Omaha’s First Female Fire Chief to Speak at College of Saint Mary’s 100th Commencement
OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary will celebrate its 100th Commencement at 3 p.m. May 18 in the Lied Fitness Center Fieldhouse. CSM will graduate 150 students during the ceremony. They include 90 bachelor’s degrees, 26 master’s degrees and 34 doctoral degrees. An additional 18 students will receive certificates.
This is the first spring Commencement for CSM President Heather Smith, MBA, RN, FACHE.
The keynote speaker for the ceremony is Omaha Fire Chief Kathy Bossman, who was appointed to her position on March 24, 2023. Bossman began her 26-year tenure with Omaha Fire in 1997 and has previously served as a firefighter/paramedic, captain, battalion chief and assistant fire chief.
As the first female fire chief in the history of the Omaha Fire Department, Bossman is a trailblazer and a role model for women aspiring to pursue careers in firefighting and public safety. She is a highly respected leader in the fire service and has been a driving force in improving Omaha Fire’s operations while ensuring the safety of the Omaha community throughout her career.
Bossman’s daughter, Makayla, is a junior at CSM.
The recipient of the Spirit of Saint Mary Award, the highest achievement bestowed on a CSM graduate, will be revealed during Commencement.
A Baccalaureate Mass will be held at 1 p.m. in Our Lady of Mercy Chapel in Walsh Hall prior to the ceremony.
