UDC Commencement 2023 filled with remarkable stories

Yasmin Romero-Castillo and her granddaughter Kiara A. Romero

This year’s celebration had no shortage of notable stories. A few memorable ones include a graduating grandmother and granddaughter duo, a native of Brazil who plans to continue his education at the University, a native of Sri Lanka, who credits one professor in particular with helping her reach success, and a returning student who graduated with her masters one year after obtaining a B.S. degree.

It was a family affair for UDC students Yasmin Ruth Romero-Castillo and Kiara Romero, who are grandmother and granddaughter, respectively. Both ladies received their Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Saturday’s event and walked across the stage one after the other.

Eduardo O. Bugay

Eduardo O. Bugay, originally from Brazil, graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s in business management from the School of Business and Public Administration (SBPA). Bugay, whose family traveled from his home country to see him graduate, said he was “thrilled” and couldn’t wait to continue his education at UDC.

Nethmi Amarasinghe, a psychology major in the College of Arts and Sciences, graduated summa cum laude. She is originally from Sri Lanka and credits assistant professor of psychology Dr. Afiya Fredericks as one of her major influences at UDC. “Her research is so important and inspirational,” said Amarasinghe.

Nethmi Amarasinghe

Graduate student Rachel Gizaw, a 32-year-old single mother of three young children who got her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the School of Engineering & Applied Sciences (SEAS) last year, was back again—only this time to receive her Master of Science in the same field. Originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Gizaw underwent extraordinary challenges to complete her degrees.

Rachel Gizaw

Gizaw, a single parent with three children, had difficulty reaching both graduations. At one time, she was even homeless, fighting health problems, and working two jobs, yet she was determined to complete her education.

Gizaw said that her motto became: “Don’t ever give up,” and credits UDC faculty and staff members for their steadfast support while pursuing her degree.

“I am so happy to be back here again today,” Gizaw said at this year’s Commencement. “I made it here last year and am back again today. I am grateful.”