As many of you might agree, March is a month of the academic year typically filled with anticipation and excitement. Count me beyond pleased to report the many reasons why the College of Education is feeling this year's March vibes in a big way!
First, we are thrilled to be recognizing two esteemed Education at Illinois scholars with named professorships. On March 9 we celebrated Sarah McCarthey's investiture as the Sheila M. Miller Professor in Education. And on March 23, Hedda Meadan-Kaplansky will be honored as the Margaret Joy Smale Valpey Professor in Special Education at her investiture ceremony. Retaining and recognizing preeminent scholars like Drs. McCarthey and Meadan-Kaplansky is foundational to the College's continuity and success, and we are immensely grateful for the visionary generosity of our alumni and donors who have made this possible.
Speaking of continuity, James D. Anderson, dean of the College, is leading the second annual State of the College conversation on April 19. We encourage you to register and plan to join us online—last year's alumni attendance was excellent. This conversation is open to the broad College of Education community, and will cover our priorities to achieve maximum impact in the field of education during the year ahead.
Anticipation is also building for the 2022 College of Education Convocation ceremony, happening on May 14. We're returning to Huff Hall for our in-person event, and couldn't be prouder of our graduates who have persevered through significant challenges to learning and have earned their Illinois degree. We're inviting back all graduates from August 2019 forward to participate in the ceremony. More details and important deadlines can be found at our Convocation website.
Finally, as you are cheering on the Illini men's basketball team in the NCAA Tournament, enjoy reading about (and cheering for!) Education at Illinois faculty and alumni accomplishments highlighted in this email newsletter.