ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ will honor Thomas J. Winston during its Spring Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. The ceremony will occur at the Russell J. Ebeid Recreation Center on the Lourdes campus at 6832 Convent Blvd.

Winston, a ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Board Member and the President and CEO of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, will be bestowed with a Doctor of Public Service, Honoris Causa degree during the ceremony. He will also grace the event as the 68th Commencement speaker, offering insights from his extensive business and leadership experience.

In his role at the Port Authority, Thomas Winston is responsible for developing and implementing the organization’s strategic direction. He oversees all operations and development activities, including aviation, maritime, economic development, financing programs, brownfield redevelopment, property acquisition, downtown parking operations, and other strategic activities associated with the Port Authority’s multi-modal facilities.

Winston joined the Port Authority in 2010 as Vice President, Administration and Chief Financial Officer, leading its accounting, financing programs, legal, IT, and human resources departments. He became President and CEO in September 2019.

Before joining the Port Authority, Winston held increasing leadership responsibilities in diverse business capacities with several industry-leading corporations, including Owens Corning, Pfizer, and Nuveen Investments.

A native of Chicago, Illinois, Winston earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Philosophy from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1992 and his Master of Business Administration in Finance and Marketing from Loyola University Chicago in 1998.

Winston is a member of the internationally recognized Association for Financial Professionals (AFP). In addition to his work at Lourdes, he serves on the Board of Trustees for Imagination Station, Boys & Girls Club of Toledo, Toledo Opera Association,  The Toledo Museum of Art, The Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council, and is Chair of the Ohio Economic Development Association.

In recognition of his profound contributions to business and leadership, ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ is proud to confer upon Thomas J. Winston an honorary degree, celebrating his dedication to and impact on community service.

SYLVANIA, Ohio—ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ 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

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ President William J. Bisset, Ph.D., will confer degrees on graduates. Jim Haudan, Chairman and Co-Founder of Root and a former ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ 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 ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½â€™s core values.ÌýPresented 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 ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ was founded.Ìý

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 ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½’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.

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ proudly celebrated its 66th Commencement this past Saturday, honoring 130 outstanding graduates who have reached a significant milestone in their academic journey.

Amidst a backdrop of joy and pride, faculty, staff, families, and friends gathered on Saturday, May 4, at the Russell J. Ebeid Recreation Center to commemorate the remarkable achievements of the graduating class. The ceremony was a testament to the dedication and hard work exhibited by each graduate throughout their time at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½.

Commencement speaker, Kristin Moline, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology & Health Sciences, has devoted 43 years of her career to ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½. She will receive the esteemed title of Assistant Professor Emerita upon her retirement this year. Ms. Moline offered wise sentiments about going into the world to make a difference while never forgetting your roots. The university is incredibly thankful for Ms. Moline’s service and honors her dedication to education and the institution.

Dr. William J. Bisset, President of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½, expressed admiration for the graduates, stating, “We are immensely proud of each and every one of our 130 graduates who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, perseverance, and academic excellence. As they embark on the next chapter of their lives, we are confident in their ability to make meaningful contributions to their respective fields and communities.”

Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Dr. Terry Keller, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, remarked, “Spring 2024 Commencement was a truly special moment for our university community. It served as a reminder of the transformative power of education and the limitless possibilities that await our graduates as they embark on their professional journeys.”

As the celebrations of the Spring 2024 Commencement come to an end, the institution remains committed to nurturing future generations of leaders and innovators, and is expectant of what the future holds.

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ is set to honor Jim Haudan during its upcoming Spring Commencement Week, which begins Thursday, May 2, and concludes with Commencement on Saturday, May 4 at 1:00 p.m. The ceremony will be held at the Russell J. Ebeid Recreation Center, located on campus at 6832 Convent Blvd.

Haudan, a former ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Board Member and the Chairman and Co-Founder of Root, will be bestowed with a Doctor of Public Service, Honoris Causa degree during the ceremony. Moreover, he will grace the event as the 66th Commencement speaker, offering insights garnered from his extensive experience in transforming organizations worldwide.

For over three decades, Jim Haudan has been at the forefront of facilitating transformative change within some of the world’s most influential organizations. His profound impact is encapsulated in his bestselling book, “The Art of Engagement: Bridging the Gap Between People and Possibilities” (McGraw-Hill, 2008), where he outlines strategies to enhance organizational culture and drive exceptional results. Additionally, his latest work, “What Are Your Blind Spots? Conquering the 5 Misconceptions That Hold Leaders Back” (McGraw-Hill, 2018), co-authored with Root CEO Rich Berens, delves into overcoming leadership barriers and fostering engagement at all levels.

With a portfolio comprising over 150 Global 2000 companies, Haudan has guided numerous organizations through intricate business transformations. He has also provided invaluable executive coaching to CEOs, assisting them in refining their leadership, change management, and strategic decision-making acumen.

In recognition of his profound contributions to the realm of business and leadership, ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ is proud to confer upon Jim Haudan an honorary degree, celebrating his dedication to fostering positive change and creating more human workplaces.

Please join the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ community in celebrating Jim Haudan’s accomplishments along with our 130 graduates!

Commencement Week Activities

Nursing Pinning Ceremony
Thursday, May 2, 2024, 7:00 p.m. in Russell J. Ebeid Recreation Center

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. The event is open to the public.

Student Awards Ceremony
Thursday, May 2, 2024, 5:00 p.m. in the Franciscan Center Commons

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ bestows awards to students and graduation candidates who have achieved high marks in academics, student life, service learning, and campus ministry. The event is open to the public.

Baccalaureate Mass
Saturday, May 4, 2024, 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel

Graduates, family, friends, faculty, and staff will attend the Baccalaureate Mass. The service is open to the public.

66^th Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, May 4, 2024, 1:00 p.m. in Russell J. Ebeid Recreation Center

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ President William J. Bisset, Ph.D., will confer degrees on 130 graduates. Jim Haudan, former ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Board Member and Chairman and Co-Founder of Root, will receive a Doctor of Public Service, Honoris Causa degree during the ceremony and serve as the 66^th Commencement speaker. Commencement is a ticketed event.