2026 Commencement

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 Mary Ellen Burris Human Development Award is 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 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 in psychology from Penn State. 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 Harold Munson Counseling and Human Development Award is 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 in higher education administration. She transitioned from the technology industry to the higher education industry, 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 Logan R. Hazen Award for Educational Leadership is given to students based on academic success and a commitment to educational administration. It 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 in biology from the University of Rochester and a master’s in childhood education with an advanced certificate in teaching students with disabilities. Inspired by the joy children bring to learning, she plans to teach elementary education locally and spend the summer helping run the recreation hall at a state park.

The Eleanore F. Larson Award for Excellence in Teaching, 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 Tyll van Geel 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.