The School of Public Affairs Congratulates the Class of 2009

(posted Jun 15, 2009)

Arianna Huffington Delivers Commencement Address

Members of the 2009 graduating class celebrated their achievements during a Commencement ceremony held in Royce Hall on June 12, 2009. Thousands of family members and well-wishers attended the morning event, which featured a diversity of student voices delivering multilingual greetings and inspiring remarks reflecting on this milestone day.

Special recognition went to Jaclyn Nelson MPP '09 (Public Policy), Cindy Islas MSW '09 (Social Welfare), and Sabrina Bornstein, MA '09 (Urban Planning) who each received the highest student achievement honors from their respective departments. Student speakers Nicole Vazquez MSW/MPP '09 (Public Policy), Joey Shanley MSW '09 (Social Welfare), and Haan-Fawn Chau MA '09 (Urban Planning) encouraged their classmates to strive for greater accomplishments as they embark upon their professional careers.

"As we move from students to professionals, remember what Kierkegaard tells us about feelings of dread and anxiety," noted Shanley, "It's that alarming possibility of being able--and are we, ever, able."

The event was capped with a Commencement address by journalist and commentator Arianna Huffington, founder of the Huffington Post, who encouraged this year's graduates to "challenge conventional wisdom, follow your own truth" and "have the courage to be fearless."

View photos from this event.