{Class of AU Graduates}
2009 Hispanic Mi Casa Class  

Congratulations to the graduating students of the 2009 Hispanic Mi Casa Class, the fourth Advocacy Unlimited course taught entirely in Spanish. A commencement ceremony was held on July 8, 2009 to recognize and honor these courageous individuals as they begin their journey as AU Advocates.

Below are selected photo highlights from the ceremony:  

{Commissioner addressing graduates}
Commissioner Thomas A. Kirk, Jr., Ph.D. addressing the graduates.

{Commissioner Kirk accepting award}

Commissioner Thomas A. Kirk, Jr., Ph.D. (center) accepting The Karen Kangas Excellency in Advocacy Award from John Sims, President AU Board of Director's and Karen A. Kangas, Ed.D, AU Executive Director in recognition of his oustanding contributions to the field of mental health and substance use disorders.

{Commissioner Kirk displaying award}

{Pete Rosa & Annette Deonarine}   {Jorge Rivera & Annette Deonarine}

The commencement ceremony also featured keynote speaker Pete Rosa (left), Program Officer, Hartford Foundation, as well as Jorge L. Rivera (right), Founder and Executive Director, Mi Casa Family Services.  Also pictured is Annette Deonarine, AU Director of Education and Latino Initiative.    

AU has held 54 Advocacy Education Courses throughout Connecticut since its founding in 1994. Over 390 students in recovery from psychiatric disabilities or co-occurring disorders have graduated from the Advocacy Education Course and become AU Advocates.

{AU Graduation Cake}