Graduation Ceremony

Thursday, November 13, 2008…
Congratulations to the graduating students of the 2008 Torrington, New Britain, and Waterbury classes. To recognize and honor these courageous individuals as they begin their journey as AU Advocates, a commencement ceremony was held Thursday, November 13, 2008 at Coe Park Civic Center in Torrington.

Nearly 200 family members, friends, guests, fellow AU Advocates, and supporters attended the ceremony honoring the graduating students.

The commencement ceremony featured keynote speaker Ryan Bingham, Mayor of Torrington as well as DMHAS Commissioner Thomas A. Kirk, Jr., Ph.D. and AU Executive Director Dr. Karen Kangas. In addition, graduating students each gave heartfelt and moving speeches recounting personal experiences faced in working through their disabilities. All students were then presented with their Graduation Certificates.

AU is extremely proud of these new Advocates, and welcomes them to the AU Advocate team. The new graduates will now begin their 6-month community internships.

AU has held 52 Advocacy Education Courses throughout Connecticut since its founding in 1994. Nearly 375 students in recovery from psychiatric disabilities or co-occurring disorders have graduated and become AU Advocates.