In a Blue Mass to honor law enforcement officers, held in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, 34 members of the Class of 2018 were inducted into the Order of St. Michael, a confraternity devoted to achieving and maintaining the hghest of ethical standards and morals in the field of criminal justice. The Mount’s Criminal Student Association initiated the Order of St. Michael to create a bond among members of the Mount community who work in criminal justice as well as to recognize those who have made positive contributions to this vocation.
In preparing the seniors for induction into the Order, Joseph Vince, director of the Mount's Criminal Justice Program, advised drawing on "the wisdom of the past, the truth of today and the hope of tomorrow" as they go forward with their lives. "May you strive to make the best of each obstacle you face and choose to serve and protect those around you, speak out for those who cannot speak up for themselves and continue to have faith and courage in your life that St. Michael will always be there to guide you," Vince continued.
Inductees received a scapular with the religious image of St. Michael on the front and prayer on the back. Many of the recipients proudly wore their scapulars at graduation.
In addition, the Fr. James Delaney Criminal Justice Leadership Award was awarded to Sergeant Andrew M. Crone, deputy sheriff in the Frederick County Sheriff's Office, and to Rachel E. Tubbs, C’18.
Seniors in the Bolte School recited and signed an ethics pledge in an annual ceremony. In brief remarks, President Timothy E. Trainor, Ph.D. discussed three key attributes of a leader: character, competence and commitment. Character is the most important leadership characteristic because it can’t be taught, Trainor said.
John Allison, former CEO of BB&T Bank and of the Cato Institute, delivered the keynote address in which he stressed the importance of ethics in business. BB&T avoided the financial crisis in 2008 because the firm did not compromise its principals. "I have never done something for a client that I believed was bad. Shortcuts end up badly," advised Allison. Allison shared his secret to a successful life: "Find a sense of purpose, be clear on your values and never compromise."