Convocation 2025

On May 22, 2025, the University of Delaware College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) celebrated 518 degree candidates in the fields of education and human development at its Convocation ceremony at UD’s Field House. The ceremony recognized the participants of the Career and Life Studies Certificate (CLSC) program as well as the associate in arts, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral candidates in CEHD’s School of Education and Department of Human Development and Family Sciences.

The Class of 2025 included graduates from three signature CEHD programs: the CLSC program, which offers individuals with intellectual disabilities academic, career and independent-living instruction, the Teachers of Tomorrow program, which introduces high school students to the field of education through a two-week summer institute and the Teacher Residency program, which places UD teacher candidates in high-need Delaware schools for an immersive, year-long teaching experience. 

Celebrating CEHD graduates 

The rainy weather couldn’t dampen the excitement of the graduating students, their families and CEHD faculty and staff as they gathered to mark this special occasion. Christopher Brown, a student graduating with his bachelor’s degree in human services, opened the ceremony with a passionate singing of the National Anthem. 

In her remarks, Interim Dean Rena Hallam celebrated the achievements of the graduating class, sharing anecdotes about student research activities and community engagement. As a first generation college student, Hallam also shared how her college degree informs her work to remove barriers to higher education and support our nation’s teachers. She encouraged the graduating class to stay connected to their “why” and to remember  UD’s ongoing support through its School Success Center, Center for Disabilities Studies or Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood.

“Remember the reason you chose to be here in this college—your passion for education, helping individuals with disabilities or improving the lives of families through human service work,” Hallam said. “Hold onto that ‘why’ and let it guide you in the days ahead, both when life is challenging and when you are thriving.”

Hallam also introduced the ceremony’s keynote speaker, MaryGrace Wallace, a student graduating with her honors bachelor’s degree in human services. In her remarks, Wallace inspired the audience with a reflection about choosing UD and the graduating class’ commitment to future careers rooted in service. 

“We chose majors rooted in empathy, service and a deep belief in the value of every person,” Wallace said. “And in doing so, we chose to become people who show up for others, and for ourselves. Over the years, we’ve learned how to listen, how to lead, how to advocate and how to stand strong in moments of challenge. We’ve grown into future social workers, counselors, educators, changemakers and so much more.”

Before beginning her master’s in social work in 2026, Wallace will complete a year of service with the Saint Joseph Workers program in Los Angeles, working in a domestic violence shelter.

CEHD graduates look back with pride

Before the ceremony, many of CEHD’s graduates shared proud moments or plans for next year in conversation with each other, their families and CEHD faculty and staff. 

Kathleen Stox, who graduated with her degree in elementary teacher education with a concentration in middle school math, cherishes the connections she formed at UD and in the education community. Next year, she will pursue an elementary or middle school teaching position in her home state of New Jersey. 

“I am most proud of the connections that I made with my fellow peers, with the teachers I’ve worked with in schools, with my students and with my professors,” Stox said. “I think those connections are really going to help me go far and succeed in the field.” 

Sophie Ciolko, who graduated with her degree in early childhood education, was proud to complete a challenging year of coursework and student teaching. 

“What I’m most proud of this year was completing all of my student teaching placements while still balancing school,” Ciolko said. “Next year, I’m looking forward to getting through the master’s in exceptional children and youth 4+1 program, with a concentration in autism and severe disabilities.” 

Bella Pennington, who graduated with her degree in human services, is most proud of the impact she’s already had on her community. After graduation, she will pursue her master’s in counseling at Immaculata University. 

“I’m most proud of the impact I made on the kids at my internship,” Pennington said. “I interned at Supporting Kids, [a nonprofit in Delaware that supports grieving children and their families].”

Nicoletta Goldberg, who graduated with her honors degree in human relations administration, was most proud of her leadership as president UD’s Society for Human Resource Management. After graduation, she will be working in New York City for Moody’s as a human resource rotational associate.  

“I’m most proud of contributing to a larger [student membership] in the club and fostering connections with professionals in the human resource industry,” said Goldberg. 

And Jeff Gary, an adaptive physical education teacher at Kent Community School, shared how he was able to complete his master’s degree in Exceptional Children and Youth while he worked to support students with disabilities.

“I’m proud that I was able to complete my master’s while working full time,” said Gary. “I have [students] aged 2 to 22 in our program.”