Marian University awarded a record 1,125 degrees at its commencement ceremonies the weekend of May 6–8, 2022, at its Indianapolis and Plymouth campuses. A record 772 undergraduate and 159 graduate students received associate, bachelor's, and master’s degrees at the university’s 85th commencement ceremony. An additional 160 future doctors of osteopathic medicine graduated from the Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-COM) and 34 doctors of nursing practice from the Leighton School of Nursing.
Between the two campuses, three ceremonies took place with the first on Friday, May 6, at Marian University’s Ancilla College in northern Indiana, the second for undergraduate students on Saturday, May 7, and the last for graduate and doctorate students on Sunday, May 8, in the Arena and Convocation Center at the Indianapolis campus.
Commencement speakers included Gary Neidig, president and chief executive officer of Indiana Technology and Manufacturing Companies (ITAMCO), at Marian University’s Ancilla College. On Saturday, Rebecca Kubacki, a former Republican member of the Indiana House of Representatives, and Ram Yeleti, M.D., Community Health Network’s chief physician executive addressed graduates on Sunday.
Marian University’s Ancilla College celebrated its first graduation held in the Ancilla Domini Chapel. Seventy-five students representing seven-degree program areas graduated.
MU-COM graduated its sixth class of doctors with 64 percent beginning residencies in primary care and 32 percent of the class participating in Indiana-based residencies.
Each ceremony concluded with the time-honored tradition of Marian University’s sponsors, the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Indiana, blessing the graduates and providing the benediction.
Honorary degrees conferred:
Honorary degree recipient at Marian University’s Ancilla College ceremony:
Gary L. Neidig
Doctor of Business Administration
Gary L. Neidig is the president and chief executive officer of Indiana Technology and Manufacturing Companies (ITAMCO), a multi-faceted, advanced manufacturing company with its core business in metal machining of precision gears and machined components.
Neidig graduated from Bob Jones University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a minor in computer science. During his 42 years in manufacturing, Neidig has served roles in customer service, engineering, and executive management, while overseeing technology development for advanced manufacturing.
Neidig has served on numerous charitable boards/committees, including Marian University’s Ancilla College Board of Visitors.
Honorary degree recipients at the undergraduate ceremony:
Rebecca Espinoza Kubacki
Doctor of Public Service
Rebecca Espinoza Kubacki, who was born to migrant parents in Florida, is a former Republican member of the Indiana House of Representatives and the first Latina Republican elected to the Indiana General Assembly. While in the legislature, Kubacki served as majority whip, chair of the Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee, Ways and Means, and the Committee on Interstate and International Cooperation.
Kubacki’s life mission includes providing access to success and breaking the cycle of poverty beginning with higher educational opportunities for minority students. Kubacki is passionate about her community and serves on many boards, including the Marian University Board of Trustees.
Brandon D. Cosby
Doctor of Public Service
Brandon D. Cosby is the chief executive officer of Flanner House of Indianapolis, Inc., Indiana’s oldest community service agency for the black community focused on moving people from crisis and instability to a place of self-reliance and independence.
Cosby is also the founder of Flanner Farms, Cleo’s Bodega Grocery and Café, Morningstar Mental Health Services, Ujamaa Community Bookstore, and the Flanner Farms Greenhouse Project.
Cosby has dedicated his time to serving in various educational roles, from founding principal at Shortridge Magnet High School for Law and Public Policy to a classroom teacher.
Honorary degree recipients at the graduate and doctorate ceremony are:
Ramarao Yeleti, M.D.
Doctor of Public Health
Ramarao Yeleti, M.D., provides clinical leadership across a continuum of care that includes eight hospitals and more than 200 sites of care through his role as Community Health Network’s chief physician executive.
Dr. Yeleti moved into his current role after leading Community Physician Network as the entity’s president. In his role, he believes that patient care should be a physician’s priority.
He combines both strategic visions and drives from personal experience that has allowed him to develop a passion for quality and patient experience.
In addition to his current roles, Dr. Yeleti serves on many boards, including the Marian University Board of Trustees.
Alan E. Leighton ’62 and Sue E. Leighton (posthumous)
Doctors of Philanthropy
Alan E. Leighton ’62 is the former chief financial officer, treasurer, and secretary for Marian Incorporated. Leighton’s beloved wife of almost 52 years, Sue E. Leighton, who passed away in April 2020, was a longtime registered nurse.
Guided by her giving spirit, Sue spent many years volunteering at the Gennesaret Free Clinic, the Noblesville Public Library Board, and on the Hamilton County Red Cross Board. Sue was incredibly supportive of nursing education, as Marian University’s Leighton School of Nursing is named after her and her husband Alan.
Alan Leighton continues to give back to the Indianapolis community by serving on past and present boards including the Marian University Board of Trustees.
Marianne Glick
Doctor of Philanthropy
Marianne Glick serves as chairman of the board for the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Family Foundation and TeenWorks. Selflessly giving her time, she has served on the board of directors for a number of community-based organizations and programs.
She previously served as a trustee for Ball State University for ten years and was on the board of advisors for Butler University’s Andre B. Lacy School of Business.
She was an early pioneer in cable TV and had a home renovation business and her own training/consulting firm.
