Congratulations, graduates

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) students in the Class of 2022, who persevered and succeeded through the challenges of a global pandemic and new ways of teaching and learning, weren’t about to let the threat of thunderstorms stop them from celebrating their accomplishments.

In a streamlined and slightly delayed ceremony on Friday, May 27, the University of Delaware’s largest college formally applauded its newest alumni. The rain held off at Delaware Stadium, as CAS Convocation celebrated each of the college’s 1,825 new graduates, whose names were called so they could walk across the platform and receive a certificate and a special pin recognizing their achievements.

Their diplomas were conferred the next day, at the University-wide Commencement ceremony featuring President Joseph R. Biden Jr., himself a CAS alumnus, as the speaker.

At convocation, CAS Dean John A. Pelesko recognized 1,291 graduates earning bachelor’s degrees, 240 earning associate degrees and 294 receiving graduate degrees.

The new graduates range in age from 20 to 80. They include students from 29 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, in addition to international students from Japan, South Korea, Nigeria and China. Some studied for their degrees while on military bases.

“Those of you here today demonstrate the true Blue Hen spirit,” Pelesko told the group.

“Each of you has your own particular story of how you got to this day and what makes it special. Whatever your story, I want to congratulate each one of you on your success. Graduates, you worked very hard to get to where you are today.”

The ceremony began with a moment of silence for those not present and a special recognition for current and former military members. In addition to applauding the graduates, Pelesko also acknowledged their families and friends who supported them, as well as the college’s faculty and staff.

He announced the six recipients of this year’s faculty awards: Laura Helton, departments of English and History, for outstanding advocacy; Sarah Wasserman, Department of English, outstanding advising; Edward Larkin, Department of English, excellence in faculty mentoring; John Morgan, Department of Physics and Astronomy, outstanding service; Carolyn White Bartoo, Department of Communication, outstanding teaching; and Jennifer Barker, School of Music, outstanding scholarship.

Pelesko reminded the graduates that only about 30 percent of Americans have earned bachelor’s degrees, which provide value in employment and lifetime income.

“This convocation pays tribute to the significant achievement that a college degree represents,” Pelesko said. “Education is one of the surest paths to securing the future that you desire.”

In concluding the convocation ceremony, members of the UD Chorale sang the alma mater for the group of new alumni.

UD’s 2022 Commencement ceremony was the first ever to feature a sitting U.S. president.

The UD Alumni Association presented its annual awards to two outstanding graduating seniors.

A mother and daughter who graduated together shared their thoughts about their student experiences.

The student honored for attaining the highest grade point average in the Class of 2022 graduated with two degrees in three majors.

New graduates receiving doctoral degrees were honored in a special hooding ceremony.

The oldest member of the Class of 2022 earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice at age 80.

Article by Ann Manser; photos by Andre L. Smith

Published May 31, 2022