Commencement highlights
A total of 35 USF student-athletes will participate in spring commencement ceremonies this weekend inside St. Ignatius Church, as the University celebrates the academic accomplishments of more than 2,000 graduating students from May 20-22.
 
Speakers for the various ceremonies include Judith F. Karshmer, Dean and Professor, School of Nursing and Health Professions; Carl Nolte, columnist and report, San Francisco Chronicle; Regina Gayle Jackson, President & CEO, East Oakland Youth Development Center; Tobias Wolff, Ward W. & Priscilla B. Woods Professor in the Humanities (Emeritus), Stanford University; Olga Castillo Talamante, Executive Director, Chicana Latina Foundation; Dixon R. Dell, Ph.d., Co-founder and partner (Emeritus), DCM; Sabeen Ali, CEO, Angelhack; and the Honorable Edward M. Chen.
  "Graduation weekend is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of all our seniors over the last four years," said Director of Athletics Scott Sidwell. "Their hard work in the classroom, on the playing field and in the community is a constant source of pride for everyone associated with USF Athletics."
 
Graduation weekend began on Thursday afternoon with a Commencement Mass in St. Ignatius Church, where University President Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J. served as homilist. The School of Nursing held its commencement ceremony on Thursday evening, while Undergraduate Humanities and Sciences, Arts and Sciences, College of Arts & Sciences (Graduate) and the School of Education held its commencement ceremonies on Friday. The School of Management and School of Law will celebrate its graduates on Saturday.
 
Members of the athletic administration staff and coaches of various teams were on hand to greet the graduating student-athletes and their families on Welch Lawn outside of St. Ignatius Church following the ceremonies.
 
USF's Class of 2016
 
Baseball
Merrick Belding
Brock Larson
Ryan Matranga
Blake Valley
Frank Waliczek
 
Men's Basketball
Montray Clemons
Tim Derksen
Uche Ofoegbu
 
Women's Basketball
Zhane Dikes
Rachel Howard
Taylor Proctor
Kayln Simon
 
Men's Cross Country & Track
Matthew Leach (Masters)
 
Men's Golf
Sebastian Crookall-Nixon
 
Women's Golf
Emelie Lundstrom
Clare Sorensen
 
Men's Soccer
Jesus Del Toro
Danny Kirkland
 
Women's Soccer
Alex Alugas
Charlee Garcia
Madalyn Schiffel
Sydney Telson
Leticia Torres
Rochelle Weerackoon
 
Men's Tennis
Vasco Valverde
Thomas Takemoto
 
Women's Tennis
Sofia Holmberg
Andrea Ka
Thyra Taune
 
Men's Track & Field
Jarrett Moore
 
Women's Track & Field
Eleni Fkiaras
 
Women's Volleyball
Jessica Keenan
Courtney Sabahi
Sara Staengle
Jurja Vlasic
 
December Graduates
Chris Adams, Men's Basketball
Ally Beck, Women's Soccer
Halle Bissin, Women's Soccer
Kevin Gould, Men's Soccer
Chelsey Jacox, Women's Basketball
Derrell Robertson, Men's Basketball
Johan Samuelson, Men's Tennis
Bernardo Saraiva, Men's Tennis
 
Athletic Administration
Chris Brown, Sports Management
Jessica Lantz, Collegiate Athletics
 
Senior Reflections

"USF has without a doubt changed my life for the better. Four years ago I was debating on turning professional, having nothing but my golf and no education to back me up, and now I've graduated and have a world class degree under my belt. I've become and even better athlete and would like to think and even better person. USF has prepared me for life and everything it has to offer and I hadn't realized that until just recently. I've made so many connections with people from all around the world that will hopefully last a lifetime, and the experiences I've had here, I never in my wildest dreams thought would be possible coming from such a small town in England. For a small school, it packs a lot of punch and really fills a huge place in your heart, and I'll forever be grateful to those who made it possible, and to those who created memories with me. I'm really going to miss it." Sebastian Crookall-Nixon, Men's Golf
 
"My time here at USF is something I will cherish forever.  Being able to run track for all four years is something I will always remember. The teammates, friends, coaches and professors I met along the way have always been supporting and encouraging. I am thankful to have such an amazing experience and to be able to grow along the way." Eleni Fkiaras, Women's Track & Field 
 
"USF has meant a lot to me these past four years. Leaving from Sweden to the United States without ever being in this country before and being far, far away from home was a big step. The diversity of the school and the kindness of everyone around helped a lot. Everyone is so friendly and helpful! I love the mix of being in a big city yet small school. Being able to play the sport you love while also receiving a great education in the best city ever is not something everyone get the chance of and for that I'm forever grateful." Sofia Holmberg, Women's Tennis 
 
"I am really happy that I chose to go to USF and get my education here. It has been four years of new challenges, experience and inspiration in my life that I wouldn't have gotten anywhere else. I loved our beautiful campus, small and very personable classes and our great professors, it makes this school very unique. The golf program has developed so much during my four years here and it's been really fun to see that transformation. It has helped me so much as a person and golfer to move from Sweden to the U.S. and study here at USF, because I have learned so much about myself that I can thank this program for. I am really thankful for all the support I have received from the USF athletic staff, my teammates, coaches, family and friends, who have helped me to push myself every day to get better and who made this possible. USF will always be in my heart!" Emelie Lundstrom, Women's Golf
 
"My experience at USF these past four years have turned me into a man. I've learned so much from watching my coaches go about their daily lives. Being a student athlete has taught me the value of putting your head down and working as hard as you can each day." Ryan Matranga, Baseball
 
"My experience here at USF has been amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better four years. The relationships I have built here will last a life time. I couldn't thank my coaches, my team, and the athletic department for the support they have giving me throughout the years. I'm going to miss it here so much." Taylor Proctor, Women's Basketball
 
"My experience at USF has helped me learn about the person I want to be. Thanks to all the people that were with me on this journey, I have learned how strong of a person I am and what my capabilities are. My family, coaches, teammates, friends, and faculty got me through difficult times while at USF and I am happy to say I made it this far with all their help. This is for you dad." Courtney Sabahi, Volleyball
 
"USF has been an excellent place for me to grow in many capacities.  I have been challenged emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, and physically as a student athlete.  Yet this same community provided the support I needed to grow in these areas of my life.  I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to earn my degree here as well as represent USF Athletics." Clare Sorensen, Women's Golf
 
"I am extremely grateful to have had the chance to be a student-athlete at the University of San Francisco. Looking back on who I was four years ago and who I am now, is night and day. I was a shy young girl who spoke only little English and today I will be graduating from USF with honors and as a confident grown individual. I am so happy I have made the decision to come to USF and to be part of the USF community. Being a student-athlete at USF has positively impacted me to be the person I am today and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I want to thank everyone and everything who has shaped my experience at USF." Sara Staengle, Women's Volleyball
  
"USF has been an experience in more ways than one. It has given be the opportunity to exceed in my sport, educate my mind, grow as an individual and make lifelong friends I can call family. I am so honored and humbled to have gone to such a great University in the best city ever. And always, Go Dons." Sydney Telson, Women's Soccer
 
"My USF experience was true blessing for me. I grew so much in many different areas. I learned another language, I got better in volleyball, I traveled the world, met so many different people, established everlasting friendships, I grew on a spiritual level, I've failed and I've succeeded. It's been a real fun to be a student-athlete. I'm very grateful for all the opportunities I've got chance to experience. After four years at the Hilltop, I am definitely more educated, mature and open-minded person. I feel ready for next step in my life. I feel I can conquer anything." Jurja Vlasic, Women's Volleyball
 
"I truly had an invaluable experience here at USF by being a student athlete: having this opportunity to earn a degree and graduate from such a prestigious school while also fulfilling a dream to play soccer in college at the highest level. I have learned so much, made so many memories, and formed many relationships with my teammates, friends, coaches, and professors. I can't believe how quickly these four years have past by, but these four years will stick with me for a lifetime. I am just incredibly thankful, humbled, and blessed to have had this opportunity to be a student athlete at USF." Rochelle Weerackoon, Women's Soccer