University of Connecticut Athletics
Student-Athlete December Graduates Honored at Ceremony
12/8/2019 7:51:00 AM | General, Student-Athlete Success Program, Husky Advantage
On Saturday morning, UConn student-athletes who are graduating this month were honored among their family and friends at a ceremony and reception in the alumni center.
The eight honorees were Matthew Peart, Donovan Williams, Mason Donaldson and Donevin O'Reilly from the football team; Alex Canicatti, Jordan Hall and Dayonn Harris from the men's soccer team; and Divine Oladipo from the women's track and field team.
"Today, I feel that we celebrate the most important accomplishment of our student-athletes during their tenure here, and that is their graduation," Adrianne Swinney, the Chief Operating Officer of UConn Athletics, said. "This is the core and the essence of who you are and your identity as a student-athlete. This is the thing that is most important for you to walk away from this university with your degrees. So to our graduates, I say today we celebrate you."
UConn student-athletes represent some of the best of what the university has to offer. They essentially have two full-time jobs, and they don't always get the recognition they deserve for the hard work they put in every single day, both on the field and in the classroom. These graduates are fantastic athletes but even better people.
"Getting here was no easy feat, and to be honest it's something that's beyond spectacular in my opinion," Peart said in his address to the crowd. "No one really truly understands the hard work and the effort that it took to get to this point. Moving forward in our future, that's what is going to set us apart."
Athletic Director David Benedict said that although the student-athletes are graduating, UConn will never stop being there for them.
"When you think about the last four years, you probably remember that your greatest lessons were learned outside the classroom," Benedict said. "That is a great reminder that learning doesn't stop because you've earned your diploma … We wish you the best as you embark on your next journey. However, it's important that you know that your relationship with UConn Athletics is just beginning."
The favorite memories of the graduating student-athletes ranges from upset wins over ranked opponents to just hanging out with their friends and teammates. It's safe to say all of them cherished their time at UConn. Some of the graduates shared their thoughts about what being student-athletes at a top Division-I school meant to them.
"It was prosperous and enjoyable," Donaldson said. "I spent the last four years creating bonds with a bunch of guys. I came in with a good group of guys back in 2016, so I really just enjoyed my time being able to grow, mature and mold into the man I am today."
"It was a really good opportunity for me," Oladipo said. "I was really happy to get my education and be on a full scholarship and to be part of a family here at UConn. I think I learned a lot."
"It meant everything honestly," Peart said. "It's an experience I wouldn't really trade for anything. It got me to where I am today. I'm just really excited and really happy looking forward, and I'm happy about what I did here. It was amazing."
"It was a lot of lessons," Canicatti said. "I learned a lot from my teammates, I learned from my coaches, and for me, being a part of the men's soccer program was probably one of the most important things that has happened in my life. I think truly UConn is a home to me and my teammates are my brothers."
These graduates will undoubtedly go on to accomplish some great things in the future, and having been student-athletes at UConn will always be an important part of their journeys.
