SESP Convocation 2021: Never Stop Learning
Civil rights activist Tarana Burke, who champions the importance of connection and the “far-reaching power of empathy,” urged the Class of 2021 to stay open to change, join a cause they believe in, and remain committed to learning during the School of Education and Social Policy’s annual convocation ceremony celebration at Northwestern University’s Ryan Fieldhouse.
“It's going to take all of us to move the needle just a little bit to make sure that we have the life we want for ourselves and for our children, for our children’s children, for years and years to come,” said Burke, the founder of the ‘me too’ Movement. “Collectively, we all have to make that happen.”
SESP’s hybrid convocation ceremony – the first large gathering since March of 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic forced a switch to remote learning–offered graduates and guests sweeping views of a sparkling Lake Michigan and featured pre-recorded messages from Burke; alumna Alexandra Sim (BS10), founder of APS & Associates; and economist Cecilia Rouse, Chair of President Biden's Council of Economic Advisers.
- Graduate Students Honored with Awards, Fellowships
- Undergraduate Honors and Awards
- Honors Students Present Senior Thesis Projects
More than 210 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students had a moment in the spotlight, whether they attended in person or remotely. Students also received an individualized and commemorative web page and convocation video with well-wishes from faculty and staff.
Burke, who received an honorary Northwestern degree during commencement, has spent her life working on social justice issues, particularly preventing sexual violence and fixing other systemic issues disproportionately impacting Black women, girls, and marginalized groups. She urged everyone to get involved, even if they didn’t see themselves as a “movement person.”
“You don't have to be on the front lines,” she said. “You don't have to be leading the march or making the speeches to affect change. We have to live in this world together and so we need everybody to play whatever part they can. Read a book, listen to a podcast, stay connected to what's happening around you. Even if you're not fighting for or against it, it's going to affect your life.”
The celebration included an address from Dean David Figlio, student speeches from convocation co-chairs Joanna Sherman and Raymond Solorzano, and the announcement of the Alumni Leadership Award winners undergraduate Mari Gashaw, who earned a bachelor’s in education and social policy, and Stephanie Demos, who received her master’s in Higher Education Administration and Policy.
Figlio, who is known for singing adapted lyrics to popular songs during Convocation, this year bravely allowed students to pick the selection. The winning song was unveiled in a surprise video during the ceremony.
“Approach life with a healthy mix of gratitude and impatience,” Figlio said in his welcoming remarks. “And remember that while glaciers move slowly, over time they literally change landscapes. We might not see the progress every day, but every single day you can make progress. I don’t know how you’ll change lives for the better, but I know you will. Find your inner compass and follow it, day by day."
Both student speakers, Sherman and Solorzano, praised the small “Dine with the Dean” gatherings with Figlio and SESP’s tight-knit community. They also highlighted the strong supportive role and accessibility of SESP’s undergraduate advisers.
Led by Susan Olson, assistant dean of student affairs, the advising team includes Caitlin Burnett (MS14), senior academic adviser; Nathan Frideres, senior practicum adviser and coordinator of the Civic Engagement Certificate Program; Shelena Johnson, senior academic adviser; Meg Kreuser, manager of teacher certification and licensure and academic adviser; Ken Powers, senior academic adviser; and Jasmine Tucker, program coordinator.
“At SESP, we know firsthand the power of small group settings to connect, share ideas, and build relationships, whether in the classroom working on group projects or on a trip together to the candy bowl,” Sherman said. “We all know we hold the record for being the most transferred-into school, but I am also pretty sure we hold the record for the highest number of group papers required for graduation.”
Solorzano, a proud first-generation graduate, reminded his classmates to take their SESP skills into classrooms, boardrooms, courtrooms, and other spaces as they become the next generation of changemakers. “Remember to ask yourself who is in the room and who isn’t and what that means” he said. “Help others in the room become comfortable with being uncomfortable in the spirit of learning and growing. And most importantly remember the SESP Love within you and use that every day to help build a better tomorrow.”
“We are here to help.”
Alexandra Sims graduated with honors in 2010 and has spent the last decade working in public affairs. She joined President Obama’s 2012 campaign as the state director from Missouri and following his victory, started a voter registration nonprofit in Chicago called Every Vote Counts where she directed the registration of over 120,000 voters in four months - the largest voter registration campaign in the country that year. In 2017, after working as senior advisor for City of Chicago treasurer Kurt Summers, she started her own firm, APS & Associates with two clients: Gov. JB Pritzker, and the Chicago Aldermen Black Caucus.
She now has more than 12 clients, ranging from the Obama Foundation and Illinois State's Attorney Kim Foxx to State Representative and Northwestern University alumnus Emanuel “Chris” Welch, who was elected Illinois House speaker.
“I really believe SESP prepared me for this awesome journey, by teaching me to trust my gut, to take a leap,” Sims said. “And I encourage you all to do the same. Being here, having a Northwestern degree, and being able to share my purple pride with you is a true privilege. I want to challenge you to think about your awesome privilege, and to think about what you can do next to be happy and to make an impact.”
At the same time, remember to care for yourself, so you can help others, Sims said. “You're going to be joining a powerful, proud group of alumni that are all over the world, and they're changing it,” she said. “So lean on us. We are here to help.”
SESP’s Spirit of Service
Rouse, the first Black person to serve as chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, took a leave as dean of the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs to return to Washington. She also served on the Council of Economic Advisers in the Obama administration.
She encouraged graduates to take their “SESP spirit of service” wherever they go. “The last 40 years have seen persistent growth in inequality with dire consequences for economic, political, and social fabric,” said Rouse, an economist who specializes in inequalities in education and the workforce. “Our education system is failing too many young people. Political divisiveness has pulled people to their respective corners, unwilling to talk through their differences.
“In this transformative time, we have to reimagine a better world,” Rouse said. “And you're now equipped with the tools to create meaningful change. As passionate and compassionate graduates in policy and education, you have an obligation to apply your skills to combat solutions to the most vexing social issues in our communities, in our nation, and indeed in our world.”
More highlights:
- Professor Sally Nuamah presented Tarana Burke with an honorary doctorate during Northwestern University’s 163rd commencement ceremony. "Burke is a personal shero of mine because of the direct impact she has on the lives of survivors of sexual assault," Nuamah said. "She pushes us to prioritize sexual violence with the same level of urgency as police violence. She demands that we view sexual violence as a social justice issue. She helps us to dream of world that can be free to all violence so we can experience real liberation."
- SESP offers doctoral degrees in learning sciences, human development and social policy, and computer sciences and learning sciences. Five students received their PhDs including Allena Berry (learning sciences), Sugat Dabholkar (learning sciences), Spencer Carlson (learning sciences), Olivia Healy (human development and social policy) and Courtenay Kessler (human development and social policy.)
- Shirin Vossoughi and alumna Rebekah Stathakis (BS10) received outstanding teaching awards. Vossoughi, associate professor of learning sciences and co-director of the SESP Leadership Institute, previously won the Outstanding Professor Award in 2016. “She has changed the way I think about education and forever impacted my life,” one student said. Stathakis, who teaches in SESP’s undergraduate and master’s teaching programs, focuses on world languages teaching and learning, teacher education, and teacher evaluation. “Her immense support got us through a difficult and challenging time,” said a student who nominated her. “I know I will be a better educator in the future because of her empathy, expertise, and leadership.”