The UW-Neag School of Education held an undergraduate graduation ceremony Sunday morning at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts to celebrate 165 graduates who earned Bachelor of Science degrees from the Sports Management and Bachelor's/Master's Integrated Teacher Education programs.
The fun-filled day began with a much-loved Neag School tradition. Led by UW mascots Jonathan XIV and Jonathan XV, a procession of graduates travels down Glenbrook Road from Gentry's building to Jorgensen. Upon entering the auditorium, the Class of 2024 was greeted with cheers and applause from hundreds of family members, friends, and other guests. The Neag School of Education banner was presented by class representative Carter Newman and placed on the podium. Principal Marshall Megan Staples, associate professor of mathematics education, then opened the graduation ceremony, before welcoming Dean Jason G. Irizarry to the podium.
“This has been an amazing journey for all of you,” Irizarry told the Class of 2024. “In the fall of 2020, none of us could have imagined what your undergraduate years would be like. You will emerge from a global pandemic, online and hybrid learning stronger and more compassionate. Through it all, you pursued your dreams with passion and energy and never gave up hope for a bright future. I am in awe of your resilience. I could not be more proud of each and every one of you.”
This year's commencement speakers are Kiana, 2020 (ED), 21 M.A., 2024 Connecticut Teacher of the Year, and fourth grade teacher at Nathan Hale Arts Magnet School in New London; It was Mr. Foster-Mauro. Foster Mauro speaks at national and local conferences. She has been a member of the National Multicultural Education Association since 2018 and was recently recognized to present on promoting important conversations about current events, identity, human rights, and mental health.
“As you prepare to take the next step in your journey, I hope you will hold tight to what makes you alive,” Foster-Mauro told graduates. “I hope you continue to pursue your wildest dreams. I hope you have the courage to set your soul on fire doing what you love and share that light with others.” I hope you have the courage to speak your truth and stand up for what you know is right. I hope you are unapologetically yourself.
While a student at UConn, Foster-Mauro served on the board of Leadership in Diversity, a student-led organization dedicated to diversifying education. She is passionate about community and empowering others. She enjoys teaching reading, writing, and social studies to her students every day, and enjoys interacting with her former students right down her hallway and at the annual classroom family reunion. . Foster-Mauro extends her commitment to education, diversity, and community outside of the classroom as a dance teacher for Dance Extension and as an advisor for Community Dance Ensemble.
“Kiana is an educator, activist, and lifelong learner… [she] We are committed to preserving our culture and empowering our students through human rights-centered learning,” Irizarry said.
Another popular tradition at the Neag School graduation ceremony is a performance by music education graduates. This year, his 18 alumni performed Tom Cochran's arrangement of “Life is a Highway,” which had nearly the entire venue on its feet and dancing.
Rector Radenka Maric was also in attendance to congratulate the graduates and confer their Bachelor of Science degrees.
“I now challenge you to fully accept the responsibilities of your new position, to expand the base of knowledge you have acquired, to assume the duties of an enlarged vision, and to strive to fulfill your fair share of society's work. “This world,” Malick said.
The graduation ceremony of the University Niag School of Education was also live streamed and is still available for viewing.
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