Saint Martin’s University recognized co-valedictorians Avril Andales Regis and Alisa Zhupanenko, and salutatorian Jillian Abbe at its commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10.
Father John B. Klassen wass the 2024-25 commencement speaker.
Klassen was also an honorary degree recipient at the ceremony, with a doctorate of humane arts, honoris causa.
“We are deeply honored to welcome Father John Klassen, O.S.B., to Saint Martin’s as our 2025 commencement speaker and to award him an honorary degree in recognition of his lifelong dedication to Benedictine education and leadership,” shared Saint Martin’s University President Bill Brownsberger in a news release sent to The JOLT News.
“His legacy offers our graduates a powerful example of what it means to lead with wisdom, compassion, and integrity. We are equally proud to recognize our co-valedictorians, Avril Andales Regis and Alisa Zhupanenko, and our salutatorian, Jillian Abbe, whose outstanding academic achievements and contributions to the Saint Martin’s community exemplify the values at the heart of our Benedictine tradition,” Brownsberger added.
The Saint Martin’s University Commencement ceremony began at 10 a.m. at the Hal and Inge Marcus Pavilion on the university’s campus in Lacey.
Co-valedictorian Avril Andales Regis graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in history, with a cumulative grade point average of 4.0.
The news release stated Regis will attend LMU Loyola Law School after graduating to fulfill her dreams of becoming a public interest attorney.
Co-valedictorian Alisa Zhupanenko earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in education, and a cumulative grade point average of 4.0.
Post-graduation, Zhupanenko plans to pursue an advanced degree in psychology and combine her interest in research and counseling.
Salutatorian Jillian Abbe graduated with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and literary studies with a cumulative grade point average of 4.0.
Abbe is set to teach English language arts at a local high school before pursuing a master’s degree in education.
“Father John B. Klassen, O.S.B., Abbot Emeritus of Saint John’s Abbey, stands as a distinguished scholar, educator, spiritual leader and advocate for Catholic Benedictine values in higher education and public life,” the news release stated.
Minnesota-born Klassen professed as a Benedictine monk in 1972 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1977.
Klassen served as the 10th abbot of Saint John’s Abbey from 2000 until his retirement in 2024.
As a scholar, Klassen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and a Master of Arts degree in Theology from Saint John’s University, as well as a Ph.D. in Bio-Organic Chemistry from The Catholic University of America.
Klassen also finished post-doctoral research at UC Berkeley and taught extensively at Saint John’s University.
“His commitment to interfaith and ecumenical dialogue is exemplified by his long-standing role as co-chair of Bridgefolk, a grassroots initiative nurturing meaningful dialogue between Mennonites and Catholics,” the news release stated.
Klassen’s various contributions were recognized with numerous honors, including the National Institutes of Health Research Award, the National Science Foundation Research Award, and honorary doctorates from Regis School of Theology, the University of Mary, and Saint John’s University.
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