UConn’s 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 and Integrated Bachelor’s/Master’s Teacher Education programs.

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’s 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.

“What a journey it has been for all of you,” Irizarry said to the Class of 2024. “None 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.”

This year’s commencement speaker was Kiana Foster-Mauro ’20 (ED), ’21 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.

“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.”

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While a student at UConn, Foster-Mauro served on the executive board of Leadership in Diversity, a student-led organization dedicated to diversifying education. She is passionate about community and empowering others. She enjoys teaching her students reading, writing, and social studies daily and connecting with former students just down the hall and at her annual classroom family reunion. Outside of the classroom, Foster-Mauro extends her commitment to education, diversity, and community as a dance teacher at The Dance Extension and company advisor to the Community Dance Ensemble.

“Kiana is an educator, activist, and lifelong learner … [she] is committed to empowering her students through culturally sustaining and human rights-centered learning,” Irizarry said.

Another beloved Neag School commencement tradition is a performance by the graduating music education students. This year, 18 graduates performed an arrangement of “Life is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane, prompting nearly the entire room to stand up and dance.

President Radenka Maric was in attendance to congratulate the graduates and confer the Bachelor of Science degrees.

“I charge you now to assume fully the responsibilities of your new status, to enlarge upon the foundations of knowledge which you have acquired, to take upon yourselves the obligations of an enlarged vision, and to seek to do your fair share of the work of this world,” Maric said.

The UConn Neag School of Education commencement ceremony was also livestreamed and is still available for viewing.

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