Young Adult Graduation Ceremony

Congratulations to the young adults graduating from AU's 2009 New Haven "Super Advocate" class. To recognize and honor these courageous and outstanding individuals, a commencement ceremony was held Thursday, January 29, 2009 at the West Haven Library in West Haven, CT.

Many friends, family members, guests, and advocates filled the West Haven library to witness and help take part in this milestone celebration.

The commencement ceremony featured keynote speaker Dr. Kenneth Marcus, DMHAS Medical Director; Dr. Thomas A. Kirk, Jr., DMHAS Commissioner; AU Executive Director Dr. Karen A. Kangas; and AU Program Director and young adult class instructor Lyne Stokes, M.Ed. Other speakers included John Sims, President, AU Board of Directors; Brandon McMahon, Super Advocate Graduate; and John Ciambrello, Y.A.S. Case Manager, Bridges. Solomon Reed, Super Advocate Graduate, provided a musical presentation.

In addition, the Honorable Gov. Jodi Rell graciously commended each of the students with a personal letter recognizing their achievement (read Gov. Rell's letter).

In all, seven courageous young adults successfully completed and graduated from this program. We are extremely proud of our new graduating young adults, and welcome them to the AU community.

A complimentary reception followed the commencement activities.