Convocation 2026
UD’s College of Education and Human Development celebrates graduates in education and human development
On May 21, 2026, the University of Delaware College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) celebrated 496 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 and the inaugural graduates of CEHD’s master of social work 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 2026 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.
Provost William Farquhar, CEHD Director of Research Laura Desimone, School of Education Senior Associate Director Elizabeth Farley-Ripple, Dean Rena Hallam, graduating student speaker Madelyn Myer, graduating student speaker Jonathan Dinkins, graduating student singer Grace Newman, Associate Professor Beth Mineo, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs and Professor Martha Buell, Professor Raphael Travis, Jr., Department of Human Development and Family Sciences Chair and Professor Jason Hustedt and School of Education Director and Professor Steve Amendum served as members of the platform party.
Celebrating CEHD graduates
The excitement was palpable in the Field House, as graduating students, their families and CEHD faculty and staff gathered to mark this special occasion. Grace Newman, a student graduating with her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and a teacher at CEHD’s Early Learning Center, opened the ceremony with the singing of the National Anthem.
In her remarks, Rena Hallam, newly instated as CEHD’s dean, introduced the ceremony’s platform party, including Provost William Farquhar who joined this year’s event, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs and Professor Martha Buell and Center for Disabilities Studies Director and Associate Professor Beth Mineo. Both Buell and Mineo celebrated the graduation of their children from CEHD programs this year.
Dean Rena Hallam delivered celebratory remarks at CEHD’s 2026 Convocation ceremony.
Drawing from Change Sings, a children’s book written by the inaugural National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman, Hallam reminded the graduating class that they are “just what the world needs” to enact meaningful change. She also reminded them that UD would be there to offer support through its Center for Disabilities Studies, Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood, School Success Center and other centers for education, research and outreach.
“Now, more than ever, the fields of education, social work and human development and our broader communities need early childhood educators, teachers, human relations specialists, social workers and educational leaders who are deeply committed to equity and inclusion,” Hallam said. “We need leaders with professional expertise who demonstrate a passion for serving the most vulnerable members of society, as well as a commitment to ongoing learning.”
Two of this year’s graduates demonstrated that commitment to ongoing learning. Joyce Powell graduated with a bachelor’s degree in human services after choosing to complete her degree at UD following coursework 40 years prior. With John Jadach, who graduated with his doctoral degree in educational leadership at age 73, they reminded all those in attendance that learning is truly a lifelong journey.
John Jadach, who graduated with this doctorate in educational leadership at age 73, participated in UD’s doctoral hooding ceremony in May 2026.
Following Hallam’s remarks, two graduating student speakers took the stage: Jonathan Dinkins, who graduated with his doctoral degree in educational leadership, and Madelyn Myre, who graduated with her bachelor’s degree in human services.
In their remarks, Dinkins honored the graduating class’ perseverance—“the quiet decision we make again and again to rise, to continue and to believe the work we’re doing matters”—while Myers shared her own lessons learned, emphasizing that “your heart [is] your greatest strength.”
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD graduates look back with pride
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.
Danielle Blachar, who graduated with her degree in elementary teacher education, was especially proud of the community engagement opportunities that UD brought her. Next year, she will pursue an elementary teaching position in her home state of New York.
“I [worked] with elementary-aged English language learners as the Adelante Juntos (“Moving Forward Together”) Siblings Program Intern at Neighbor’s Link, a nonprofit organization that builds community through immigrant empowerment and integration,” Blachar shared. During her time at UD, Blachar also participated in President Laura Carlson’s inauguration, reading a poem with Deputy Director of Admissions Darrell Edmonds and Professor Wendy Bellion.
First generation college student Shannon Franks, who graduated with her degree in early childhood education, is looking forward to continuing her education through one of CEHD’s 4+1 programs, which allows UD students to receive their master’s degree with only one additional year of study after receiving their bachelors.
“I am going to be in the 4+1 program in teaching students with disabilities, specializing in autism and severe disabilities,” Franks said. “After that, I hope to either become a kindergarten or first grade teacher.”
Maria Gousias, who graduated with her degree in human services, is looking forward to beginning graduate education at Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service and interning at an organization that supports individuals who have experienced domestic violence and other traumas.
“[Graduation] marks the transition into the next chapter of my professional journey,” Gousias said. “After graduation, I plan to pursue clinical social work in a hospital or healthcare setting, working directly with patients and families experiencing medical crises, trauma and significant life transitions.”
Kiera Coyle, who graduated with her degree in human relations administration, was proud to share that she accepted a job before she officially graduated! Next year, she’ll be working at an executive search firm in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
And Stephanie Kuntz-McAllister, who graduated with her Ph.D. in human development and family sciences and served as the Graduate Student Government (GSG) president, reflected fondly about her time at UD, emphasizing the doors it opened for her.
“My favorite part about UD was the opportunity to do things that I didn’t even think I would be interested in, be eligible for, useful or just didn’t even occur to me,” said Kuntz-McAllister. “GSG gave me a lot of opportunities to build connections and work on professionalism, collegiality and interactions with administrators, faculty, staff and other students. I am a lot more confident in trying new things and my different abilities.”
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
CEHD celebrated nearly 500 degree candidates at its 2026 Convocation Ceremony, with students, faculty, staff and family members in attendance.
Article by Jessica Henderson. Photos by Shelly Silva and Kathy Atkinson.