Xavier University
Graduate Commencement
Awards
Magis Award
The Magis Award recognizes a Xavier undergraduate alumnus or alumna who has achieved a high degree of excellence and embodies Jesuit morals and ethical values in his or her life.
Michael K. Marfo (’17)
Michael Marfo (’17) is a senior solution advisor at SAP, a global leader in enterprise resource planning software. Since graduating from Xavier in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, Marfo has built a successful career in technology while remaining deeply engaged with the Xavier community. Marfo has been instrumental in inspiring renewed participation among underrepresented graduates and strengthening the university’s Black alumni network. He recruited and led a team of volunteers to create innovative, culturally responsive programming for Alumni Weekend and throughout the year. Through authentic and inclusive outreach, their efforts significantly increased alumni engagement, strengthened cross-generational connections and fostered a renewed culture of pride, service and philanthropic support within Xavier’s Black Alumni Community.
Fr. Albert Bischoff, S.J. Award
The Fr. Albert J. Bischoff, S.J. Award honors an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to student formation through spiritual conversion or campus ministry. The award recipient embodies Bischoff’s capacity to honor the full dignity in every person as having been created in the image and likeness of God.
Daniel J. Lynch (’90)
Dan Lynch (’90) is principal of St. Xavier High School, where he has served since 2021 after many years as a mathematics teacher, coach and faculty leader. Throughout his career, Lynch has been committed to Jesuit education. He has taught at several Jesuit institutions, including Marquette University High School, St. Aloysius' College (Sydney), Saint Joseph’s Preparatory School (Philadelphia) and Regis High School (New York City), as well as an international school in London, where he also served as interim middle school principal. A 1990 graduate of Xavier with a degree in psychology and secondary education, Lynch later earned a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from The Ohio State University.
Charles P. Gallagher Leadership Medallion
The Charles P. Gallagher Leadership Medallion recognizes exceptional individuals for leadership accomplishments of the highest distinction in their field or professional career such as medicine, law, education, science, business, government and public service. Honored individuals are those who have contributed to the betterment of society and who exemplify the values and mission of Xavier University.
Penny Kereiakes Pomeranz (M.Ed. ’82)
Penny Kereiakes Pomeranz (M.Ed. ’82) is co-founder of ProScan Imaging and the Cris Collinsworth ProScan Fund, celebrating 25 years of community impact. A dedicated civic leader, she has led initiatives including Pink Ribbon programs, the Queen City Classic Chess Tournament, and Chess in Schools, serving more than 3,500 students weekly across the tri-state area. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Cincinnati and her master’s in education from Xavier. Penny and her husband Steve continue to celebrate a three-generation legacy of giving with their 6 children and 12 grandchildren. Pomeranz serves on the board of the Baker Senior Center in Naples, Florida, and co-founded the Living Longer Lecture Series. She was named Cincinnati Enquirer Woman of the Year in 2003 and has served on Xavier’s Board of Trustees since 2018.
Paul L. O’Connor, S.J. Award
Dr. Liz Johnson
Liz Johnson is chair and associate professor in the Department of Computer Science at Xavier, where she has been a dedicated educator and leader since joining the faculty in 1997. Over her many years of service, she has held multiple appointments as chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science and has guided the Computer Science program through periods of significant growth and change. Known for her open-door approach and commitment to student success, she fosters a welcoming environment where students can thrive while pursuing the rigorous study of computer science. Beyond the classroom, Johnson has served on numerous university committees and was a founding member of the College of Arts and Sciences Council of Advisors. She also is a long-time volunteer and Director Emeritus for the Ohio Alleycat Resource and Spay/Neuter Clinic.
St. Francis Xavier Medal
The St. Francis Xavier Medal is given to outstanding individuals who, through their lives and endeavors, exemplify the qualities that made Francis Xavier a saint of action, courage, daring and imagination; and who have manifested high moral principles in their professional lives.
David L. Joyce (MBA ’96)
David L. Joyce (MBA ’96) is the retired vice chair of GE and former president and CEO of GE Aviation, where he led the world’s largest commercial and military aircraft engine business. David dedicated his career to GE, joining Aviation in 1980 as a product engineer, and named president and CEO of GE Aviation in 2008 and later vice chair of GE in 2016, retiring in 2020. David was known for his civic engagement with Cincinnati Public Schools and United Way, leading the city wide campaign in 2012. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University, an MBA in finance from Xavier, and is a member of the National Academy of Engineering. A member of Xavier’s Board of Trustees, Joyce has championed support for veteran and military-connected students through scholarships and significant investments in the university’s Capt. Phil Bucklew Veteran and Military Family Center.
Distinguished Alumnus
The Distinguished Alumnus Award recognizes a Xavier alumnus or alumna who has given outstanding service to the University and/or society and whose life reflects Jesuit Catholic morals and ethical values.
Richard A. Lechleiter (’79)
Richard A. Lechleiter (’79) is President of the Catholic Education Foundation of Louisville, which provides vital tuition assistance to families seeking Catholic education. In 2025 alone, the foundation awarded a record $8.6 million in scholarships to support Catholic elementary school students in the Archdiocese of Louisville. Lechleiter previously spent nearly 35 years in senior financial leadership roles within the healthcare industry. He served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Kindred Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 healthcare services company based in Louisville, from 2002 until his retirement in 2014. A graduate of Xavier University with a degree in accounting, Lechleiter’s family shares deep ties to the university, spanning multiple generations of Musketeers.
Teacher of the Year
The Teacher of the Year Award is given annually in two categories to a tenured faculty member and senior teaching professor. The prestigious award recognizes faculty who have demonstrated a commitment to the principles of Ignatian Pedagogy in their full responsibilities as educators. Recipients are nominated by students, faculty and staff. A committee of faculty and students reviews all nominations before submitting recommendations to the provost.
Karen L. Eutsler (MBA ’06)
Karen Eutsler is a Senior Teaching Professor in the Department of Marketing, Executive Director for the Center for Women in Business and Leadership, and Program Director of Xavier Next. After earning her MBA from Xavier in 2006, she began teaching sales as an adjunct instructor, drawing on her corporate background in sales and client service for Cincinnati‑based consulting and law firms. She transitioned to full‑time teaching in 2016, bringing more than 15 years of industry experience into the classroom. Karen is known for her highly experiential approach, where students engage in real client projects, sales competitions, and creative assignments. Her courses frequently partner with regional organizations, giving students the opportunity to apply concepts, develop strategy, and leave with a deeper appreciation for how marketing drives organizations and touches their everyday lives.
Cheryl Lero Jonson, Ph.D.
Dr. Cheryl Lero Jonson is chair and professor in the Department of Criminal Justice at Xavier, where she is known for her scholarship and commitment to student-centered learning. A leading voice in the study of corrections, public opinion and school safety, she has authored or contributed to nearly 100 scholarly publications. Her research on correctional officer recruitment, training and retention informs national policy conversations, and she has advised correctional leaders across the country. At Xavier, Jonson leads Inside-Out Prison Exchange courses that bring Xavier students and incarcerated individuals together to study criminal justice inside correctional facilities. Through her teaching, research, and mentorship, she prepares students to address complex challenges in the justice system.
Undergraduate Honorary Degree
The Honorary Degree recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions well beyond normal expectations in multiple areas such as their chosen vocation, or to Xavier University, or to society through involvement in governmental, philanthropy or social and civic affairs at the local, state, national or international level, or in any area of endeavor.
Lieutenant General (Ret) Michael D. Barbero
Lieutenant General (Ret) Michael D. Barbero, is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. As an Infantry Officer, he served nearly four decades on Active Duty in a career that was defined by a combination of frontline commands and high-level strategic diplomacy. He commanded forces at every grade, from Lieutenant to Lieutenant General and he served 46 months in Iraq over 3 separate combat tours of duty. General Barbero and his wife, Linda, established the Emily Barbero Memorial Veteran’s Scholarship at Xavier in 2023, in memory of their beloved daughter, Emily. After graduating from Xavier, with honors, in the Class of 2008, Emily forged her own distinguished career in government service at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Emily was truly a living embodiment of Xavier’s mission of promoting the common good and serving others. This scholarship preserves Emily’s passion for aiding military families and veterans at the university that she so loved.
Graduate Honorary Degree
The Honorary Degree recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions well beyond normal expectations in multiple areas such as their chosen vocation, or to Xavier University, or to society through involvement in governmental, philanthropy or social and civic affairs at the local, state, national or international level, or in any area of endeavor.
Deborah M. Hayes
Deborah Hayes (’94) is President and CEO of The Christ Hospital Health Network. Hayes began her nursing career in 1987 as a student nurse aide. Over more than three decades, she advanced through numerous leadership roles, including Clinical Nurse Manager, Director of Critical Care and Cardiovascular Services, Chief Nursing Officer, Chief Information Officer and Chief Operating Officer before becoming CEO in October 2020 As COO, Hayes oversaw hospital operations across the network and led major initiatives, the first ever hospital in the nation to implement an electronic health record all at once, Expansion of the Health Network including the $280 million transformation of the health system’s campus and the expansion of outpatient 6 ambulatory outpatient centers and the opening of Liberty Township Medical Center. She played a key role guiding the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, the Health Network has consistently been recognized as one of the Best Health Systems in the country by US News and World Report, Healthgrades, Newsweek, Premier, Forbes, Money, the American Nurses Credentialling Corporation’s Magnet Program, Press Ganey, LeapFrog and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid. A 1994 Xavier University graduate, Hayes remains active in the community through board service with organizations including Trinity Health, The Cincinnati Regional Chamber of Commerce, Network for Hope, The American Heart Association, ArtsWave, United Way, Matthew 25 Ministries and The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences.