Erikson Institute faculty and trustees awarded honorary doctoral degrees to Dr. Barbara Rogoff, UCSC Foundation Professor of Psychology at University of California Santa Cruz; and Bernice Weissbourd, founder of Family Focus and a cofounder of the Ounce of Prevention Fund.
The honorary degrees were presented during our 43rd annual graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 15, at Union Station.
“Through decades of research, Dr. Rogoff has provided new insights into the conditions under which children learn best and implications for how we can improve their education,” said Erikson president
Samuel J. Meisels. “Her work sheds light on how culture and community shape development and learning—a theme central to Erikson’s mission.”
“Bernice Weissbourd’s vision and advocacy for children and families has facilitated the growth and development of services throughout our community,” Meisels added. “The programs she started work to support and strengthen families, giving children a sound start in life. Her contributions are enormous.”
Dr. Rogoff delivered the commencement address to 107 Erikson graduates receiving master’s degrees in child development or early childhood education and one receiving her doctoral degree in child development.
"At commencement, we may think that we're now experts. Instead, we begin anew," said Rogoff. "The key is keeping an open mind to learn from each other, respecting where we come from along with respecting where everyone else comes from."
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