PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, May 20, Parsippany resident Maryia Lysak graduated from DeSales University with a bachelor of science in Nursing during the University’s 54th Commencement ceremony at the PPL Center in Allentown, PA. She was a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School Class of 2019.
Father James Greenfield, OSFS ’84, Ed.D., president, described the Class of 2023 as COVID, having overcome countless obstacles throughout the pandemic to embody the spirit of being ready for anything.
Quoting Pope Francis, he said, ” Perhaps the university’s mission is to train social poets, men and women who, upon learning the grammar and vocabulary of humanity, have a spark, a brilliance that allows them to imagine the unknown.”
He concluded on an optimistic note, “Enjoy the relay of your life. Carpe all your dreams. Keep the faith. Be generous with your time, talent, and treasure- especially to your alma mater- and you will be ready for anything. Just remember; whatever happens in your life, you will be in our prayers at DeSales University. You will always have a home here to return to, renew your heart, and refresh your spirit.”
Fr. Greenfield conferred degrees upon 429 graduate and undergraduate students. An additional 136 students, who have either already received their diplomas or will be receiving them in the next several months, were also recognized.
DeSales University, in Center Valley, PA, is a private, coeducational, four-year liberal arts Salesian Catholic university under the leadership of the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales. Founded in 1965, the 550-acre suburban campus is 50 miles north of Philadelphia and about 90 miles southwest of New York City. A total enrollment of nearly 3,500 includes undergraduate day and evening students and graduate students. DeSales has approximately 135 full-time faculty members and offers over 40 bachelor’s degrees, twelve graduate programs, and over 20 certificate programs in various disciplines; many can be completed online.
