On Tuesday, February 5, Saint Xavier University hosted its first School of Education Pinning Ceremony in the Butler Reception Room in the Warde Academic Center.
Amanda Snooks, sophomore, Elementary Education major, stated, “the School of Education Pinning Ceremony is essentially and induction ceremony for all of those who have been excepted into the School of Education this semester.
We were able to invite our family and the ceremony took place in the Butler Reception Room. There was a guest speaker and then faculty from the School of Education pinned us.”
Beverley Gulley, Dean of the School of Education, explained that, “it is the first time we have done this. It is for students who have been admitted into the School of Education teacher education program, which means they have the appropriate GPA and have passed the appropriate tests.”
250 students were recognized and 100 people were able to attend. Those who were unable picked up their pins later.
The Butler Room was full with family members, friends and staff.
Dr. Christopher Koch, State Superintendent of Education, was the featured speaker for this ceremony.
“It is really an exciting event for SXU,” explained Gulley.
“The superintendent of the Illinois State Board of Education attended. He gave a speech and responded to student questions. This was quite an event for us.”
Both Gulley and Snooks wanted to show recognition to staff members who contributed greatly to the ceremony.
“I would like for Larry Sondler, Director of Teacher Education and Certification Officer, to be recognized, because he did much of the planning. Faculty in the SOE and Arts and Sciences also participated in the pinning process,” Gulley mentioned.
Snooks also mentioned, “I would especially like to mention Professor McCullough,” Snooks began.
“I really enjoyed his class, which provided an excellent introduction to education. He was an engaging teacher and served as a role model to us all. Professor McCullough really sparked my excitement to begin future education classes and I would recommend his class to anyone,” concluded Snooks.
Nermeen Shabneh
News Editor