Congratulations to Centennial Class of 2006!
Four recipients of Outstanding Student Awards pose for a parent (L-R): Megan Connaughton, Lacy Lynn Basford, Diana Elysee and Jessica Klahr.
Every graduating class forges its own legacy, but the College of Education Class of 2006 holds a special place in the history of both the university and the college.
With the spring 2006 graduation ceremonies, UF marked 100 years of commencements. This year, the College of Education also celebrates 100 years of preparing teachers, counselors, administrators, college professors and school psychologists for roles in education.
It was May 30, 1906, when members of UF’s first graduating class received their diplomas. Three students from the UF Normal School—the predecessor of the College of Education—were among the 14 graduates at that inaugural graduation ceremony.
Nearly a century later, on May 7, 2006, some 328 education students joined those first 14 as UF alumni. About 200 donned cap and gown and “took the walk” across stage at UF’s Stephen C. O’Connell Center to receive their diplomas. The college’s Centennial Class of 2006 included 139 bachelor’s degree recipients and 189 advanced-degree graduates, from all five College of Education academic units.
The graduates—plus some 1,000 family members, friends, faculty members and dignitaries—were treated to remarks by Cynthia Tucker, nationally syndicated op-ed columnist and the editorial page editor of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Tucker’s remarks were deeply personal as she acknowledged the key role many educators played in her family life, and emphasized the need to have high quality teachers in our most challenged schools.
Dean Emihovich (in blue regalia) shown with Distinguished Educator Award recipients (L-R) Lynn Carrier, Sherry McIlwain, Julia Burnett, Marilyn Lentine and LuAnne Williams.
Education Dean Catherine Emihovich presented the education student and faculty awards, along with Distinguished Educator Awards to five public-school teachers and administrators from around the state,
Local community leader Portia Taylor, vice president for student affairs at Santa Fe Community College, received the College of Education alumni achievement award for her leadership, service and accomplishments both professionally and in her community.
Among the outstanding student award winners was Jessica Klahr, a senior in elementary education, who was inducted into the University of Florida Hall of Fame for her many contributions and services to the university and community.
As Dean Emihovich reminded the new graduates in closing the ceremony, “There will always be just one centennial class. Congratulations to members of the College of Education Centennial Class of 2006.”
