6:14 p.m., Jan. 5, 2008--New University graduates of many majors came together Jan. 5 for UD's Winter Commencement ceremony and to celebrate what their degrees mean to them and for their future.

Michele Walfred, of Lewes, Del., recently finished her studies in English with a concentration in journalism for a bachelor's degree after working at the University as a secretary in agricultural research.

“I was hired in Cooperative Extension at the University and then decided to go back to school. It's been great, just great,” Walfred said. “I love it here and everyone's been so fabulous. I'm going to continue working for UD, and I plan to get more involved in communications.”

Walfred said Commencement was extra special for her and her family because she was graduating with her daughter, Kathleen Mack, a theatre production major. Mack said a lot of their family came to watch her and her mother graduate because they were first in their family to receive college degrees. Mack said she never dreamed she would graduate college with a parent, but does not mind doing so.

“It is kind of weird to be graduating with my mom--just because it's not something you would normally think of doing with your parents,” Mack said. “But it's been really nice, I'm having fun, and it's definitely a good story to tell!”

Faith Morton and Catalina David, who both received their doctorates in physical therapy, said they were looking forward to celebrating together with a close group of friends.

David, of Washington state, said she came to UD because of its top ranking among physical therapy programs in the nation.

“I came from way away, and I'm really excited to go back [to Washington],” David said. “UD had the No. 4 physical therapy program in the nation, though, so, of course, I wanted to come here.”

David said she plans to move back to Washington in the near future and secure a job performing inpatient rehabilitation. Her friend Morton has similar plans.

“I'm really hoping to move to Idaho for a really great job out there,” Morton said. “I also want to work in rehabilitation, and I'm praying I land the job there.”

For Ashley Markow, who received her degree in sociology and criminal justice, a job is not in her cards just yet.

“After today, it's all about law school for me,” Markow said. “I've applied to George Washington University, Temple University, University of Maryland and Boston University.”

For the Wilmington native, however, Boston University is her top choice. “I'd really like to go be up north for a while; I love Boston.”

William Huyler and Gretchen Daniels Huyler, of Avondale, Pa., had twice as much to celebrate as most other students. The two, who are husband and wife, both held down full-time jobs while completing their master's degrees in business.

"We're both getting our MBAs at the same time," Gretchen Daniels Huyler said. When asked about her career plans, she said, "I work in financial services, and I'm going to continue with financial services."

Many of the students graduating with degrees in engineering said they already have jobs lined up, and one said he just started a new job.

"I've already been working for three days now with a traffic engineering firm," said Kyle Schmid of Lutherville, Md., who majored in civil engineering. Classmate Frank Taurozzi of Newark, Del., said he is completing an internship in civil engineering, so he is beginning to look for a job.

"I'm starting in February with Delmarva Power," said electrical engineering major Bryan Roth Jr. of Newark, Del.

Liz Bottner, of Newark, Del., who received her degree in philosophy with a minor in religious studies, said she looks forward to starting a job, but in the meantime is happy just to celebrate her graduation, in addition to her birthday.

“I'd like to start a job sooner, rather than later,” Bottner said. “But for today, I'm just so excited to be graduating.

“If I could give one word for what I'm feeling right now--it would have to be 'surreal.' ”

Article by Sarah Lipman
Photos by Kathy F. Atkinson and Duane Perry