College of Human Development, Culture, and Media Hosts Annual Graduate Commencement Ceremony

On May 13, 2026, Dean Bryan Crable, Ph.D., and faculty from the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media (CHDCM) gathered in the Walsh Gymnasium Auditorium to celebrate graduates at the College’s annual Graduate Commencement Ceremony. 

The ceremony honored students from each of the College’s graduate programs, with faculty recognizing candidates as they completed their doctoral and master’s degrees. The event marked a milestone of achievement for graduates, highlighted by support from family, friends and the CHDCM community. 
 
Student speakers who were nominated by program faculty — shared reflections on their academic journeys. This year’s speakers were Yesenia R. Natera, Ed.S., from the department of Professional Psychology and Family Therapy and Robert Cohen, Ph.D., representing the department of Education Leadership, Management and Policy. Both offered inspiring remarks about perseverance, community and the impact of their studies on their future careers. 
 
“I was honored to be selected to give a student reflection speech at the graduate commencement,” Cohen, said. “It was a wonderful experience to talk about the challenges that we faced throughout the program and the importance of our supporting community, including professors, classmates, and friends.” 
 
The ceremony also recognized outstanding student achievement through two awards celebrating academic excellence and service. Carmen Morales Ed.D., received the 2025-26 Gerard Babo Award in recognition of her academic accomplishments and contributions to the community. Cohen was named recipient of the 2025-26 Dissertation of the Year Award for excellence in scholarship.
 
Reflecting on the recognition, Cohen said, “I was very honored to receive the Dissertation of the Year award. There were a number of excellent dissertations completed this year, which made the honor especially meaningful. I am grateful for the guidance of my mentor, Rong Chen, Ph.D., whose support and feedback were instrumental in shaping my research.”
 
Ryan Hudes, Ph.D., senior associate dean, added, “The Graduate Commencement Ceremony is a special occasion for each of our graduates and serves as a time to recognize their academic achievements,” he said. “I am proud to see all of our graduate programs represented and wish each graduate continued success in their future endeavors.”  
 
The College of Human Development, Culture and Media offers graduate-level programs in the arts, communication, education, leadership, and mental health. These programs equip CHDCM students with the knowledge, skills and experience to become leaders and changemakers in their professions and communities.

Categories: Campus Life, Education