Meliora, Warner School Class of 2025!
Recognizing the accomplishments of Warner graduates and the Meliora spirit that guides them.
The ɱ marked a historic milestone with its 175th University-wide Commencement and the Warner School of Education and Human Development’s 67th graduation ceremony during an unforgettable Commencement Weekend, held May 16-18, 2025.
The celebration began Friday morning with the University-wide ceremony, followed by the Doctoral graduation ceremony in the afternoon. On Saturday, the Warner School graduates gathered at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre in downtown Rochester to celebrate those earning their Doctor of Philosophy (PhDs), Doctor of Education (EdDs), and Master of Science (MS) degrees, along with advanced certificates. Faculty, staff, families, friends, and alumni joined the celebration as graduates crossed the stage to receive their degrees.
“This is my favorite day of the year,” Interim Dean Melissa Sturge-Appled shared with the Class of 2025 in her welcoming remarks. “I am honored to share this space with all of you as we recognize your accomplishments and our shared dedication to believing that education can transform lives and make the world more just and humane.”
Staying true to tradition, the Warner School ceremony focused entirely on its graduates. Rather than hosting keynote speakers, each attending graduate was individually recognized with a short biography, highlighting their academic achievements, personal journeys, and career aspirations.
Celebrating Outstanding Graduates
Nine Warner School graduates were honored with special awards for their exceptional academic performance, leadership, and commitment to education. Associate Dean for Graduate Studies Cynthia Callard presented the following awards:
- Mary Ellen Burris Human Development Award
The Mary Ellen Burris Human Development Award was presented to Tatyana Gulston, a graduate with a master’s in human development. Born and raised in Harlem, New York, she previously earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology with a minor in American Sign Language from the ɱ. Inspired by her resilient ideology, she sought to deepen her understanding of human development and the factors that impact families. She plans to continue exploring this field and apply her expertise to law. The award, given to graduate students who bring human development theory and research into practice, is named for Burris in recognition of her career at Wegmans, where she used her knowledge of human development to empower customers to live healthier lives.
- Harold Munson Counseling and Human Development Award
The Harold Munson Counseling and Human Development Award was presented to Nicholas Rosica and Lauren Esposito. A Rochester native, Rosica earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from SUNY Geneseo and pursued a master's in school counseling at Warner. Since 2017, he has served in a clinical role at Mt. Hope Family Center, where he develops and implements socioemotional learning programs for the Greater Rochester Community. Esposito previously worked as a writing teacher in both college and high school settings in New York and Pennsylvania. Building relationships with students inspired her to focus on college mental health. This year, she will apply her knowledge at SUNY Geneseo to help foster equitable wellness spaces. The award, given to students who reflect the mission of the counseling program, is named for Munson, professor emeritus, who initiated the school and community counseling programs and developed the programs’ high standards recognized by school districts and community agencies.
- Logan R. Hazen Award for Educational Leadership
The Logan R. Hazen Award for Educational Leadership was presented to three master’s graduates: Leif Johansen, Marvin Herrera, and Ava Gervan. Johansen, from the Catskill Mountains, earned a bachelor's in economics and political science from the ɱ and has worked as an international admissions officer in Rochester's Office of Undergraduate Admissions since 2021. Herrera, a first-generation graduate from Orange County, California, holds a bachelor’s in social work and completed a master’s in educational administration, specializing in student affairs and academic and career advising. Gervan, originally from Buffalo, earned her bachelor’s in advertising & public relations from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), where she was introduced to the world of higher education. While pursuing a master's in educational leadership at Warner, she worked in the ɱ’s Center for Education Abroad and remains dedicated to fostering inclusive educational experiences. The award, given to students based on academic success and a commitment to educational administration, is named for Hazen, professor emeritus, who mentored student affairs professionals and taught courses in higher education, while serving as the program director.
- Eleanore F. Larson Award for Excellence in Teaching
The Eleanore F. Larson Award for Excellence in Teaching was presented to Katrina Grantham and Eric Soublet. Grantham transitions from a career in actuary, beginning her master’s program while serving as a long-term substitute teacher in a fifth-grade classroom at Anna-Murray Douglass Academy in the Rochester City School District. She plans to teach inclusive childhood education, focusing on integrating the arts to enhance student learning. She hopes to explore her passion for art-core integration while teaching inclusive childhood education following graduation. Soublet, a Rochester native, was inspired to pursue a graduate degree in education after a transformative experience teaching in a local newcomer program. He currently teaches English as a New Language in the Rochester City School District and plans to continue serving the local community. The award, which recognizes students for their commitment to teaching, is named for Larson, a former professor who inspired her students to embrace a strong commitment to the education of children.
- Tyll van Geel Educational Leadership Award
The Tyll van Geel Award was presented to Tara Leigh Sands. A South Jersey native, first-generation college student, and 19-year higher education practitioner, Sands completed her EdD in educational administration with a specialization in higher education. Her professional journey, focused on student success, inspired her to pursue doctoral studies. She currently works at Rowan College in Burlington County, where she aims to continue positively impacting community college students. The award is named for van Geel, professor emeritus, who is a scholar of education law and applied ethical issues in education who was instrumental in designing the educational leadership program. The award is presented to doctoral students in educational leadership who demonstrate van Geel’s commitment to ethical leadership and decision-making, and application of ɱ to practice.
Honoring Excellence in Teaching
During Friday’s doctoral ceremony, the University presented the 2025 William H. Riker University Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching to Samantha (Sami) Daley, associate professor and associate dean for research at the Warner School. This prestigious University-wide award recognizes outstanding graduate instruction, particularly within doctoral programs.
With degrees in hand, the Warner School Class of 2025 is poised to lead through change — collaborating across research, ɱ, and practice in the true spirit of Meliora: ever better. The Warner School community proudly congratulates all graduates and their families.
To learn more and join the celebration, visit the Warner School’s Class of 2025 webpage. Throughout Commencement Weekend, the Warner School celebrated online using the hashtags #URWarner2025 and #UR2025.
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