Alumni

Class of 2025 Graduation Celebrations

Graduation Mass and Dinner

Students, faculty, administrators, and families gathered at St. Anthony's Church in Prospect to celebrate Mass as a community one last time before graduation. Fr. Michael Dolan, former member of Notre Dame’s Board of Directors and pastor of Sts. Timothy and Thomas Church, joined us as the presider at this special mass. Lukasz Kozloski was selected to address his classmates at the Mass.

Following Mass, students and families enjoyed the Graduation Dinner at Aria. A slide show of the members of the Class throughout their years at Notre Dame played as students took photos with family members and teachers, teammates and advisors. Antwain (AJ) Johnson was the speaker for the evening.

Graduation

The misty morning could not dim the spirits of the Class of 2025, and their family and friends gathered to watch the graduation ceremonies at Notre Dame. Lelan Jacheo addressed his classmates, highlighting the lessons he has learned from our Holy Cross mission. We also recognized the members of the Class of 1975 with the presentation of their Golden Diplomas. Genaro Labanca, Notre Dame’s 2021 Man of the Year, offered congratulatory remarks and officially inducted the members of the Class of 2025 into the Notre Dame Alumni Association.

One of the highlights of Notre Dame’s graduation ceremony is the announcement of the two highest awards for a member of the senior class: the Man of the Year and the Notre Dame Code Winner.

The Man of the Year Award recognizes the student who, in the opinion of the faculty, has done the most for the school. Lelan Jacheo is this year’s recipient. Lelan was praised for his contributions to every aspect of our community - service, athletics, student government, and campus ministry. There was rarely an activity that Lelan did not participate in. Lelan will be continuing his education at Connecticut College.

The Notre Dame Code Award is presented to the senior who the faculty believes best embodies the ideals of the Notre Dame Code - a student who lives a healthy Christian life rooted in faith, honesty, and service; who cares deeply for others, and is committed to genuine friendships, honorable leadership, and always strives to serve God, country, and community. This year’s recipient is Antwain (AJ) Johnson. AJ’s hand was in every aspect of life at Notre Dame. Student Government President, Captain of the Football Team, Admission Intern, and President of the Black Student Union are just a few of the titles AJ has held during his tenure at Notre Dame. He has been a model to his fellow students, and especially to younger students. AJ will be attending Morehouse College in the fall.