On Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, the TCU College of Education honored its Fall 2024 graduates during a heartfelt Pinning and Hooding Ceremony in the Brown-Lupton University Union ballroom. The event celebrated the achievements of undergraduate, master’s and doctoral graduates as they marked the next chapter of their professional and academic journeys.
Dean Frank Hernandez opened the ceremony by reflecting on the college's Centennial year, emphasizing the profound impact TCU graduates have made over the past century.
“This moment is a testament to your resilience, dedication and pursuit of excellence,” said Hernandez. “You are the torchbearers of our legacy, prepared to inspire change and transform education and society.”
Recognizing Student Achievements
Mariah Roberts, a Youth Advocacy and Educational Studies major and this semester’s
Outstanding Senior, delivered an inspiring speech highlighting her journey as a first-generation
college graduate. She shared her gratitude for her family, mentors and community,
stating, “Let my story be proof that your circumstances don’t define you—you define
you.”
Graduate student speaker Fabiola Campos, who earned her master’s in educational leadership, reflected on the power of perseverance. “Our time at TCU has not only prepared us academically but has instilled in us a spirit of resilience to face challenges and make meaningful contributions to the world,” she said.
Doctoral graduate Morgan Jansing, who earned a Ph.D. in science education, emphasized the importance of community and collaboration. “The relationships built here at TCU have shaped not only my academic journey but my future as an educator and researcher. I am grateful for the mentorship, support and encouragement I have received.”
Significance of the Ceremony
Professor Cindy Savage, associate dean of teacher education, assessment and undergraduate
studies, explained the symbolic importance of the college’s pin, presented to undergraduates
during the ceremony. “The pin signifies your affiliation with the honorable field
of education and your connection to the TCU College of Education,” she said.
The hooding portion of the ceremony recognized graduate students earning advanced degrees, symbolizing their transition into the academic and professional communities.
Celebrating Academic Excellence
The graduating class included 48 students: 22 undergraduates, 14 master’s degree recipients
and 12 doctoral graduates. The ceremony highlighted the diverse fields of study and
professional pathways pursued by the graduates.
Undergraduate Degree Recipients
- All-Level Education: Margaret Bubb, Kayden Burns, Kevin Corpus, Olivia Garza, Lauren Hanifan, Alex Jaime, Christian Lackey, Reynaldo Miranda, Sean Muller, Ken Nguyen, Hayden Nicholson, Evan Pallanes, Lyndsey Walker
- Middle School Education: Sarah Rowe
- Youth Advocacy and Educational Studies: Shad Banks, Simone Bazan, Jojo Earle, Jonathan Medina, Mariah Roberts, Meredith Ryan
Graduate Degree Recipients
Doctoral Degrees
- Counseling and Counselor Education: Rosia Frater, Allison Hunter
- Curriculum Studies: Ryan Peterson, Kelcia Righton
- Educational Leadership: Shawn Cottrell-Lassiter, Marcellis Perkins, Victoria Wilburn-Flores
- Science Education: Morgan Jansing
Master’s Degrees
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Kayla Cruz, Vivian Jones, Chyann Langevin, John Mark Stella, Bethany White
- Human Services: Alicia Reed
- Curriculum and Instruction: Talhia Enriquez, Tamela Cook-Miller, Cassandra Garza, Karina Lazcano-Landa
- Educational Leadership with Higher Education Emphasis: Fabiola Campos, Jasmin Muhammad-Graham
A Legacy of Excellence
The ceremony concluded with a charge from Dean Hernandez, urging graduates to embrace
resilience, compassion and lifelong learning as they embark on their professional
endeavors.
The college also recognized its Centennial year by presenting graduates with a commemorative pin, symbolizing their place in a century of impactful education.
Graduates officially received their conferred degrees during TCU’s December 2024 Commencement, held Saturday, December 14, at the Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena.
Follow the TCU College of Education Facebook page to view photos from the Pinning and Hooding Ceremony when shared.
