College celebrates Class of 2018

June 6, 2018

More than 700 new teachers, researchers, leaders, policymakers and early childhood professionals were honored during the ��ߺ�� ߺ��’s graduation ceremonies on June 5.

The festivities featured two members of the College’s Class of 2018 discussing their role as educator-activists in ensuring access to high-quality education for all students.

Adaurennaya Onyewuenyi, who graduated with her doctorate in learning sciences and human development, called on her classmates to engage daily in work to create a more equitable educational system.

“With this degree you will have a wider and lasting impact on the lives of all that you encounter: students, families, teachers, school administrators and communities,” Onyewuenyi said.

Riddhi Divanji, a member of the first graduating cohort of the College’s Education, Communities and Organizations major, spoke about the importance of education that cultivates intellect, emotion and gratitude.

“We all believe that the power of education is much greater than its capacity to simply fill our stomachs with the promise of a potential paycheck and the ability to vote,” Divanji said. “It is this hope and ability to create change that makes us educator-activists, because you recognize the true power of education.”

Dean Mia Tuan encouraged members of the Class of 2018 to push their practice as educators, to not be afraid of putting themselves in uncomfortable situations, and to dare to try ideas that others dismiss as impossible.

“We’re all in this together—educators, researchers, advocates, families and students,” Tuan said. “During the years to come, each of you will inevitably encounter obstacles and question yourself. In those moments, remember why you do the work you do. Your calling is to empower people of all ages, but especially young people, to reach their full potential.”

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Jun 5, 2018 at 7:48pm PDT

Graduation 2018: Be a World of Good

Polo DeCano, Class of 2018, reflects on his experiences as a doctoral student in school psychology in the video below, shown during commencement ceremonies.