Education

The Fall 2024 School of Education Commencement

News, Videos, and Photos from SOE's Fall '24 Commencement

Members of SOE's Fall 2024 graduating class

The AU School of Education (SOE) Fall 2024 Commencement ceremony featured graduates from its Bachelor of Arts (BA); Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Master of Education (MEd); and Doctor of Education (EdD) programs.

Photos of the School of Education

The School of Education Fall 2024 Commencement Ceremony

Sunday, Decemer 14, 2024

Dr. Jonathan R. Alger, University President, Presiding

Welcome President Alger
National Anthem Julia Dobbins, College of Arts and Sciences
Invocation Reverend Eric Doolittle, University Chaplain
Student Address Peyton Upchurch, Graduate Speaker, School of Education
Commencement Address Sean Astin SPA/MPAP '24
President's Charge to Graduates President Alger

By the Numbers
School of Education Fall 2024 Graduates

3 Doctor of Education
35 Master of Arts
33 Master of Education
3 Bachelor of Arts

A Reception for School of Education graduates and their families in the Spring Valley Building.

Please check back as we are still updating photos, videos, and links as they are made available.

AU Commencement Website

Speakers Addressed the Class of 2024

Sean Astin to Address the Class of 2024

From the Silver Screen to the Bender Arena Stage

Some people know him as Mikey Walsh from the ’80s classic The Goonies, Samwise Gamgee from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Bob Newby from Netflix’s Stranger Things, or the inspiring walk-on in Rudy. But we know him as a fellow Eagle. Award-winning actor and mental health advocate Sean Astin, SPA ’24, will deliver the address at the American University School of Education’s 148th commencement, December 15, in Bender Arena. where 1,475 graduates are eligible to collect their diplomas.

Peyton Upchurch MEd '24 Chosen as Student Speaker

Graduate Student Speaker at 2024 Commencement

Peyton Upchurch (she/her/hers) is a December 2024 graduate of the online Master of Education in Education Policy and Leadership program. Currently, she serves as the Assistant Director of Alumni Communications at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she channels her passion for human connection and community-building into fostering meaningful experiences for alumni and students alike. Outside of her professional life, Peyton enjoys traveling, spending time with her dog Maisie, and exploring the outdoors in her Western North Carolina hometown and beyond. Following graduation, Peyton is excited to put the skills she has built at American University to work in the world of education policy.