CEHD graduates destined to make a difference

More than 1,100 members of the graduating class and their families and friends participated in the CEHD graduate and undergraduate ceremonies held on May 8 at 3M Arena at Mariucci.

Undergraduates received bachelor of science degrees. Approximately 36% of the class of 2019 were first-generation college students. Graduate students earned master of education, master of arts, master of science, master of social work, doctor of education, and doctor of philosophy degrees. Students who completed licensure and certificate programs were also honored.

Dean Jean Quam kicked off each ceremony by encouraging the graduates to always be learning and to use their education for the greater good. “Although many of you have reached the end of your formal education, we hope that we have prepared you well to be lifelong learners,” she said. “We hope you go on to use the knowledge and skills you have gained to make a real difference in the world.”

Speaking to the graduating graduate and professional students, Scott Lanyon, vice provost and dean of graduate education at the U, echoed Quam’s remarks.

“Many of you will contribute to closing the achievement gap, improving outcomes for survivors of childhood trauma, or establishing new approaches to health and wellness education,” said Lanyon.. “You will also address one of the grand challenges of both the generations before us and arguably of those that will follow us: understanding, appreciating, and embracing the differences among us as human beings. Each of you is smart, but your collective knowledge, expertise, backgrounds, and experiences have the potential to be brilliant.”

The keynote speaker for the graduate commencement was Michael Rodriguez, professor in the Department of Educational Psychology, where he holds the Campbell Leadership Chair in Education and Human Development.

“The world is in these seats before us,” he said as he gestured to the graduates. “And how beautiful it is. This brings me hope…that people from around the world can come together, study, learn, explore, solve problems, meet challenges, and build productive relationships.”

The keynote speaker at the undergraduate ceremony was Jill Trites, who teaches speaking and writing-intensive courses in the college and is director of undergraduate studies in the Department of Family Social Science.

Trites shared two life lessons with the graduates. First, life is a gift. “That means that each day we have before us is a clean slate,” she said. “We are never promised tomorrow, so make the best and the most of what you have today.”

Her second lesson tied in with the theme of the day: Be kind. “We’re all in this together. By holding a door open for someone, helping pick up dropped items for a stranger, even smiling and saying ‘Good morning,’ we are being kind,” she said. “Kindness is a gift that everyone can afford.”

Kania Johnson, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in family social science, was the student speaker for the undergraduate ceremony. She started her speech by focusing on togetherness. “I would like to think of today as the binding of one great book, our book,” she said. “Each of our unique journeys represents a chapter in the book. The fascinating thing about our book is that each of our chapters ends with us being here at this celebration.”

Johnson said that all of the graduates found their way to CEHD because they knew they wanted to support others in being their best selves. But where did that drive come from? “We have also found ourselves here because we had a village of people supporting and lifting us up, reminding us to be our best selves,” she said. “Choose to be a part of someone’s village, reminding them that they have something to contribute. This genuine love and compassion will energize us and will continue to fuel our commitment to serve others.”

Concluding her remarks, Johnson said she once heard that people are given dreams for a reason. “Our dreams have led us to this celebration today and will continue to illuminate our paths even after this moment passes,” she said. She urged her classmates, as they embark down new paths, never to forget leave a little love behind. “I’ve shared all these things with you to say that you are strong, you are tenacious, you are exceptional, and in a few moments, we will be done. Congratulations, triumphant class of 2019!”

More than 2,000 students are expected to complete degrees in the year ending August 2019. In the previous year, a similar number earned degrees or completed licensure and certificate programs.

Watch for photos and video links to the ceremonies to be posted at cehd.umn.edu/commencement. Posts about the day can be found on Twitter at #CEHD2019.


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