2024 Commencement Explore Commencement Master's Candidates Doctorate Candidates Honoring the Warner School Class of 2024We are thrilled to celebrate the exceptional achievements of our 2024 Warner School of Education graduates! Their dedication and perseverance have brought them to this well-earned milestone.Thank you to the families and our community for their unwavering support. Here's to the promising futures of our accomplished graduates – cheers to their success! 2024 Graduates Master's (MS) Doctorate (EdD, PhD) Advanced Certificates 2024 Student Awards Congratulations to our 2024 student award recipients. Mary Ellen Burris Human Development Award The Mary Ellen Burris Human Development Award was presented to Carrie Baker, who graduated with a master’s in human development. Baker is an advocate and educator for the Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities at the University of Rochester Medical Center. She is excited to apply her newly acquired knowledge to her current position. The award, given to graduate students who bring human development theory and research into practice, is named for Burris in recognition of her career at Wegmans, where she used her knowledge of human development to empower customers to live healthier lives. Harold Munson Counseling and Human Development Award The Harold Munson Counseling and Human Development Award was presented to Elizabeth Weale and Jordan Rice. A Montreal native, Weale was inspired to pursue her master's after working with children and families in Tanzania, East Africa, for a decade. Her experiences in the Rochester City School District further ignited her passion for urban education. She hopes to continue working as a school counselor in diverse settings for many years. Rice always knew she wanted to work with and help individuals on a personal level. She was further inspired to pursue her master's in mental health, having experience working with individuals in crisis, individuals who have endured trauma and individuals diagnosed with eating disorders. The award, given to students who reflect the mission of the counseling program, is named for Munson, professor emeritus, who initiated the school and community counseling programs and developed the programs’ high standards recognized by school districts and community agencies. Logan R. Hazen Award for Educational Leadership The Logan R. Hazen Award for Educational Leadership was presented to Nina Shaw and Danielle D’Onofrio. Shaw previously worked in a variety of educational settings with students ranging from sixth graders to graduate students. Her pursuit of a master’s degree was motivated by a vision of more equitable access to higher education for her former students. She will now pursue a position in student affairs in Rochester. From Long Island, D’Onofrio earned her bachelor’s in public health at SUNY Brockport. Her love of the higher education population motivated her to pursue a master's. Now the assistant director of alcohol and other drug education, she is excited to see where her journey takes her. The award, given to students based on academic success and a commitment to educational administration, is named for Hazen, professor emeritus, who mentored student affairs professionals and taught courses in higher education, while serving as the program director. Eleanore F. Larson Award for Excellence in Teaching The Eleanore F. Larson Award for Excellence in Teaching was presented to Jessica Ritchlin and Bradley Beckwith. Ritchlin earned her undergraduate degrees in meteorology & water resources. Feeling unfulfilled, she decided to follow her true passion — teaching. While completing her master's, she was accepted into the ROC Urban Teaching Fellowship program, a paid teacher residency with the Rochester City School District, where she plans to continue teaching after graduation. From Oxford, New York, Beckwith earned both his undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Rochester, where he also served as a three-time captain of the University’s football team. Next fall, he will teach social studies at Spencerport Middle School alongside starting his career in coaching. The award, which recognizes students for their commitment to teaching, is named for Larson, a former professor who inspired her students to embrace a strong commitment to the education of children. Tyll van Geel Educational Leadership Award The Tyll van Geel Award was presented to Gregory Baker and Robert Hathaway, who both completed their doctorates in educational administration with a specialization in K-12 schools. Baker earned his master’s in education from SUNY Fredonia and his CAS from SUNY Brockport. He has served as the assistant superintendent at Penn Yan Central School District for nine years. Baker’s dedication to supporting the growth of others while remaining ambitious in his own love of learning inspired him to pursue his doctorate in educational leadership. Hathaway was inspired to pursue a doctorate from his experiences as a teacher and administrator in the Rochester area and hopes to continue promoting lifelong learning for students and staff. He will continue to advocate for student learning through equity, inclusion and wellness. The award is named for van Geel, professor emeritus, who is a scholar of education law and applied ethical issues in education who was instrumental in designing the educational leadership program. The award is presented to doctoral students in educational leadership who demonstrate van Geel’s commitment to ethical leadership and decision-making, and application of scholarship to practice. University Commencement Website The University of Rochester has set up a website including schedules, student regalia, tickets & guests, frequently asked questions, a celebration toolkit and other important information and updates. Visit University Commencement Live broadcast Ceremony archives /commencement-2023 Class of 2023 Join the celebration Share your congratulations and celebrate with us! Take advantage of the University's Celebration toolkit that includes cover photos, zoom backgrounds, mortarboard cut-outs and more.On social media, use the hashtags #UR2024 and #URwarner2024, and don't forget to tag the Warner School. We look forward to seeing and sharing your posts! Celebration toolkit