Last week the 2015 graduates from our Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs celebrated the hard work it took to obtain their degrees with several events. The Teacher Education program hosted a reception on Thursday, May 14 honoring both the MAT and teacher certification graduates. During this event, each student had the chance to reflect on their final year of student teaching. The program director, Judy Radigan, encouraged her students to share their favorite and most challenging memories. Some of the cooperating teachers were present to provide stories and tips for the graduate’s upcoming first year in the classroom alone. On Friday, May 15 the 2015 Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) graduates participated in the Advanced Degrees Convocation at Stude Concert Hall. Four students graduated from the MAT program, Chardenay Davis, Felicia Mensah, Benjamin Preston and Stephanie Teague. It is impressive to note that both Chardenay and Felicia were awarded Beginning Teacher of the Year by their campuses for their work during the 2014-15 school year.

The MLS program had 12 students graduating this spring including Alastair Bird, Virginia Clark, Neelofer Durrani, Lisa Gianukos, Sheri Henriksen, Tammie Johnson, John King, Marisa Knowles, Linda Martin, Kesha Miller, Eric Rausch and Teresa Wong. Many of them were present for the ceremony on Friday. Several MLS alumni were also in the audience to cheer their friends on.

In anticipation of the Advanced Degree Convocation ceremony, students were asked to line up in alphabetical order with their degree program in the Shepherd School halls. As they waited the students helped each other arrange their hoods and other academic regalia, conferred about future plans and tried to convey meeting places for after the ceremony to their families. Many of the students also participated in the Rice Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 16 which was held in the traditional location of the Academic Quadrangle as the weather honored our grads with a brief respite from the rain. We would like to wish our master’s graduates congratulations and good luck!