JRS/USA is excited to announce that our Executive Director, Joan Rosenhauer proudly received an honorary doctorate of humane letters degree and spoke at the 2019 Commencement of the School of Nursing & Health Studies. She celebrated and provided words of encouragement to 112 students who earned bachelor’s degrees in global health, health care management & policy, human science, and nursing, as well as 343 students who received master’s degrees in health systems administration and nursing, and seven students who received their doctor of nursing practice degree.

During her speech, Joan focused on the importance of committing to personal morals and values that can help shape your future. She encouraged the graduates to use their resources and skills to become servant leaders in a world full of suffering. “In a world of constant cruelty and violence, building peace is possible. Global challenges do not have to be overwhelming, and promoting loving one’s neighbor can work,” said Joan.

She also discussed her dedication to promoting the dignity and well-being of marginalized people throughout her career, and how it’s helped to shape her current role as the first female Executive Director of JRS/USA – where she works to accompany, serve, and advocate for the rights of forcibly displaced people. Joan closed her speech by telling the proud graduates that the NHS’ highest achievement is a “clear commitment to Jesuit values, which have fallen in line with service work that have informed students’ experiences.” She urged them to hold steady to these values and prayed that they each find joy in serving others as they make their mark on the world in their various career paths.