{"id":213696,"date":"2024-05-05T15:37:34","date_gmt":"2024-05-05T19:37:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/?p=213696"},"modified":"2024-05-05T15:37:34","modified_gmt":"2024-05-05T19:37:34","slug":"neag-school-of-education-celebrates-165-bachelor-of-science-graduates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/2024\/05\/neag-school-of-education-celebrates-165-bachelor-of-science-graduates\/","title":{"rendered":"Neag School of Education Celebrates 165 Bachelor of Science Graduates"},"content":{"rendered":"

UConn\u2019s Neag School of Education held its undergraduate commencement ceremony at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday morning, celebrating 165 Bachelor of Science graduates from its Sport Management<\/a> and Integrated Bachelor\u2019s\/Master\u2019s Teacher Education<\/a> programs.<\/p>\n

The joyful day began with a beloved Neag School tradition: the procession of graduates down Glenbrook Road from the Gentry Building to the Jorgensen, led by UConn\u2019s mascot Jonathan XIV and Jonathan XV. Once inside the auditorium, the Class of 2024 was greeted by cheers and applause from hundreds of family, friends, and other guests. The Neag School of Education banner was presented and placed onstage by Carter Newman, the class representative. Lead Marshal Megan Staples, associate professor of mathematics education, then opened the commencement ceremony before welcoming Dean Jason G. Irizarry to the podium.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a journey it has been for all of you,\u201d Irizarry said to the Class of 2024. \u201cNone of us could have imagined, in the Fall of 2020, what your undergraduate years would entail. You have persevered through a global pandemic, online and hybrid learning, and emerged as stronger, more compassionate individuals. Through it all, you have continued to pursue your dreams with enthusiasm and vigor and never given up hope for a brighter future. I am in awe of your resilience and could not be prouder of every single one of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s commencement speaker was Kiana Foster-Mauro<\/a> \u201920 (ED), \u201921 MA, the 2024 Connecticut Teacher of the Year and a fourth-grade teacher at Nathan Hale Arts Magnet School in New London. Foster-Mauro has presented at conferences, nationally and locally. She has been a member of the National Association for Multicultural Education since 2018 and was recently accepted to present on facilitating critical conversations around current events, identity, human rights, and mental health.<\/p>\n

“As you prepare to take the next steps in your journey, I hope that you hold tight to the things that make you come alive,” Foster-Mauro said to the graduates. “I hope that you continue to chase after the wildest of your dreams. I hope that you set your soul ablaze with what you love and that you are brave enough to share that light with the rest of us. I hope that you have the boldness to speak your truth and stand up for what you know is right. I hope that you are unapologetically yourself.”<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
A decorated grad cap reads "Teach with your heart"<\/div>
Neag Commencement 2024_2_1500x1000<\/div><\/div>\"A<\/a>
A female graduate shakes the hand of UConn President Radenka Maric.<\/div>
Neag Commencement 2024_4_1500x1000<\/div><\/div>\"Commencement<\/a>
Commencement keynote Kiana Foster-Mauro '20 (ED), '21 MA speaks at the podium<\/div>
Neag Commencement 2024_6_1500x1000<\/div><\/div>\"Two<\/a>
Two female graduates look at the camera and smile<\/div>
Neag Commencement 2024_3_1500x1000<\/div><\/div>\"Dean<\/a>
Dean Jason G. Irizarry speaks at the podium.<\/div>
Neag Commencement 2024_5_1500x1000<\/div><\/div>\"A<\/a>
A graduate hugs a loved one<\/div>
Neag Commencement 2024_9_1500x1000<\/div><\/div>\"A<\/a>
A male graduate holds a diploma cover while crossing the stage<\/div>
Neag Commencement 2024_7_1500x1000<\/div><\/div>\"UConn<\/a>
UConn President Radenka Maric speaks at the podium.<\/div>
Neag Commencement 2024_8_1500x1000<\/div><\/div>\"Music<\/a>
Music education majors sing the National Anthem.<\/div>
Neag Commencement 2024_10_1500x1000<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>