Graduation Ceremony

En español

Friday, March 27, 2009

Congratulations to the graduating students of the 2009 Hartford class, the third AU course taught entirely in Spanish. To recognize and honor these courageous individuals as they begin their journey as AU Advocates, a commencement ceremony was held Friday, March 27, 2009 at Capitol Region Mental Health Center in Hartford.

The commencement ceremony featured keynote speaker Representative Minnie Gonzalez; Jose Ortiz, Director of DMHAS' Office of Multicultural Affairs; and Capitol Region Mental Health Center Director Carl Shields.

The graduating students each gave heartfelt and moving speeches recounting personal experiences faced in working through their disabilities. Each were then presented with their Graduation Certificates. Annette Deonarine, AU Director of Education / Latino Initiative, and AU Executive Director Dr. Karen Kangas hosted the celebration.

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 53 Advocacy Education Courses throughout Connecticut since its founding in 1994. Over 380 students in recovery from psychiatric disabilities or co-occurring disorders have graduated from the Advocacy Education Course and become AU Advocates.

Presented by

Advocacy Unlimited, Inc.

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CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services