Award winners from the Department of Human Development and Family Studies.

CEHD recognition

College holds symposium, awards ceremony to celebrate students' achievements

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9:24 a.m., May 20, 2014--The University of Delaware College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) showcased student research and celebrated the achievements of undergraduate and graduate students during special events on May 2. 

The day began with the 29th annual Marion H. Steele Symposium, during which students presented research papers and posters highlighting their knowledge about topics such as developmental outcomes for homeless children, encouraging student teachers to make mathematics tasks more culturally relevant, and the impact of positive behavior support in schools. 

Campus Stories

From graduates, faculty

As it neared time for the processional to open the University of Delaware Commencement ceremonies, graduating students and faculty members shared their feelings about what the event means to them.

Doctoral hooding

It was a day of triumph, cheers and collective relief as more than 160 students from 21 nations participated in the University of Delaware's Doctoral Hooding Convocation held Friday morning on The Green.

“The student presentations at the Steele Symposium were impressive and showcased the wide range of scholarly interests across our programs,” said CEHD Dean Lynn Okagaki. “Our students truly reflect our vision -- working to solve the problems that face our schools and the challenges encountered by children, adults and families, and the communities in which they live.”

Due to the generosity of the Steele family, CEHD has been able to offer this symposium, allowing students to demonstrate research and presentation skills. Modeled after a professional research conference, more than 50 students presented their papers and posters.

Faculty, students and benefactors had an opportunity to hear about the students’ work, share feedback and generate discussion about the work presented.

The Steele Symposium concluded with a luncheon and keynote address from Dale Farran, professor of education and psychology and senior associate director of the Peabody Research Institute at Vanderbilt University. 

Celebration of Excellence

That afternoon, CEHD hosted its Celebration of Excellence, during which the Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) and the School of Education each held ceremonies and presented awards. About 200 family, friends and faculty were in attendance as the students were recognized for their academic excellence, research, leadership and outstanding potential as professionals in the fields of education and human services.

Award winners were able to meet with benefactors and people for whom awards are named. Among those were associate professor emerita Mary Jane Strattner-Gregory, associate professor Julie Mapes Wilgen, Lt. Col. Michael C. Wilgen, and Mark and Mary Jo Mankin, all of whom were delighted to attend and meet the students receiving the awards.

Dara Lipschutz, recipient of the Victor Mankin Award, said, “I was honored to be recognized for my achievements in the school psychology program amongst my colleagues, professors, and family. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet the Mankin family. It is truly incredible that Mark and Mary Jo Mankin support students in my program every year while honoring his father's work as a former professor at UD.”

Complete lists of awards given for the Department of Human Development and Family Studies and the School of Education are available.

Following the Celebration of Excellence, attendees were welcomed to a reception featuring UDairy Creamery ice cream scooped by faculty members and staff.

Article by Christina Mason Johnston

Photos by Duane Perry

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