The 2022 Doctoral Hooding Ceremony
By: Margaret Savoie
This May, the Graduate School celebrated the doctoral class of 2022. Many weeks of preparation went into planning the hooding ceremony to commemorate the special occasion for over 100 doctoral students.
“Each year, the doctoral hooding ceremony is special, and this was no exception. After the disruption of the past few years, it was really wonderful to be able to see our new doctorates smiling as they were welcomed to the academy, to watch them exchange a hug with their mentor, and to shake hands as we congratulated them,” said Dr. Annette Kluck, Dean of the Graduate School.
In attendance among the family and friends of our students, was Dr. Glenn Boyce, Chancellor of the University.
“We welcome each of our new graduates into the academy,” said Boyce congratulating the graduates on earning the highest degree the academy has to offer.
Boyce also thanked the faculty and mentors for their continuous encouragement of the graduates.
“Tonight I want to congratulate and thank deeply our faculty, staff, mentors, and advisors – our graduate faculty work tirelessly to support the success of this doctoral student class,” he continued. “Our graduates are challenged to create and innovate new knowledge that was provided to them through faculty, they were challenged through guidance and support as they were also inspired and motivated, and sometimes they had difficult conversations… it may not always be recognized but they were always in your corner.”
This year, two students were selected as the 2022 Doctoral Class Marshals. These students were Dr. Candies Winfun-Cook, who received her Ph.D. in Education with an Emphasis in Elementary Education, and Dr. Kritika Gupta, who received her Ph.D. in Nutrition and Hospitality Management with an Emphasis in Nutrition along with a Master’s of Public Health degree.
Dr. Candies Winfun-Cook
In her speech, Winfun-Cook elaborated on the many emotions doctoral students have felt during their journey to graduation, making particular mention of the challenges of 2020 as well as the inspiring African Americans who have been firsts past and present, such as James Meredith and the Honorable Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. She also encouraged her peers to continue to persevere on their journey.
“While we have completed one assignment to obtain our doctorate degrees, I encourage you to complete life’s next assignment and do it with great enthusiasm, urgency, and love,” Winfun-Cook continued. “Remember your why and trudge ahead with all the faith and determination you can muster up.”
Dr. Kritika Gupta
Gupta congratulated her peers as well, and she also took this time to congratulate first-generation students for their accomplishments.
“We all stepped into this institution from different walks of life, diverse backgrounds, different struggles and experiences, and most importantly different inspirations…today when we graduate from one of the most beloved universities in the US, we serve as an inspiration for many around us,” said Gupta.
Awards were also given out during the ceremony. Dr. Donald Skinner received the Graduate Instructor Excellence in Teaching Award, Carly Rock, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry received the Graduate Teaching Assistant Award, and Dr. Todd Smitherman, Professor of Psychology and Director of Clinical Training, received the Distinguished Teaching Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching and Mentoring Award.
The Graduate School is proud of all our students for their efforts and achievements. We look forward to seeing what they do in their future endeavors.
Spring/Summer 2022 Articles