On May 12, Bank Street Graduate School of Education celebrated its annual commencement ceremony at the United Palace Theatre, honoring the accomplishments of the over 300 students who earned their master’s degrees and advanced certificates.
Bank Street also awarded the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa to two outstanding leaders: Fern June Khan, a dedicated educator and activist for community-based programs, and posthumously to Robie H. Harris, GSE ’70, for her legacy as a beloved educator, pioneering author, and lifelong advocate for children.
Khan’s long history at Bank Street College included more than 20 years of steadfast leadership in developing student-centered programs, including Liberty LEADS and Head Start, and professional development programs for teachers and leaders. Upon receiving her honorary degree, Khan reminded the graduating class of Bank Street’s legacy with the words of its founder.
She said, “You have what you need to become the change agents our educational, cultural, and political environments are yearning for. You are positioned to advocate for equitable systems wherever you work. You are also positioned to inspire in your students ‘the courage to work, unafraid and efficiently, in a world of new needs, new problems, and new ideas;’ a testament to the central belief of Lucy Sprague Mitchell and Bank Street College.”
Robie H. Harris, a beloved member of the Bank Street family who authored more than 30 books for children and collaborated with the Bank Street Writers Laboratory, died in 2024. A true trailblazer, she dared to use her voice to answer the big questions that children ask with honesty and compassion. To confer the posthumous honorary degree to Harris, two of her grandchildren, Ella Harris, SFC ’16 and Rosie Harris, SFC ’19, took to the stage to speak about her legacy.
“She always treated me as an equal, and took what I had to say seriously,” Ella said. “And that’s how she thought of and treated kids. I was so lucky to have her as a grandma, and it’s been meaningful to both me and my sister to continue to see her work have an impact at Bank Street and beyond.”
Following the conferral of the honorary degrees, two student speakers, Angelica Perez and Theresa Rivera, reflected on their experiences at Bank Street.
Perez, who earned an MSEd in Progressive Leadership, said, “As progressive educational leaders, we are not naïve to the challenges that lie ahead. We know that stepping into leadership today means stepping into the storm. It means being questioned for centering justice; it means being challenged for uplifting historically marginalized voices; and it means defending our students, families, and educators with both courage and care. But we were built for this. We are reflective and resilient.”
Rivera, who earned an MSEd from the Early Childhood General Education Advanced Standing Program, said, “At a time when forces are working to divide us—when policies are being introduced to silence diversity, equity, and inclusion in our schools—implementing inclusive practices holds deep personal significance for me. Inclusive education is not just a policy or a buzzword—it is a commitment to equity, respect, and belonging for every student, regardless of their background, abilities, race, gender identity, language, or learning style. Why does this matter? Because every child deserves the right to feel safe, valued, and seen.”
The graduates also heard from Shael Polakow-Suransky, GSE ’00, Interim Dean, Bank Street Graduate School of Education and President, Bank Street College of Education. He spoke about the importance of dissent and strength in a time when the power of education and critical thinking is being challenged.
Polakow-Suransky said, “Teaching the truth about our history is up to you. Promoting inclusion so each person’s identity is seen and valued is up to you. Developing the critical consciousness to make meaning of our world is up to you. And, as graduates, I’m confident you are ready and able to take up and continue this work.”
After the conferral of degrees, Margaret Ryan Evangelista, GSE ’01, President, Bank Street College Alumni Association (BSCAA), gave the graduates these parting words: “As alumni, you are the heartbeat of Bank Street in the world. So, here’s your final assignment: Stay connected to Bank Street. Stay connected to each other.”
Click here to watch the video or view the day’s program and a slideshow of the ceremony and our celebration of the exceptional accomplishments of the graduating class.