05/05/2026
🎓 Graduation Spotlight 🎓
Today we celebrate David Clark, Cassandra Mendoza, and Md Robiul Alam Roni, Graduate Teaching Assistants in the Department of History, who are graduating with their Master of Arts this Friday!
David Clark received the History Department's Virginia Dare Shuflata Award, which recognizes excellence in history at the graduate level. This honor reflects David’s outstanding performance in the graduate program. His portfolio project examined how history education was weaponized in N**i Germany as a tool for indoctrinating youth and is one example of the depth and quality of his work. After graduation, David will continue building his résumé and CV as he prepares to apply to PhD programs for Fall 2027.
This year, Cassandra Mendoza earned a GRACA grant for her project, "Native American Policy: From European Contact to the Present." Through her project, Cassandra developed a college-level course exploring shifts in U.S. policy toward Native Americans – a course she hopes to teach in the future. She plans to pursue opportunities as an adjunct instructor after graduation.
Md Robiul Alam Roni received a GRACA grant for his research, “Enduring Trauma: Human Rights Violations and Atrocities Against Rohingya Women.” His work examines the Rohingya Genocide in Myanmar with a focus on human rights violations, gender-based violence, and lasting trauma. Following graduation, he will work as an Assistant Professor of History and Civilization at Khulna University in Bangladesh and pursue his PhD.
Congratulations David, Cassandra, and Roni on earning your M.A. and the culmination of all your hard work! Best wishes for all that comes next. ✨
Pictured:
David Clark (left) and Dr. Mark Celinscak (right); Cassandra Mendoza; Md Robiul Alam Roni; and the 2025–2026 History Department Graduate Assistants—Md Robiul Alam Roni, David Clark, Michelle Bud, and Cassandra Mendoza—with Dr. Danielle Battisti (second from left) and Dr. Martina Saltamacchia (third from right).