Graduation Ceremony

En español

Congratulations to the graduating students of the 2009 Bridgeport Advocacy Education Course, AU's fifth Hispanic 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 Thursday, July 30, 2009 at the Barnum School Auditorium, Bridgeport, CT.

Seated: The 2009 Bridgeport Class Graduates.  Standing, left to right: Annette
Deonarine, AU Director of Education; Dr. Karen Kangas, AU Executive Director;
and keynote speaker State Representative Andres Ayala

The commencement ceremony featured keynote speaker State Representative Andres Ayala and AU's Executive Director Dr. Karen Kangas. AU's Director of Education and Latino Initiative Annette Deonarine, who taught the 14-week course entirely in Spanish, conducted this successful graduation and presented each of the graduating students with their Certificates of Achievement. Many friends and family attended the ceremony. A complimentary reception followed the commencement activities.

AU has held 55 Advocacy Education Courses throughout Connecticut since its founding in 1994. Over 400 students in recovery from psychiatric disabilities or co-occurring disorders have graduated from the Advocacy Education Course and become AU Advocates. 50 of those students have graduated from AU's Hispanic Advocacy Education Courses.