Congratulations Class of 2024! On July 26th we were proud to celebrate the accomplishments of 71 graduates with their friends and families at The Hawk Community Center in Farmington Hills. Five students received an MA degree in clinical psychology with a concentration in ABA, 55 students received an MA degree in clinical psychology, and 16 students received a PsyD degree in clinical psychology.
This year’s commencement ceremony included special recognitions of Glen Fayolle and Denene Decker. Glen Fayolle is retiring from the Board of Trustees after eight years of service including a three-year term as Board Chair. Denene Decker also served MSP for eight year in her role as Academic Services Coordinator which she is retiring from at the end of the academic year. You can read more about honorees here.
The Marjorie Scott Scholarship for Excellence is presented at commencement each year to graduating students from the MA and PsyD programs who have best achieved excellence in academic performance, clinical work, and research in their respective programs. The award is presented to the recipients by the faculty member who recommended them. Dr. Megan Meade-Higgins presented the award to MA graduate Ashley Ball, and Dr. Kate Cusick presented it to PsyD graduate Rebecca Jarvis. You can read more about Rebecca and Ashley’s accomplishments here.
Dr. Brian Spitsbergen, President of MSP, recognized the graduating students’ academic achievements, hours of clinical work, and overall accomplishments in his commencement address. “I know each of you has it within yourself to transform the lives of your future clients, your family and friends, and your communities. I hope you are able to hold onto the lessons you learned from MSP to guide you through this process.” He also noted that during the past academic year, MSP students provided nearly 100,000 hours of service to those who otherwise may not have access to quality mental health care.
This year, graduates had the unique pleasure of listening to a keynote address from MSP co-founder and former president Dr. Diane Blau. In her address, Dr. Blau shared stories of the school’s early days and described how graduates were also becoming part of the school’s story as they transitioned into the roles of alumni. Additionally, Dr. Blau offered wisdom and advice to each graduate saying, “The relationships you have created here will be strong sources of support; You have shared learnings and experiences to draw upon and similar values and principles that serve as a foundation for your work.”
The keynote was followed by the presentation of candidates from each program by Dr. Mike Tyler, Vice President of Academics. The ceremony concluded with the conferring of degrees where each student received their degree from Board Chair Fayolle and President Spitsbergen. During the conferring of degrees graduates participate in a ritual that asks them to reflect on their time as a student and to consider their future contributions to society.
During the MA ritual, graduates select a stone that symbolizes their movement through their educational experience and make a statement that represents the personal meaning of the journey. This year’s students shared that they stand for “mothers,” “being authentic,” 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, students were introduced and hooded by their dissertation chairs. 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.
We can’t wait to see what the future holds for these graduates. Congratulations Class of 2024!
