December commencement marks end of semester

Dean Daire presents the Ruch Award to Hillary Parkhouse.
Dean Andrew Daire presents the Ruch Award to Dr. Hillary Parkhouse.

The VCU School of Education December commencement ceremony was held on December 14 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Faculty, staff, family and friends celebrated the accomplishments of 110 students who now head out in diverse communities across the commonwealth and the country to serve as teachers, counselors, school administrators, higher education faculty and other professionals committed to high needs learning environments.

“We are extremely proud of our students. Thanks to their hard work and commitment during their time here at the VCU School of Education, they head out into the world ready to make a significant impact in the community,” said Dr. Donna Gibson, interim associate dean for academic affairs in the School of Education.

Dr. Hillary Parkhouse was presented with The Charles P. Ruch Award for Excellence in Teaching. Parkhouse, an assistant professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning, is highly regarded by SOE faculty, staff and students and is known as an excellent teacher, mentor and advisor whose knowledge, expertise and humanistic approach are an inspiration to her students.

Amy Gray Beck, who received her in Ph.D. in Education, Concentration in Educational Leadership, Policy and Justice at the ceremony, was one of many students who expressed gratitude toward SOE faculty.

“Faculty in the School of Education have been supportive, patient, motivating and unwavering since I enrolled in the program in 2013. Through getting married, growing in my current role at VCU, and having a baby, Dr. Mansfield, Dr. Newcomb, and Dr. Siegel-Hawley have been coaches and mentors to me, invested in me and my research,” said Beck, who is executive director of alumni outreach and engagement in the VCU Office of Alumni Relations.

“I’m forever grateful for my experience with the VCU School of Education and proud to join the ranks of VCU alumni,” she said.

View the Flickr Album of photos from the ceremony