Misericordia University Announces 2024 Convocation Ceremony Speaker, Award Recipient

Misericordia University Announces 2024 Convocation Ceremony Speaker, Award Recipient

(DALLAS, PA, August 8, 2024)—Attorney Bob Gronauer learned many lessons in college that he will share with the second largest incoming class of first-year students in Misericordia University’s 100-year history when he speaks at the annual convocation ceremony on Thursday, August 22, 2024 in the Wells Fargo Amphitheater on campus.

Gronauer, a Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania native who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history and minor in political science in 1991 from what was then College Misericordia, credits his history professor Don O. Fries, Ph.D. for fostering a practice he uses every day in his career.

Gronauer said, “Fries’ rule was when you got your test grade, he didn’t want to talk to you that day. He said he would talk to you the next day because you’ll be more rational by sleeping on it. I teach my kids that.”

Gronauer, who earned his juris doctor from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Lansing, Michigan, credits the lessons he learned at Misericordia for helping build his foundation for where he is today as managing partner of the Kaemper Crowell Law Firm and a senior member of the firm’s government affairs department.

In addition to delivering the 2024 convocation speech, Gronauer has also been chosen as the recipient of The Mother Mary Catharine McGann Alumni Achievement Award. This distinguished accolade honors outstanding career accomplishments by a Misericordia University graduate.

Misericordia University President Daniel J. Myers, Ph.D. said, “Our long tradition of honoring accomplished alumni during opening convocation is very meaningful and helps to link the current generation of Misericordia students with those throughout our 100-year history,” adding, “Bob’s outstanding professional achievement is indicative of the way Misericordia helps to empower caring, motived people to be leaders and craft lives of consequence.”

Gronauer represents local and national developers and individuals before the North Las Vegas City Council; North Las Vegas Planning Commission; Clark County Board of County Commission; Clark County Planning Commission; Clark County Town Boards; Las Vegas City Council; Las Vegas Planning Commission; Nye County Planning Commission; Nye County Board of County Commission; Lincoln County Planning Commission; Lincoln County Board of County Commission and other related boards to obtain land use entitlements, business and liquor licenses.

For 28 years, Gronauer has successfully represented numerous clients to obtain entitlements for master planned communities, residential, commercial, gaming, and industrial developments in the Las Vegas Valley. He has also been named one of the Best Lawyers of America ® for 16 years.

When Gronauer is not in a courtroom or boardroom, he spends time with his wife, attorney Stephanie Allen, traveling, working out and cheering on their children who have been active in football, baseball, and soccer.

Gronauer’s blended family consists of four children and two stepchildren including: son Sagan who is attending UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law and working with his father at Kaemper Crowell; daughter Ariana who is a senior at University of the Pacific; daughter Serene who is a junior at the University of Nevada, Reno; daughter Demi who is a freshman at Middle Tennessee State University; stepdaughter Grace who is a high school sophomore and Owen who is in seventh grade.

Misericordia University is a highly personal community of over 2,000 students in Northeastern Pennsylvania. As a private Catholic institution founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Misericordia emphasizes collaborative, hands-on learning and supports co-curricular activities by engaged faculty and staff. The university challenges students to excel academically, professionally, and socially and has notably superior graduation and retention rates. The university’s core values of Mercy, Service, Justice, and Hospitality underpin the more than 50 academic programs. Misericordia offers 31 Division III NCAA intercollegiate athletic programs, which include the new additions of STUNT, men’s and women’s wrestling, and men’s ice hockey. Misericordia University is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024 and is planning to welcome its second largest first-year class.