The University of Houston, College of Education (UH COE) honored graduates at the Spring 2016 Graduation Convocation which was held at Hofheinz Pavilion on Friday, May 13, 2016.  Robert McPherson, Dean of UH COE greeted and congratulated each of the students as they walked across the stage.

“Shaking the hand of each graduate inspires an enormous sense of pride in me for our students’ academic achievements,” said McPherson.  “As they cross the stage, I am confident they have received the highest quality education in their respective fields from our outstanding faculty and staff.  Our graduates leave UH with the tools they need to change the world, and it is an honor to be a part of their journey.”

Among those who participated from (UH COE) were students receiving doctoral, masters and undergraduate degrees. Undergraduates Abby Nunez and Samantha Rodriguez, who graduated with 4.0 GPAs, served as banner bearers during the convocation.  Both received a B.S. in Teaching and Learning and want to begin their teaching careers immediately upon graduation.  Nunez will work in the elementary education field while Rodriguez will teach middle school mathematics. 

“Graduation is always an exciting time to see the students walk across the stage in their caps and gowns,” said Associate Dean of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies, Jonathan Schwartz. “Every member of the College of Education team was involved in helping them reach their goals.”  

McPherson also hosted the College of Education Graduation Reception immediately following the convocation at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts/Wortham Center.  Graduating students brought family and friends to the reception, which provided students an opportunity to share parting words with their favorite faculty and staff members. 

"After the official marching and robing and hooding is finished, it is such a pleasure to meet the families who have committed and sacrificed to make the degree possible,” said Department of Curriculum & Instruction assistant professor, Laura Turchi. “They are so full of joy for the new graduates, and it is very contagious fun to see all the smiles and feel the relief! The moms and spouses I talked with were tickled that the reception food was so good and that the company of all of us so-important professors wasn't too scary."