USM Acknowleges the 2006
Students of the Year

During its graduation ceremony each year in resplendent Royce Hall on the UCLA campus, the University acknowledges and celebrates Students of the Year. Selecting those individuals from among the graduates is certainly no easy task. One fact is clear: completing USM’s Graduate Programs requires strength of heart and a willingness to commit to an extended educational process that offers unparalleled opportunities for both inner growth and healing as well as producing enhanced levels of success in the world. And, as stated in the Founder’s message, “to whom much is given, much is expected.” As the University’s President, Dr. Ron Hulnick, is often heard to say, “This is not an education for the faint of heart!”

USM’s Academic Vice President, Dr. Mary R. Hulnick, stated after a joy-filled, degree-granting ceremony and prior to presenting these awards, “If you know someone who is a graduate of this University, then you know they have done the work to earn that degree! USM’s Programs are designed and offered at the very highest levels of academic excellence. And at this stage, they have been refined over the course of a quarter-century.

“By its very nature, USM’s curriculum requires each student to immerse themselves in an extensive journey of self-exploration in service to healing and the evolution of their own consciousness. This is a Program that seeks to provide opportunities for each student, not only to gain understanding of the concept but also the direct personal experience of themselves as divine beings having a human experience. All of the students in this graduating class have most certainly earned their degrees! They have good reason to be proud of their achievements.”

Spiritual Psychology Program Students of the Year

This year, two individuals graduating from the M.A. Program in Spiritual Psychology were selected to receive Student of the Year awards.

How are the Students of the Year for the M.A. Program in Spiritual Psychology selected? As USM’s Academic Vice President, Dr. Mary R. Hulnick, shared before announcing this year’s selections, “All of you are so extraordinary—this is one of our more difficult tasks. We look for academic excellence throughout the Program and also a Pass with Honors on the Master’s Comprehensive Exam. And, in addition, the individuals selected have demonstrated the very highest levels of mastery in the practical application and integration of the many skills, tools, and principles that are taught in the Spiritual Psychology Program.”

Each of this year’s recipients had the opportunity to address the audience upon receiving their award. Please meet the University of Santa Monica’s Students of the Year for 2006:

Sabrina Teiger, Master of Arts in Spiritual Psychology

As Sabrina climbed the stairway to receive her award, her fellow classmates led a highly enthusiastic and joyful standing ovation, matching the attitude that the students had demonstrated over the course of their two-year educational journey—a win for one class member is a win for all!

She shared, “This University gave me the opportunity to stand up in my magnificence. And being magnificent means sharing my loving and my gratitude with whatever is before me. I love you all: my family, my class, all of you. And I am just so grateful for the opportunity to serve. Thank you!”

UNIVERSITY OF SANTA MONICA
2006 SPIRITUAL PSYCHOLOGY STUDENT OF THE YEAR
Sabrina Teiger
 

Your courageous trust in the wisdom of your heart and dedication to living the loving are hallmarks of your mastery. Your enthusiasm lights the way and uplifts us all. We support and bless you in the joyful celebration of your Self and in sharing your gifts with others as you spread your wings and soar. We love, honor, and appreciate you.

Donald Fergusson, Master of Arts in Spiritual Psychology

There is, it seems, no limit to joyous acknowledgment and celebration among USM graduates! As Don made his way to accept his award, another heartfelt round of applause carried him to the stage.

In his characteristic, rich baritone, he shared, “Just as I was on my way up here, one of my friends said, ‘Say something brilliant, and my mind went blank! And what is present inside me now is all of the love that I have for the friends I have made here—the community that I have in my life today that I had never experienced before. And my gratitude for Ron and Mary, for all my trio partners (referring to a three-person process that is an integral part of USM’s educational classroom format) who helped me on my journey.” After thanking his family for their unwavering support he concluded, “I am honored to accept this award, and I do so on behalf of all of you. You are all top students of my year. Thank you!”

UNIVERSITY OF SANTA MONICA
2006 SPIRITUAL PSYCHOLOGY STUDENT OF THE YEAR
Donald Fergusson
 

You are joyfully embracing the blessings of each moment, graciously and authentically sharing your gifts and talents in service to your Self and others. Your demonstration of mastery and exampleship in living the life of your heartfelt dreams inspires us all. Spirit is the wind in your sails. It is with great joy that we acknowledge and celebrate you.

Counseling Psychology Program Students of the Year

A significant number of USM’s students answer the call to seek licensing in the State of California as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT). Completing USM’s Master of Arts Degree Program in Counseling Psychology (CP), which fulfills all the educational requirements for licensing as an MFT, is, in itself, a significant educational and professional achievement. This curriculum is presented within the USM context of Spiritual Psychology and Soul-Centered education.

Deborah Baraka, Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

This year’s first award was presented by Dr. Marya Foley, one of the University’s Counseling Psychology Program’s Senior Faculty.

As another wave of applause subsided, Deborah joked, “Oh boy, do I have something to say!” As she continued, her words spoke to the level of commitment, loving, and courage, and consciousness of service that are some of the hallmarks of USM graduates.

“When I was a very young child, my brother gave me the book, The Prophet, by Khalil Gibran. And when I read the words, “Work is Love made visible,” I felt a promise made in my heart that I did not completely understand. Graduating today is a dream of thirty-eight years! And the wait was worth it, because, today, I get to share with all of you, my family of love. Thank you so very much!”

UNIVERSITY OF SANTA MONICA
2006 CP STUDENT OF THE YEAR
Deborah Baraka
 

Your tender nurturing and steadfast caring communicate a reverence for the sacred journey of Self-discovery. Through serving others, you come fully alive, sharing your kind and courageous heart, blessing and lifting all who come your way. Go forth, dancing your way through life, as you share the sparkle in your eye and the joy in your heart. Our love and blessings are with you.

Jackson Sousa, Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

This year’s unprecedented second award was presented by Johanna Jenkins, one of the University’s Counseling Psychology Program’s Senior Faculty. “The fact that we have two award recipients this year is indicative of the level of mastery in counseling and in the defining skill: a loving consciousness.”

After receiving his award, Jackson shared with the Royce Hall audience. “I am very honored to receive this award today.

“I want to thank the Chancellor and Ron and Mary, for what they have brought together in terms of the learning process here. And I want to thank Johanna and Marya for an incredible learning experience. And, of course, my wife and family. Thank you all so much!”

UNIVERSITY OF SANTA MONICA
2006 CP STUDENT OF THE YEAR
Jackson Sousa
 

Your years of devoted study, learning, growth, and healing are coming to fruition. Your clear intention brings you into your Radiant Heart, from which you share the wisdom and beauty of who you are. In following your chosen path of Service, your Loving lights the way, blessing others who walk with you. We love, honor, and celebrate you.

These individuals are beautiful examples of the levels of positive transformation in consciousness that are available to USM students through their full participation in the University’s Programs. The University is proud to add them—and all those in the class of 2006—to our remarkable community of graduates!