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The College of Community and Public Affairs Commencement ceremony celebrated the Class of 2024, reminding them that the skills and experiences they gained during their academic journey have prepared them for success in their future endeavors.

On May 10, more than 250 undergraduate and graduate students came together with friends, family and members of the ������ϲ����� community to celebrate their accomplishments in the University Events Center. This cohort overcame various challenges, especially considering that many began or pursued at least some portion of their academic education virtually during the uncertain years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Donald Hall encouraged graduates to rely on the broad skillset they have mastered as students—from classes, internships, friendships and participation in student organizations— to forge successful careers.

“Show them that you know how to solve problems, ‘play well with others,’ that you learned to be a leader at ������ϲ����� and that you are a good communicator,” said Hall. “These are skills that come from your foundation in the liberal arts and will serve you well in whatever endeavors you undertake.”

“Values are a compass to living a life without regret.”

Hall also introduced the honorary degree recipient, retired United States Army lieutenant colonel, and a former director for European Affairs for the United States National Security Council, Alexander Vindman ’98. Hall recounted Vindman’s exemplary career as a distinguished alumnus, decorated combat veteran and public servant.

Vindman commended students for committing to worthy careers and a willingness to “work together to solve the major issues of our time.” He encouraged graduates to consider how to best use their “hard-earned” skills for the public good, to always be willing to speak up as a catalyst for change and to practice moral courage in order to be prepared for challenging situations.

“Moral courage requires forethought and a clear understanding of personal consequences,” said Vindman. “A single act of moral courage can have the power to change the course of history. So long as you speak out, you cannot fail.”

Graduate speaker finds calling in education

Bethlehem, N.Y., native Sarah Marshall, a master’s student in the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Educational Leadership, graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English and creative writing in 2023. Marshall was in the second semester of her first year as a ������ϲ����� undergraduate when the COVID pandemic struck; her plans to study abroad in London were canceled, and a minor in theater was now up in the air, forcing Marshall to reevaluate her direction.

“I would bet that at some point in the past few years, each of us has sat and wondered what our college experience would have been like had COVID not happened,” said Marshall.

Originally, Marshall viewed her master’s degree in adolescent education as Plan B; she would first follow her dream of moving to New York City to pursue an acting career. However, as she delved deeper into her program, she discovered a newfound passion for education, realizing it was becoming her true calling. She urged her fellow graduates to remain open to alternative paths in life, highlighting how unexpected journeys can lead to fulfilling destinations.

“Remembering the past is important; staying there is when it starts to do more harm than good,” cautioned Marshall. “We must let the universe, the world, and our hearts show us where we’re really meant to go.”

Undergraduate speaker encourages classmates to be beacons of hope

First-generation Chinese-American undergraduate speaker Alysa Cheung embarked on her academic journey as a psychology major. However, after learning about the expansive field of social work, she was inspired to pursue her psychology degree and Bachelor’s of Social Work simultaneously.

Cheung has thrived in the social work program, engaging with diverse populations, exploring various theories and examining different practice models. This rich experience sharpened her focus on the mental health of children and adolescents, where she has found profound satisfaction in making a difference.

Like other students who began college while COVID-19 was a public health threat, Cheung recounted the challenges of attending school during the pandemic and also what came after.

“No matter how much time passed, things never really seemed to fit quite just right,” Cheung said of the pandemic’s aftermath. “And slowly, it felt like everywhere I looked, countless reasons to be pessimistic about the future continued to pile up. A divided government, constant fights for our rights and the rising cost of living.”

But Cheung also heralded hope for a brighter future.

“We have spent these past few years learning, from each other, our experiences and our professors, the importance of a strong community and the ways to strengthen them,” she said. “We, more than anyone, understand the potential of change and the role we play in it. Our futures are filled with endless possibilities, and I know you will all shine as bright beacons of knowledge, compassion and change no matter where you are.”