Shivani Misra is on a mission to fight stigma against kids with developmental disabilities. Her weapon of choice: a University of Arizona degree.
On Friday, the 21-year-old from Phoenix will cross the stage at Arizona Stadium to claim a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and cognitive science, her first step to becoming a doctor who works with such children.
She’s one of about 6,000 graduates due to receive degrees during the UA’s 152nd commencement, an event expected to occur in 90-plus degree heat Friday evening.
With the chance of record-breaking temperatures, school officials have made extensive plans to ensure a plentiful supply of drinking water for the 46,000 or so students and guests expected to attend.
“We’re definitely prepared,” said Kasey Urquidez, the UA vice president in charge of the ceremony. Bottled water and large thermal water jugs with cups will be widely available, along with water bottle refill stations, she said.
The Class of 2016 includes scientists, engineers, teachers, lawyers, bankers, journalists, performing artists and achievers in hundreds of other fields.
Many are headed for the workforce, while others are bracing for several more years of graduate study.
Misra, who attended UA’s Honor College and starts medical school at the Phoenix campus this fall, said she found her passion while working with the university’s Down Syndrome Research Group.
It was her first up-close experience with children who had different types of developmental disabilities, and she was struck by their resilience and emotional honesty.
“I fell in love,” she said, and also came to realize how much stigma still surrounds those with such conditions.
One of her goals is to raise public awareness, she said. “The fact we treat them differently is just so frustrating.”
Misra, who serves on the local March of Dimes board and teaches Pilates to students from the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, was named one of the UA’s seven outstanding seniors this year.
She’ll receive one of two Merrill P. Freeman medals, given for, among other things, “outstanding qualities of moral force of character.”
The other Freeman medal winner is Adam Geyer, who has been active in student government and Greek life and helped lead a program to increase awareness of sexual assault on campus.
Geyer will receive the same degree as Misra, a bachelor’s of science in neuroscience and cognitive science.
Each of the award-winning seniors is chosen by UA faculty and peers.
The other 2016 honorees include:
Robie Gold Medal recognizing qualities such as personal integrity, initiative and service.
Lorene Fisher: Bachelor’s of fine arts in dance; recognized as resident assistant of the year and active in Greek life.
Travis Sawyer: Honors College; valedictorian; bachelor’s of science (summa cum laude) in optical sciences and engineering
Provost Award honoring achievement by a community college transfer student.
Christopher Jabczynski: Bachelor’s of science in chemical engineering. He attended Pima Community College.
Robert Logan Nugent Award honoring high ideals and service to the community and the university.
Dana Kralicek: Honors College; bachelor’s of science (summa cum laude) in optical sciences and engineering; active in Arizona Ambassadors Honorary.
Fabio Mire: Bachelor’s of science (summa cum laude) in business administration. National Hispanic Scholar; student body treasurer.
