Newman U. awards Bishop Kemme an honorary degree

Bishop Carl A. Kemme spoke to NU graduates about leadership at the May 7 commencement at Hartman Arena in Wichita. (Photo courtesy Newman U.)

Bishop Carl A. Kemme was awarded an honorary degree from Newman University during a commencement ceremony Friday, May 7, at Hartman Arena in Wichita.

Newman annually awards an honorary degree to notable and accomplished members of the extended Newman community whose life and work reflect an exemplary dedication to one of the university’s four Core Values: Catholic Identity, Culture of Service, Academic Excellence, and Global Perspective.

Bishop Kemme received a degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa (for the sake of honor), for his years of service and leadership, as well as his remarkable representation of the Culture of Service core value.

He currently serves on the Newman Board of Trustees and supported the creation of the School of Catholic Studies by providing a Newman undergraduate education to diocesan seminarians in the diocesan St. Joseph House of Formation.

Bishop Kemme addressed graduates about the important elements of every leader, according to Pope Francis: to see, to discern and choose, and finally, to act.

“It is not so much looking back at past accomplishments, however great those truly are, and certainly you are all to be commended for the hard work in making this day possible in receiving your diplomas, but rather you are commencing something new, a new chapter in your life,” Bishop Kemme said.

“I pray that from my simple words today, which come really from Pope Francis, you will see yourselves as those authentic, humble and heroic leaders we need you to be. I see by discerning and choosing and by acting. Pope Francis invites us in his meditation to dream. I invite you to commence.”