Family Life & Human Development Major Named 2022 Education Valedictorian
Published: April 25, 2022 | Author: Abbie Cochrane | Read Time: 2 minutes
The Beverly Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development at Southern Utah University is pleased to announce Adelina Nielsen as the 2022 valedictorian. Originally from Ridgecrest, California, Nielsen is the oldest of five and will be graduating with a degree in family life and human development as well as a minor in psychology.
Nielsen decided on SUU because she liked the “small college town” feel and how welcoming everyone was. As she commenced her education at SUU, she fell in love with the university even more because of the care and attention put towards lessons by faculty and staff and the camaraderie between students.
“SUU has personality,” Nielsen said. “This is a place where you can build strong relationships with not just your classmates, but your professors as well.”
Nielsen would like to offer special thanks to a professor who influenced her educational path. “A huge shout out to Maren Hirschi, whose Intro to Social Work course helped me discover what I want to do for the rest of my life.”
Looking back on the last four years, there are many memorable moments that Nielsen treasures. However, the most significant one is the people she spent those years with, learning about their passions.
“Being in class with like-minded people who have similar goals and interests and want to make a difference in the world is definitely my favorite memory at SUU,” Nielsen said.
To incoming freshmen and current students, Nielsen offers her advice;
“Find something that you care about and that makes you happy, then do it. Take that passion to your career field and in your classes. Have an end goal in mind. Build strong relationships with your professors and classmates who want to change the world just like you do.”
Currently, Nielsen and her husband help with a special needs activity program in Iron County and she works for Crimson Counseling, helping teens with mental difficulties. Nielsen’s plans after graduation take her up north to Utah State University, where she plans to get her master’s degree in social work and eventually work in an elementary school, helping kids with problems at home.
The Beverly Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development has been helping hundreds of students each semester get closer to their degree and out into the world shaping minds of all ages and cultivating a wonderful learning environment. In addition to the many classes and majors offered within the college, there are also several clubs and organizations involved with the colleges that students can be a part of. Learn more about the Beverly Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development.
SUU’s 2022 Commencement Ceremony will be held on Friday, April 29 in the America First Event Center. Tickets are not required for the ceremony, but seating preference will be made for graduates and their families. The ceremony will also be streamed online by SUTV-9 and on SUU's social media channels. To watch Howe’s speech, tune into the Education Convocation at 12:30 p.m.
Visit SUU’s graduation website for more information about the 2022 Commencement Ceremony.
Tags: Graduation College of Education and Human Development Family Life and Human Development