Emily Franklin of Kansas City, MO, has graduated Cum Laude from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, majoring in Management.

The college graduated 520 students at the end of the academic year during ceremonies on May 17, 2025. It was the largest graduating class in the school’s history. Sister Deirdre Byrne gave the keynote address, providing “’Sister Dede’s Spiritual Post-Graduate Survival Guide.” Her advice to find God’s plan for each student consisted of seven points:

• Go to Church. God gives you 168 hours in a week. He asks for one back.
• Travel. The world is a wonderful place. You learn more about yourself when you learn more about others.
• Tithe your talents. Give back to those who were not as blessed to receive the two greatest gifts offered at Benedictine College. Your education and your faith.
• Obtain Spiritual Lasic Surgery … that is the ability to see as Christ sees. Confession and the Eucharist keep those spiritual lenses clean and is our shield and armor to fight against temptation.
• Stay well read. Read on issues important to you and your faith but always read and learn with a discerning heart. Not only put Christ in the center of your lives, your friendships and relationship, but keep Him there.
• If you are searching for Mr. or Mrs. Right, work on first becoming Mr. or Ms. Right.
• Lastly, call your mother! Remember you not only have parents that love you, but you are spiritual children of our Blessed Mother, so invite her, too, to be with you daily.

“So, although you are leaving your ‘Catholic Home’ of Benedictine College on a new and exciting chapter of your life, make St. Benedict proud of you to be a son or daughter of this outstanding college. Don’t just live. Live God’s plan,” concluded Sister Deirdre.

Founded in 1858, Benedictine College is a Catholic, Benedictine, residential, liberal arts college located on the bluffs above the Missouri River in Atchison, Kansas. The school is honored to have been named a Top 10 College in the Midwest by “U.S. News & World Report” as well as one of the top Catholic colleges in the nation by “First Things” magazine and the “Newman Guide.” It prides itself on outstanding academics, extraordinary faith life, strong athletic programs, and an exceptional sense of community and belonging. It has a mission to educate men and women within a community of faith and scholarship.