On June 14, 2025, we proudly celebrated the graduation of the second cohort of Disability Studies majors at UCLA.
What began with just three graduates in 2024 has now grown to thirteen. This progress has been driven by the passion and dedication of our faculty, staff, alumni, graduate students, and most especially, our undergraduate majors and minors.
Chair Vic Marks, Dean Adriana Galván, and alumnus Quinn O’Connor joined our seniors on stage to honor their accomplishments and share parting words of encouragement. Chair Marks urged students to strengthen their bonds with one another and to let their paths be guided by courage in the face of uncertainty. Drawing on the Principles of Disability Justice, she reminded us that we are all interconnected—and through that connection, we move toward collective liberation.
Dean Galván emphasized that our graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and passion to make meaningful change in any field they pursue. Alumnus Quinn O’Connor underscored the importance of visibility and curiosity, encouraging students to keep sharing their knowledge and to continue learning from one another to forge a path forward.
A cherished tradition from the End of Year Celebrations with DS minors continued this year as each graduate took a moment to share the impact of the Disability Studies program and their post-graduation plans. Family and friends had the opportunity to listen to all the personal reflections, making the celebration all the more meaningful.
Following the ceremony, graduates and their loved ones gathered for a reception with light refreshments to mark this special milestone.
On behalf of all the faculty and staff of the Disability Studies program to the Class of 2025: May your interdisciplinary understanding of ‘disability’ and society continue to be a source of courage, insight, and resilience as you enter your next chapter. We are proud to call you members of the UCLA Disability Studies community.
