Graduation Ceremony

Congratulations to the graduating students of the 2009 Manchester Advocacy Education Course. To recognize and honor these courageous individuals as they begin their journey as AU Advocates, a commencement ceremony was held Tuesday, August 11, 2009, at Center Congregational Church in Manchester.

The 2009 Manchester Class Graduates with class instructor Selina Welborn on the left and Class Assistant Linda Lentini on the right

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The commencement ceremony featured keynote speaker State Senator Mary Ann Handley along with guest speakers Pat Rehmer, DMHAS Deputy Commissioner; Howard Sovronsky, CHR Chief Operating Officer; AU Executive Director Dr. Karen Kangas; and brief speeches by the graduating students. This outstanding class was taught by AU Educator Selina Welborn and class assistant Linda Lentini, AU Director of Training and Grants Manager. Selina and Linda presented each of the graduating students with their Graduation Certificates. A complimentary reception followed the commencement activities.

AU has held 56 Advocacy Education Courses throughout Connecticut since its founding in 1994. Over 410 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.

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Keynote Speaker Senator Mary Ann Handley		DMHAS Deputy Commissioner Pat Rehmer
AU Executive Director Dr. Karen Kangas		Class Instructor Selina Welborn
Deputy Commissioner Pat Rehmer		AU's 40th Graduation Ceremony