall or other staff “who might’ve provided a helping hand or listening ear when you most needed it.” He articulated how these campus community members as well as the graduates’ classmates, coaches and administrators, share in their joy and are deserving of thanks.
Pressimone also commended John Galovic, Ed.D., liaison to the president who served as interim president over the past year. Pressimone thanked Galovic, who he said was “responsible for shepherding this class through their final year of study,”
View the video of Pressimone’s commencement address.
May 2020
About Notre Dame College
For almost a century, Notre Dame College has educated a diverse population in the liberal arts for personal, professional and global responsibility. Founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1922, the College has grown strategically to keep pace with the rapidly changing needs of students and the dramatic changes in higher education. But it has never lost sight of its emphasis on teaching students not only how to make a good living but also how to live a good life.
Today, the College offers bachelor’s degrees in 30 disciplines plus a variety of master’s degrees, certification programs and continuing and professional development programs for adult learners on campus and online. Notre Dame College offers NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletic programs for men and women and is located in a picturesque residential neighborhood just 25 minutes from the heart of Cleveland. Hallmarks of the Notre Dame experience include stimulating academics, personalized attention of dedicated faculty and staff, and small class sizes.
Notre Dame College is located at 4545 College Road in South Euclid. For further information contact Brian Johnston, chief communications officer, at 216.373.5252 or bjohnston@ndc.edu.