The Class of 2020 is unlike any other. Despite the COVID-19 crisis, it persevered, overcoming a difficult final semester and finishing strong.
More than 550 students graduated from programs within the School of Education in May.
These graduates are moving forward and are well-prepared to tackle the challenges that come their way. As educators, healthcare professionals, and artists — it’s their time to lead and inspire their communities and the world.
Following is a sampling of images and quotes submitted by our Class of 2020 prior to their graduation:
Morgan Moore, Rehabilitation Psychology, BS: “I’ve always had a passion to help people. I didn’t know how until I took a RPSE 300 class my freshman year. I would like to thank my parents and my brothers for supporting and loving me every day from LA.”
Jenni Gile, Theatre and Drama, BS: “This journey has taken me 40 years to complete — but complete it, I did. Now into grad school for an MFA in costume design. It’s still not over!”
Laura Patricia Minero, Counseling Psychology, PhD: “Con todo mi corazon, I want to thank my parents, Silvia and Carlos Minero. I would not be receiving my doctorate if my parents had not made the selfless and brave decision to leave everything and everyone they knew in Mexico, to come to the U.S.”
Henry Rothenberg, Curriculum and Instruction, MS: “I am beyond excited to begin the next chapter of my life as a high school chemistry teacher in Tucson, Arizona.”
Robert Nwadinobi, Art, BFA: “I joined the art program midway through college and it has been the foundation of greatness. I hope to create my own animation studio.”
Laura Godfrey, Special Education, BSE: “I want to thank my husband and my three awesome kids for supporting me. I am so grateful to have had the chance to be a part of UW–Madison. It was a dream come true.”
Minso Kim, Education Studies, BS: “UW–Madison has been, and always will be, my motive to challenge myself. The Wisconsin Idea, I have learned throughout my time as a Badger, has let me view the world in a broader perspective.”
Carmen Bartley, Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, PhD: “One of my favorite UW–Madison memories outside the classroom was, of course, meeting Bucky at a men’s basketball game. On, Wisconsin!”
Tanner Kattre, Health Promotion and Health Equity, BS: “Having minimal knowledge about public health and health disparities as a freshman, Dr. Corrie Norman’s course about healthcare and religion really opened my eyes to the need for culturally humble health professionals.”
Laurie Gebhard, Educational Psychology, MS: “I have met so many amazing teachers from around the country in my cohort. This program has helped me become a stronger, better teacher for my students.”
Bailey Jane Seymour, Dance, BFA: “I am looking forward to whatever comes next, I feel prepared, and I am grateful for the community that will continue to support me in the future.”
Brooke Kristine Villella, Rehabilitation Psychology, BS: “I would like to say thank you to my parents and military family that have supported me throughout my many years at UW–Madison. I also would like to thank my professors. Without everyone’s help, I would not have made it into the Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling program here at UW.”
