A Diploma – and a Proposal

Man proposing to woman in cap and gown on stage

The moment that Public Health graduate Kathy Fevrius ’22 said “Yes,” in front of a cheering crowd of graduates, capped months of planning to pull off a surprise proposal during the June 2 Convocation ceremony for the College of Education and Human Services (CEHS).

“This year, we’d like to do something different, where we acknowledge a CEHS student in a special way,” announced Assistant Dean Carolina E. Gonzalez, inviting Fevrius to the stage for recognition of her student experience at Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß, adding “one that embodies the identity of our college.”

Behind the scenes, Gonzalez was in on a surprise that began minutes earlier when Hendy Joseph had hurried from the bleachers, secretly entering the field, and was waiting backstage with a large bouquet of flowers. On cue – Gonzalez invited to the podium “a special someone” to present Fevrius with the honor.

Fevrius was surprised – and delighted – by the ring and marriage proposal. And luckily for Joseph, who was waiting on bended knee, she said, “Yes.”