The SLLC Celebrates its Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 Graduates
June 06, 2023
The School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (SLLC) at the University of Maryland recently held its Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony, honoring the achievements of its undergraduate and graduate students.
The ceremony, held on May 23rd, was a momentous occasion for the one hundred and twenty undergraduate and twenty graduate candidates. The commencement ceremony was emceed by Dr. Lindsay Yotsukura, the Associate Director for Academic Affairs in the SLLC. In her opening remarks, she welcomed the graduating students and their families and friends, acknowledging the support and guidance provided by loved ones throughout their academic journey. Yotsukura also highlighted the immense pride of the SLLC faculty and staff for the accomplishments of the graduating students.
One of the highlights of the event was the speech delivered by Dr. Stephanie Shonekan, Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities. Dean Shonekan expressed her deep appreciation for the SLLC community, sharing personal anecdotes of her experiences with students, faculty, and staff. She emphasized the importance of studying languages and cultures in building sustainable and ethical societies on a local, national, and global level. Drawing inspiration from influential artists and scholars, she called upon the graduates to continue their pursuit of knowledge and understanding, fostering a more just and equitable future.
The ceremony also featured undergraduate student speakers who captivated the audience with their heartfelt speeches. Paulina Leder, a dual degree graduate in History and German with a triple major in French, shared her experiences of studying abroad and the friendships she forged along the way. She encouraged her fellow graduates to embrace the unknowns of the future while cherishing the memories and accomplishments of their academic journey.
Tevin Okutoyi, a student from Kenya, delivered an inspiring address as well. With degrees in French Language & Literature and Biological Sciences, Tevin highlighted the importance of language skills in his pursuit of a career in medicine and public health. He commended his fellow graduates for their resilience in navigating the challenges of the pandemic and urged them to take pride in their achievements.
Dr. Michele Mason, a professor of Japanese Cultural Studies, addressed the graduates, family members, and friends with a message of celebration. She shared her personal experience of initially failing a Spanish class in college, which led her to switch her major to Linguistics and eventually discover her love for the Japanese language. Dr. Mason highlighted the unique aspects of Japanese, such as its straightforwardness and the intriguing nuances of words. Learning about Japan's culture and history challenged her previous assumptions about human societies.
She emphasized that learning multiple languages goes beyond grammar and vocabulary. It provides essential wisdom and opens doors to different ways of living, thinking, and being. In a world facing numerous challenges, this collective global wisdom will be crucial. Dr. Mason encouraged the graduates to embrace the twists and turns of life, considering them as opportunities rather than fears. She introduced the concept of "kokoro," a Japanese word combining heart and mind, suggesting the importance of aligning deep desires with core values.
Before concluding, Dr. Mason playfully gave the graduates a pop quiz, asking them to think about what they want to be when they grow up. While many might initially think about jobs or careers, she shared her own answers, emphasizing the continuous process of personal growth. She expressed her aspirations to be kinder, more present, and to nurture curiosity while gracefully handling failures. Dr. Mason encouraged the graduates to fully embrace both successes and failures, recognizing that even failures can lead to the most delightful experiences in life.
Congratulations to the graduates and their families! Your hard work and dedication have brought you to this momentous milestone, and the SLLC community wishes you all the best in your future endeavors.
