Warner School celebrates the remarkable Class of 2026
Recognizing graduates and their ever-better achievements and impact.
The University of Rochester proudly celebrated its 176th University-wide Commencement alongside the Warner School of Education and Human Development’s 68th graduation ceremony during Commencement Weekend, held May 15-17, 2026.
The weekend began with the University-wide ceremony on Friday morning, followed by the doctoral ceremony later that day. Warner School graduate Onesmo Mushi ’26W (PhD) represented URochester graduate students as one of Friday’s speakers.
“We bent, we crawled, we pushed through the scorching heat—and here we stand: proud and unwavering, ready to conquer life," said Mushi to the Class of 2026 graduates. "But friends, in front of us today is a higher calling. Our success demands that we give back. I ask you, Class of 2026, to imagine someone standing on a stage like this 20 years from now and saying to you, ‘Thank you for saving my life.’ Go out there and be somebody’s miracle.”
On Saturday, Warner School graduates gathered at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre to celebrate candidates earning PhD, EdD, and MS degrees and advanced certificates. Surrounded by faculty, staff, family members, alumni, and friends, graduates were honored as they crossed the stage and officially joined the Warner alumni community.
The Warner School ceremony opened with remarks from Dean Melissa Sturge-Apple, who reflected on the significance of graduates’ achievements and the meaning of the word “commence.”
“From its earliest origins, commencement was not about finishing an education, but about starting something new—often a life in teaching,” she shared. “In a school like ours, that meaning extends even further. Today marks not just the beginning of your work as educators, but also as scholars, practitioners, and leaders in human development—people committed to understanding, supporting, and nurturing growth across the lifespan.”
In keeping with Warner tradition, the ceremony focused entirely on the graduates. Instead of a keynote speaker, each graduate in attendance was individually recognized with a brief narrative highlighting their academic journey, professional experiences, and aspirations for the future.
Honoring distinguished graduates
Nine Warner School graduates received special recognition for outstanding scholarship, leadership, and service to the field. Associate Dean for Graduate Studies Cynthia Callard presented the awards.
- Mary Ellen Burris Human Development Award
The Mary Ellen Burris Human Development Award was presented to Sue Crounse, a master’s graduate in human development who returned to graduate study alongside her two college-aged children. An event planning specialist at University of Rochester Medicine, she plans to pursue a PhD focused on person-centered care for older adults. 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 Food Markets, 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 Jillian Gilmore and Natasha Singh. Gilmore earned her bachelor’s degrees in psychology and African and African American studies from the University of Rochester. Passionate about supporting youth, she pursued graduate study to advocate for students’ well-being and success, aspiring to serve as a school counselor in the Rochester City School District. Singh earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Penn State University. She completed her internship at the University of Rochester Counseling Center and her practicum at Willow Domestic Violence Center. Guided by a commitment to accessible mental health care, she believes in the healing power of connection and the enduring value of friendship. 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 Alexandra Diamantis and Elizabeth Smith. A proud University of Rochester alumna and a first-generation college student, Diamantis earned her master’s degree in higher education administration. She transitioned from the technology industry to higher education, serving as a graduate resident director and Higher Education Student Association (HESA) representative during her time at Warner. Smith graduated from Ithaca College with a bachelor’s in strategic communications and joined the University’s Office of College Enrollment in 2023. With her master’s degree completed, she is excited to continue her career in student affairs. 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 Natalie LaCourt and Cora Rose. LaCourt completed her master’s degree in English adolescence education. Rose, a Rochester native, earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Rochester and a master’s degree in childhood education with an advanced certificate in teaching students with disabilities. Inspired by the joy children bring to learning, she plans to teach at a local elementary school and spend the summer helping run the recreation hall at a state park. 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 David Passero and Rachel Roberts. Originally from Rochester, Passero began his journey at the University of Rochester as a principal in the Rush-Henrietta Central School District. He has since transitioned to the role of assistant superintendent for personnel in the Victor school district. His pursuit of advanced study was driven by a commitment to amplifying student voice, fostering leadership development, and implementing system-level improvements. Roberts, raised in Iowa, holds an undergraduate degree in flute performance from the Eastman School of Music and a master’s degree in education from Harvard University. Now back at Eastman, Roberts serves as a professor of music leadership. Her career reflects a passion for behind-the-scenes work, building communities of learning, and fostering leadership development across all contexts. 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.
With their degrees completed, the Warner School Class of 2026 is prepared to lead, innovate, and serve across educational settings and communities. Grounded in research, practice, and a shared commitment to Meliora—Ever Better, the newest graduates join a growing network of educators, counselors, scholars, and leaders shaping the fields of education and human development.
The Warner School congratulates all graduates and extends heartfelt appreciation to their families and supporters who made this achievement possible.
For more information and highlights from Commencement Weekend, visit the Warner School’s Class of 2026 celebration page and view ceremony highlights from the University-wide and Warner School events.
View photos and highlights from the May 15 University-wide ceremony and the May 16 Warner graduation ceremony.