Skip to main content

The university officially approved our request to use the stage for our graduation ceremony. Seeing these students in their caps and gowns walk across that platform will be a moment I never forget. Thank you for pushing right alongside me to ensure they get the recognition they earned.

June 24, 2012

UP Graduation

UP Graduation

🏆 Won — 254 supporters Verified

Final supporters

A
anna g.
N
Nicholas P.
S
Scott C.
H
Heather P.
G
Ginny D.
K
kelly d.
P
Paul M.
L
Lori I.
M
Michelle G.
J
Judith L.
+244 more
Started by Anonymous 14 years, 5 months ago
The WCU UP Program provides an inclusive, two-year, on-campus living and learning experience for college-aged persons with intellectual disabilities. The goal of the program is to facilitate transition of participants from secondary school to adult life with education, employment and independent living. We are petitioning for the use of the Graduation stage in the Ramsey center on May 5th, 2012 after the second graduation has finished. We want to provide a ceremony for our graduating participants, giving them an opportunity to wear a cap and gown and walk across the stage. The reasons that we think this is important are: 1) The participants want this! 2) This is a model program (1 of 5 in the US), and we set the standard for all other programs. 3) One of the unique things about the program is total inclusion into college life and this means having a graduation.

Updates

Reached 250 supporters

April 18, 2012

April 17, 2012

Seeing this level of support reminds me exactly why we started fighting for our students to have their moment on that stage. My heart is full knowing so many people understand that true inclusion means celebrating these accomplishments just like everyone else.

April 14, 2012

Watching the students talk about their dreams for the stage has kept me moving forward even when the administration keeps giving us vague answers. I am currently reaching out to faculty members who might be able to help us secure that space for a proper celebration. Their hard work at this university deserves a real moment of recognition.

Reached 100 supporters

April 10, 2012

6 Comments

S
Sarah Shepherd
14 years ago Featured

These students worked just as hard as everyone else. They deserve to walk across that stage and feel proud.

L
Linda Das
14 years ago Featured

PLEASE let this happen. These kids have earned their caps and gowns.

M
Mike Reed
14 years ago Featured

Total inclusion means everyone gets to celebrate their hard work. Let them use the stage!

J
Jessica Dunn
14 years ago Featured

Why on earth would they deny this? It costs nothing to let them use the stage for an hour after the main ceremony. Let them have their moment.

D
David Tate
14 years ago Featured

My cousin is in this program and she has grown so much. Give them the recognition they earned.

B
Brian Chopra
14 years ago Featured

They are part of the college just like any other student. Inclusion shouldnt stop at the end of the year.