St. Paul’s College Graduates
St. Paul’s College Celebrates Baccalaureate Mass and Ceremony 2025
St. Paul’s College at the University of Manitoba celebrated its graduating students at the Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation Ceremony on Sunday, April 27, 2025. The events took place at Christ the King Chapel, bringing together faculty, staff, students, alumni, family, and friends in a day of reflection, gratitude, and recognition.
The celebration began with a Baccalaureate Mass at 10:00 a.m., presided over by Fr. Mark Filips. The Mass featured music from the SPC Chapel Choir, with hymns such as When in Our Music God Is Glorified and Shine, Jesus, Shine, led by Pastoral Musician David Troya. Readings from Acts, Revelation, and the Gospel of John were shared as part of the Liturgy of the Word, and a homily was offered by Fr. Filips. Dr. Christopher J. Adams, Rector of St. Paul’s College, provided a warm welcome and closing remarks, while Elíude Cavalcante offered a Prayer for the Chapel.
Following the liturgical celebration, the College held its formal Graduation Ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Dr. Christopher J. Adams opened the proceedings, with Dr. Dilantha Fernando, Dean of Studies, presenting the 2024-25 graduands. Certificates were presented by Dr. Christopher J. Adams and Ms. Dorothy Scott, Chair of the Board of Governors. Also, many were recognized with scholarships, awards, and honours for their academic excellence and community service:
- Christine A. Butterill, Ph.D. (SPC’81,’88) Citizenship Award: Luca Calista
- Rosemarie Schilling Finlay Scholarship: Kevin Tachie
- STEM Scholarship: Bara Bashir, Omar Elmatary, Bronwyn Rempel, Gabriel Young
- Campus Ministry Community Service Award: Mitchell Chirau and Francisca Ehileme
- Father Cecil Ryan, SJ Rector’s Award: Dr. Meredith Bacola
- Paulinian of the Year: Diwan Oulai
Special ceremonial traditions included the transfer of the Stick and Vice-Stick, a symbolic passing of leadership among student representatives. Lily Francis passed the role of Vice-Stick to Nathaniel Casciano, while Luca Calista passed the Stick to Hans Alday.
This year’s Valedictorian, Khalil L. Coward (SPC/UM ’25) was unable to attend, so Lily Francis delivered his inspiring address that reflected on the students’ journeys, the community they built, and the values they carry forward.
One of the highlights of the day was the presentation of the Father Cecil Ryan, SJ Rector’s Award to Dr. Meredith Bacola. A dedicated academic within the Jesuit Centre, Dr. Bacola has played a vital role in the College community, leading travel studies programs, organizing the popular Lunch Hour Lecture Series, and actively participating in College governance. She has also offered continuous support to the Afghan refugee couple sponsored by the College. Her extensive contributions exemplify the spirit of service and commitment that the award represents.
St. Paul’s College congratulates all 2025 graduates and award recipients and wishes them continued success as they move forward into the next chapter of their lives.