Congratulations Class of 2022! On July 28th we were proud to celebrate the accomplishments of 91 graduates with their friends and families at The Hawk Community Center in Farmington Hills. Two students received their ABA certification, nine students received their MA with a concentration in ABA, 64 students received their MA, and 16 students received their PsyD.
The academic achievements, hours of clinical work, and overall accomplishments of these students were recognized by Glen Fayolle, Chair of the Board of Trustees, and Dr. Fran Brown, President of MSP, in their commencement addresses. “You came to MSP because you believe in and embody the humanistic tradition. You are well prepared for what lies ahead. In your own unique way, you are making positive change in these challenging times,” said President Brown. She noted that during the past academic year, MSP students provided nearly 100,000 hours of mental health and behavioral services while in clinical training and approximately 25,000 hours were spent in direct services with clients.
During the MA ritual, graduates were able to contemplate their time at MSP by sharing what they stand for in the river of experience. Students shared that they stand for “destigmatization,” “social justice,” “love, love, love,” “authenticity,” and more. These statements were reflective of the unique interests and personality of each graduate and allowed them the opportunity to help shape their ceremony.
During the PsyD ritual, graduates made a pledge where they shared how they would use their education in their new role. This incredibly special moment is the first time that PsyD students are able to refer to themselves as Doctor while also allowing them a moment to tell guests about their experiences and hopes for the future. Students shared how they plan to use their degrees to uplift underrepresented populations, provide care, and give back to their communities.
MSP Faculty Emerita Dr. Marjorie Scott presented the Marjorie Scott Scholarship for Excellence to MA Student Aber Abdulle and PsyD Student Michelle Hodges-Pietryka. These graduates were selected by the faculty as individuals who have best-achieved excellence in academic performance, clinical work, and research in their programs. You can read more about their accomplishments here.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of candidates by Dr. Derrick Sebree (MA Program Director) and Dr. Danielle Balaghi (PsyD Program Director) followed by the conferring of degrees where students received their degrees from Glen Fayolle and President Brown. PsyD students also received their hoods, which signify that they have earned a doctoral degree.
We are so proud of all the hard work and dedication shown by the graduates of the Class of 2022. These students proved to be able to adapt to ever-changing circumstances while providing thousands of hours of care in clinical settings. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for these graduates. Congratulations Class of 2022!
