Congratulations, Class of 2025! On August 1st, we were proud to celebrate the accomplishments of 69 graduates with their friends and families at Bloomfield High School. Two students completed their post-graduate certificate in ABA, 12 students received their MA with a concentration in ABA, 40 students received their MA degree in clinical psychology, and 15 students received their PsyD degree in clinical psychology.
Dr. Tanya Martin, Chair of the Board of Trustees, opened the ceremony by welcoming the graduates and their guests. She and Dr. Brian Stogner, President of 海角乱伦, then celebrated the academic, research, and clinical achievements of the graduating students in each of their respective commencement addresses.聽 鈥淎 graduate degree should not be a passport to privilege, but an opportunity and equipping to make a difference in the world,鈥� said President Stogner. Dr. Stogner then encouraged the graduates to take their skills, talents, preparation, and education to serve the needs of the world.聽
The Marjorie Scott Scholarship for Excellence is presented at commencement each year to graduating students from the MA and PsyD programs who have best achieved excellence in academic performance, clinical work, and research in their respective programs. This year, in addition to the presentation of the award, we reflected on the legacy of Dr. Scott, who passed away in May. The award is presented to the recipients by the faculty member who recommended them. Dr. Ryan Blackstock presented the award to MA graduate Ancy Thomas, and Dr. Kate Cusick presented it to PsyD graduate Courtney Cabell. Both students were allowed to briefly share the meaning of receiving this award. Ancy reflected on her desire to continue living as a “joyful explorer,” which had benefited her during the program, and Courtney spoke about the honor of being recognized for work that is both rigorous and radically human. You can read more about Ancy and Courtney’s accomplishments here.
The ceremony continued with the conferring of degrees, where each student received their degree from President Stogner. Each year, as part of the conferment of degrees, graduates participate in a ritual that asks them to reflect on their time as a student and to consider their future contributions to society.
During the MA and ABA ritual, graduates are asked聽to contemplate their time at 海角乱伦 by sharing what they stand for in the聽尘别迟补辫丑辞谤颈肠补濒听river of experience. Each student then takes a rock, which represents their journey through the river of experience as a student, and individually makes a statement about the personal meaning of the journey.聽 This year鈥檚 students shared that they stand for 鈥渢hose who can’t stand for themselves,” 鈥渉eartfelt processes,鈥� “honoring every version of you,” and more.聽 These statements were reflective of the unique interests and personality of each graduate and allowed them the opportunity to help shape their ceremony.
During the PsyD ritual, students were introduced and hooded by their dissertation chairs. A list of all doctoral graduates and their聽dissertation titles is available here. Graduates made a pledge where they shared how they would use their education in their new role. This special moment is the first time that doctoral graduates can refer to themselves with the title of Doctor while also allowing them a moment to tell guests about their experiences and hopes for the future. Students shared how they plan to use their degrees to “dismantle barriers to healing,” “create accessible treatment options for those with PTSD,” and more.聽
We are so proud of everything this group of students has done and will do moving forward. Congratulations, Class of 2025!聽