View images from Commencement 2007

For Warner’s 97 doctoral, master’s, and certificate candidates, Saturday, May 19, was a day unlike any other in the academic year. It was a joyful day of celebration and exceptional promise for the Class of 2007. Family, friends, and members of the University of Rochester community joined together to share their enthusiasm and commemorate graduates of the Warner School of Education on their day of triumph.

President Joel Seligman praised graduates for their years of hard work, intellectual intensity, critical thinking, creativity, and growth, and urged them to always aim high. “You arrived here with ideals, aspirations, and dreams. Keep your vision of where you are going with you throughout your entire life. Each of you will be the master of your future and your destiny if you work hard enough and believe in yourself,” said Seligman during Saturday’s ceremony.

In addition to applauding graduates for their great academic achievements, President Seligman and Dean Raffaella Borasi proudly recognized Nancy Ares, assistant professor in teaching and curriculum, for her dedication as a teacher and scholar, her devotion to students, and her distinguished service to the University. On behalf of the University of Rochester, Seligman presented Ares with the G. Graydon ‘58 and Jane W. Curtis Award for Excellence in Teaching by a Nontenured Member of the Faculty.

Special student awards were also presented to four graduates during the Commencement ceremony for their exceptional academic performance and commitment to education:

The Walter I. Garms Award for Educational Leadership was presented to Haverly Marie Erskine, who graduated with a Master of Science (M.S.) in Educational Administration with a concentration in Higher Education. Erskine has worked in higher education for five years, both at Hobart and William Smith Colleges and at the University of Rochester. The Garms Award is named in honor of Walter Garms, professor emeritus and former dean of the University of Rochester’s School of Education, who was a leader in the study of both school finance and state funding in public schools. The Garms Award recognizes a graduate student who shows academic excellence and potential for excellence in educational leadership.

The Eleanore F. Larson Award for Excellence in Teaching was presented to Honora E. Mosman, who graduated with a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.). Mosman earned a bachelor’s in English literature from SUNY New Paltz. She plans to pursue a teaching position within an urban district. The Larson Award is named in honor of Eleanore F. Larson, an extraordinary professor who taught both undergraduate and graduate students in the University of Rochester’s School of Education. Larson’s passion for instructional excellence inspired her students to embrace a strong commitment to the education of children. The Larson Award recognizes a graduate student whose commitment to teaching reflects Larson’s work.

The Harold Munson Counseling and Human Development Award was presented to Teresa Tygert Kneezel, who graduated with a Master of Science (M.S.) in School Counseling. Kneezel earned a bachelor’s in psychology and religion from the University of Rochester and a master’s in psychology from the University of California at Davis in 2005. The award is named for Harold Munson, professor emeritus, who initiated the school and community counseling programs at the University of Rochester’s School of Education and developed the programs’ high standards recognized by school districts and community agencies. The Munson Award is given to a graduate student who reflects the mission and objectives of the Warner School counseling program.

The Tyll van Geel Award was presented to Mark S. Lavner, who received a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Administration. Lavner is an elementary school principal in the Canandaigua City School District. He also has worked as an administrator in Spencerport and in the Indian River Central School District. Presented for the first time ever, the award is named for Tyll van Geel, professor emeritus, who is a renowned scholar of education law and applied ethical issues in education. Professor van Geel was instrumental in designing the educational leadership program at the Warner School. The Tyll van Geel Award is presented to a doctoral student in educational leadership who demonstrates Professor van Geel’s commitment to thoughtful, ethical leadership and decision making, and rigorous application of scholarship to practice.

On behalf of the University of Rochester community, we congratulate our Warner graduates and their families. To view photos from the 2007 Warner School Commencement Ceremony, please visit here.