Message from our leadership
Welcome to the University of Iowa’s second annual Disability Graduation! We want to support and celebrate its students with disabilities. We were excited to have worked with a dedicated group of students and staff to plan affinity graduation for individuals who identified as disabled or living with a disability. This graduation will join the many other community-specific graduations to allow space to focus on our students intentionally.
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social gatherings, we could not have this momentous event in person. Thus, we worked with graduating students to compile memories and stories to commemorate their time and accomplishments at the University of Iowa.
We are so proud of you! Thank you, students, for your tenacity, flexibility, and grace throughout this process. A special thank you to the UI Students for Disability Advocacy & Awareness (UISDAA) and the Disability Graduation 2021 Planning Committee for your efforts to ensure we had a venue to celebrate.
In solidarity,
Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership
Ceremony Details
Date: Thursday, May 13, 2021
Time: noon to 1 p.m.
Info: In-Person at the IMU River Terrace (Registration is required to attend.)
Recognizing and celebrating students with disabilities who are graduating in the spring or summer of 2021 with a Disability Graduation
Outstanding Disability Volunteer Leadership Awards
Student Awards
Natalie Oostenbrug
Degree: Bachelors in Interdepartmental Studies with a self-defined emphasis on the Intersection of Western Biomedicine and Social Sciences
College: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
About Natalie: “...She's truly a dedicated advocate for disabled students and disabled people in general. She took part in pushing for and organizing a Disability Graduation. She doesn't just point out injustice - she offers reasonable solutions.”
Sam Singh
Degree: Bachelors in Finance
College: Tippie College of Business
About Sam: "...She’s been part of eight executive boards and has advocated for diversity and inclusion within them all. She has always promoted diversity and exemplifies that disabilities do not have to severely impact the trajectory of your academic and extracurricular careers."
Grant Tapken
Degree: Bachelors in Religious Studies & Ancient Civilizations
College: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
About Grant: "...Grant is very active in the community and is an advocate for individuals with disabilities on campus. He does everything he can to educate his peers and the community, while also voicing changes that need to be made to allow others to succeed.”
Faculty/Staff
Dr. Jennifer Haylett
College: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
About Dr. Haylett: "...Dr. Haylett sets a perfect example to other university professors. She is kind, supportive, understanding, and engaging during lecture, office hours, and running into her around Iowa City. She has never made me feel as though I needed to create a narrative around my disability to receive accommodations.
The Graduates
Meet the graduates of the Class of 2021!
Transcript from Celebration
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