Ron Hansen

In an address to more than 1,600 members of Loyola College in Maryland's Class of 2009, Ron Hansen, MFA, distinguished author and Santa Clara University professor, challenged graduates to serve as authors of their own stories, choosing excellence over mediocrity in their pursuit of success.

"My hope for you all is that you achieve that success in that fantastic story, that romance and adventure that you are now beginning, that there will be a job or service or kindness that only you can do, for which you are uniquely qualified," said Hansen, who also received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during the ceremony. "You may never know what you have accomplished in the great enterprise in which you are an instrument, but the deep yearning to accomplish it is probably enough."

The 157th Commencement Exercises were held Saturday, May 16, at Baltimore's 1st Mariner Arena. To find out more about Hansen, click here. To view an excerpt from his address, click here.

Honorees recognized at Commencement included:

• Ron Hansen, MFA, author and Santa Clara University professor - Doctor of Human Letters, honoris causa
• Carl T. Julio, president of Apartment Services Inc. - The President's Medal (awarded to cherished friends and benefactors for service to Loyola and/or the community)
• Thomas M. Landy, Ph.D., director of the Center for Religion, Ethics and Culture at the College of Holy Cross - John Henry Newman Medal (recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves as exemplars of Catholic education).
• Gallagher Services, a Catholic Charities affiliate that operates a wide variety of programs dedicated to enhancing the self-esteem and independence of people with developmental disabilities - The Milch Award (recognizing superior contributions and achievement by an organization, typically one involved in service)