Graduation Shenanigans

Congratulations! You're now reading the first words I, Connor Shields, college graduate has written. The former college student known as Connor Shields has vanished and won't ever be seen again (that's a lie lol).

The past few months have seen like a roller coaster. I've been incredibly fortunate to have such a wonderful experience and have actually been recognized by my school in a few ways! The first of which being the subject of the Rowan University College of the Performing Arts Commencement Cover Story. My name was submitted by Rowan University staff and after some interviews, the Marketing Team chose me to be this year's CPA's highlighted student. Here's the link to the story: https://today.rowan.edu/news/2024/04/cpa-connor-shields-commencement-2024.html

I was also awarded the Dr. Barbara Chamberlain Award for Outstanding Excellence in Performing Arts Education by the College of Performing Arts! This award is the highest honor a graduating senior can receive to acknowledge superior performance in a particular field. The medallion distinguishes the student as exceptional, placing them in the ranks of Rowan University’s finest graduates. I've been extremely lucky to have worked in so many different educational spaces and having my work recognized by the College of Performing Arts is an incredible honor. Here's a link to the medallion website: https://today.rowan.edu/news/2024/04/cpa-medallion-awards-2024.html

I also was the subject of the Theatre and Dance Commencement Ceremony "Mic'd Up" video. Before my commencement ceremony, I met up with a videographer who gave me a lapel microphone. I was told to go about my day and then he recorded everything I did and said before compiling it together and getting it posted on the Rowan University YouTube page. To be honest, a lot of the day seemed to be a blur so I'm so glad I have this memento to always look back on my graduation day! Here's the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulPR8qM_vbs

After all the craziness that's come with graduation, it feels like I've been running almost non-stop so I cannot wait for the little break that comes up before I'm back teaching at the Walnut Street Theatre in June!