Schools
Wesleyan's Class of 2012 Celebrates Commencement
Brad Stuhlman of Clinton receives a master's degree.
graduated the Class of 2012 Sunday under sunny skies in Middletown.
One of the graduates, Brad Stuhlman, is the son of Linda and James Stuhlman of Clinton. He received a master's degree.
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The day was about the students, their families and Kennedy Odede, who established Shining Hope for Communities and the Kibera School for Girls in Africa with the help of many Wesleyan students, faculty and the Greater Middletown community.
Odede gave the class Welcoming Remarks; he shared stories about his upbringing and how his fate changed to escape the largest slum in Africa, where he has since established the Kibera School for girls along with fellow Wesleyan University grad Jessica Posner with the support of the Wesleyan community. Kennedy's friendly and powerful voice with his strong African accent gave his remarks added impact and meaning.
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It was an emotional day for families. Parent Martha Jacobsen and grandparent Jackie Hinds were speechless when asked how it felt to witness the graduation.
"There's just a lot to be proud of," said Jacobsen about her son, Leif. "He overcame many obstacles throughout his four years here and today he is graduating with honors." Leif will teach 8th grade in Teach for America in Harlem, NY, after his graduation.
Joan Tedeschi, along with the brother and uncle of graduate Max Livingston, said, "I'm just so proud and feeling a bit emotional ... he worked hard to achieve this. I'm thinking about his grandparents today who are watching from heaven. I'm wearing my mother-in-law's hat and her necklace to be sure they are here today."
Lonnie Resser from Los Angeles, California was there to see her brother, Drew, graduate.
"He grew up in a huge city and this has given him a small-town experience," said friend Jimmy Nissen of Drew.
Student Francesca Buzzi shared, "Wesleyan taught me how to learn"; classmate Leslie Tan of New York City felt that she was "taught to take risks and go beyond" at Wesleyan.
When asked what the university gave him, Kenneth Song of McClean, VA, simply said, "memories." His parents are in Taiwan and were unable to be at his graduation.
Wallis Hardon of New Haven said she was looking forward to applying what Wesleyan taught her.
Graduating classmate Laura Messinger said, "Wesleyan's an incredible school."
