HELENA, MONT. – On Saturday, May 10, 2025, Carroll College held its 115th Commencement Ceremony at Nelson Stadium, conferring degrees on 290 graduates, including recipients of baccalaureate, master’s, and accelerated nursing degrees. The celebration also featured the presentation of several student and faculty awards recognizing excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and teaching.
Nursing professor and recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Teaching Award, Janet Johnson, MSN, RN, CNE, provided the faculty address during the ceremony.
The senior speaker for the Class of 2025 was Marrin Chapman, a summa cum laude graduate from Helena and Clancy who earned a double major in Biology and Catholic Studies. At Carroll, Chapman served as student body president and was a Manion Scholar. She was also actively involved in music ministry, worked as a biology tutor and lab aide, and participated in undergraduate research.
The college’s Bishop Gilmore Memorial Award for Outstanding Scholarship, granted to seniors who have attained the highest grade-point average after four years at Carroll, was awarded to four graduates: Kaitlyn Heather Fellows (Business: Accounting & Strategic Finance) from Great Falls, MT, Chloe Jones (Biology) from Newport, WA, Reagan Bourquin Ryan (Mathematics Education 5-12) from Great Falls, MT, and Madeline Nancy Vandehey (Elementary Education) from North Plains, OR.
The Michael Murphy Award for Outstanding Collegiate Citizenship was presented to two graduates. Alexa Dreyer of Bozeman, MT, graduated with a degree in Nursing and is a compassionate leader recognized for her service as president of the Student Nurses Association, her four years in student government, and her dedication to community efforts such as the NAMI Walk, Special Olympics, and local nursing home outreach. Daxon Graham of Dillon, MT, graduated cum laude in Biology and is a servant-leader who quietly but powerfully impacted Carroll and the Helena community through his work on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, leadership in the “Coaching Boys into Men” program, and volunteer efforts with God’s Love, blood drives, Special Olympics, and international medical missions. Honorable mentions for this award included Laura Fontaine, Marrin Chapman, and June LePage.
Three graduates received the Raymond G. Hunthausen Outstanding Service Award. Audrey Narum of Damascus, OR, graduated cum laude in Nursing and served as vice president of the Student Nurses’ Association, helping to build a partnership with the Montana Hope Project and engaging in wide-ranging volunteer efforts. Gabrielle Sheridan of Helena, a Health Sciences graduate, founded the Period Poverty Project and volunteered with the No One Dies Alone program and a local rest home. Hunter Peck of Windsor, CO, graduated cum laude with a degree in Biology. A standout athlete and team captain, he dedicated his time to service with organizations like Shodair Children’s Hospital and Special Olympics.
Faculty honors included the Outstanding Teaching Award, presented to Dr. Hannah Hemphill, assistant professor of Catholic Studies, who is known for her thoughtful teaching, deep expertise, and compassionate guidance, fostering open and engaging conversations that challenge students to connect their learning to their lives and faith. The Distinguished Scholar Award was presented to Dr. Jeanette Fregulia, associate professor and chair of the History department, for her contributions as a scholar of the Mediterranean world and her service through public lectures, study abroad programs, and board service with Humanities Montana.
Carroll also conferred the title of Professor Emeritus on Dr. Grant Hokit, who joined the college in 1996. Over nearly 30 years, Dr. Hokit significantly shaped Carroll’s undergraduate research culture, mentoring more than 100 students, securing over $4 million in research funding, and exemplifying a legacy of scientific excellence, passionate teaching, and deep commitment to student success.
The ceremony also recognized Carroll’s 50-, 60-, and 70-year graduates from the classes of 1975, 1965, and 1955.
This year’s ceremony also marked a transition in leadership, as it was the final commencement for Carroll College’s 18th President, Dr. John Cech, who will retire on June 30, 2025. Dr. William Ruud, recently announced as the next president, will begin his tenure on July 1.
See the list of 2025 graduates and 50-, and 60- and 70-year graduates here.