For the past six years, seniors have had a chance to be a part of a baccalaureate ceremony that allows them to celebrate their graduation in a religious light.

Ruth Curtman, math teacher, is one of the sponsors of this ceremony. She said a baccalaureate ceremony is simply a celebration of all faiths where students who wish to can offer thanks to God for their accomplishments and give Him honor as they graduate.

“Many Marquette students are people of faith and want to thank and praise God publicly for helping and guiding them in their lives. This gives them an opportunity to do so,” Curtman said.

Curtman said when the Baccalaureate has been offered in the past, usually more than 100 students come with their families to celebrate.

“Turn out in the past has been good, but I do not know how many are expected this year,” Curtman said.
Hannah Dorsey, senior, will attend the ceremony and said the baccalaureate ceremony it’s a nice way to give thanks and openly graduate together as Christians.

“It’s a different more intimate way of graduating that isn’t about how many honor chords you have or your grades, it’s about moving onto the next step in your life and thanking God for the blessings so far,” Dorsey said. “It’s not about yourself but about thanking everyone around you for holding you up in your faith and a ceremony to celebrate this accomplishment.”

Dorsey said the baccalaureate is important to her and that she is really looking forward to it.

“I am lucky to be giving a speech this year at the graduation and it’s an honor to be able to graduate with fellow people that have the same views as me and want to graduate in front of God together,” Dorsey said.

Dalton Loos, senior, said he heard about the ceremony from his brother, Will Loos, when he graduated two years earlier.

“As a Christian it is important to me and it will be something I remember later in life,” Loos said. “I am looking forward to it, I can see all my other friends going to the service and get together for one last celebration before graduation.”

Curtman said everyone is welcome to come including all students, especially seniors, staff, family and friends.

The ceremony is being held at St. John’s Church in Ellisville on Sunday, May 17, at 4 p.m., though seniors should arrive early to be in line for the processional.