Beetles, Tech, Following Mom’s Footsteps: University of Delaware Grads Mark 2024 Commencement
The 174th commencement of the University of Delaware was a significant event, taking place at the Delaware Stadium, where the air buzzed with the excitement of graduates and their families. Esteemed figures and thousands of students gathered to celebrate the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Amongst the sea of caps and gowns, individual stories of inspiration, discovery, and achievement shone brightly, painting a vivid picture of the diverse paths each graduate has taken.
One such story is of Oluebube Akujieze, a medical laboratory science graduate, who, inspired by her mother’s resilience and dedication, decided to follow in her footsteps. Immigrating from Nigeria and watching her mother return to school to pursue a medical career instilled in Akujieze a profound respect for the medical field. Despite the challenges, she navigated her academic journey with determination, keen to make both her family and herself proud.
Contrastingly, Kenny Madden’s journey took a turn towards the stars. Initially set on a path in sports exercise at a university closer to home, Madden felt a disconnect with his chosen field. A series of introspections and consultations steered him towards mechanical engineering with a focus on aerospace technology at the University of Delaware. Engaging in projects with NASA and founding the university’s chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Madden’s passion for space exploration and astrodynamics has only deepened, promising a bright future ahead.
The natural world called to Peyton Easton, leading her towards wildlife ecology and conservation. Inspired by a childhood filled with national park visits and high school agriculture classes, Easton found a program at the University of Delaware that matched her aspirations perfectly. From studying abroad in Costa Rica to joining an array of clubs and societies, Easton’s college experience broadened her horizons. She is now poised to tackle graduate studies, with a keen interest in disease ecology, aiming to unravel the complex interplay between wildlife, insects, and human health.
Beyond these personal achievements, the university community also celebrated the impactful project of a student delving into Delaware’s role in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case. Karen Ingram, a master’s student passionate about narrating the journey to desegregation, organized a bus tour highlighting key historical sites. Her research and dedication drew attention to an essential chapter of history, illustrating the power of education in bridging past and present.
As the University of Delaware’s class of 2024 steps into the future, their diverse interests, from the intricacies of medical science to the vast expanse of space, signal a bright future for them and the communities they will serve. Each graduate, with their story, embodies the spirit of exploration and achievement, ready to make their mark on the world.
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