![]() ![]() Temple Grandin.”ĭiagnosed with autism decades ago as a child - when it was often considered a mental illness - doctors urged her parents to institutionalize Grandin. “In the world of neurodivergence, nobody embodies the meaning of trailblazer better than Dr. Owens, Beacon’s associate vice president of communications and engagement, introducing Grandin. ![]() “The Cambridge Dictionary defines trailblazer as the first person to do something or to go somewhere to show that it is possible for others,” said Darryl E. She received an honorary doctorate degree from Beacon during the May 6 commencement ceremony. The Boston native’s remarkable story of courage and success despite seemingly insurmountable odds has inspired millions around the world. “An unorthodox, but brilliant daughter”Īrguably no one could appreciate the graduates’ stories more than Grandin, the commencement speaker and trailblazing scientist and national disability advocate, whose life was featured in an Emmy-winning HBO biopic starring Claire Danes. In all, the college awarded 10 Associate of Arts degrees, 13 Associate of Science degrees, 23 Bachelor of Arts degrees and 70 Bachelor of Science degrees. Other award winners recognized included Alexander Patrick Rhodes, salutatorian, and departmental recipients Xavier Thomas (department of business and technology), Clifton “Trey” Kew (department of human services and psychology), Ryan Looney (department of humanities) and Wilkinson Jones (department of studio arts). A huge shout out and thanks to everyone who was involved in my Beacon journey.” I have gained so much knowledge, experience and academic skill here. “Now I can say and see that all my challenging experiences made me stronger. “When I came to Beacon, I was a shy freshman, and, thanks to all of you - my teachers, support staff and friends, I am an accomplished senior,” she said. She was eventually accepted at Beacon, where she found her stride. ![]() Her parents finally enrolled her in a specialty school for neurodivergent students, where her life and education began to come together. Even after her adoptive parents brought her to the U.S., she continued to struggle “in every way - physically, emotionally and socially, which created some real challenges I had to overcome,” the co-valedictorian said. Memories came flooding back of her early childhood in a Chinese orphanage. “You have been trailblazers, pathfinders and innovators - and you did so at a very extraordinary time in the nation and the world.” From orphanage to top of the classįor Zhilin Strong-Allen - known as Gwei (way) to everyone - graduation day prompted reflections on how far she had come in her life. “We are so very, very proud of you because we know you are our most enduring legacy – how you live your life and the work you do to improve the world. George Hagerty gave a big nod to the special place this class would always hold in the college’s story. It was a group – the largest graduating class in the college’s history – that bonded in adversity during their four-year trek, much of which took place dealing with Covid-19 isolation, in addition to their own learning challenges.īeacon President Dr. Her sentiment resonated with the 116 graduates of Beacon’s Class of 2023, who listened in quiet agreement and reflected on their own their own stories. “I know a lot of my determination, grit and perseverance I owe to them.” “While I wish nothing more than to have them here today, I still know they are here,” said Beacon’s co-valedictorian at its May 6 commencement, the 33rd in its history. She remembered her battle to overcome learning differences - and how proud they would be of her this day. Temple Grandin graced the stage, Beacon College senior Sydni Sugar thought of her late parents, who died before she finished high school. On graduation day, in which neurodiversity icon Dr. Temple Grandin grabs the mic from Beacon President George Hagerty for a “mic-drop” call to arms to graduates. College Readiness & Transition Programsĭr.Medical Tax Deduction for Educational Benefits.CARES Act, HEERF II, and HEERF III Application and Process.
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