Former School of Undergraduate Studies (UGS) student Danielle Redhead was chosen by her peers as the Steve Hicks School of Social Work 2019 commencement speaker. Redhead graduated this spring with her bachelor’s degree in social work.

The theme of Redhead’s commencement speech was superheroes and the hero’s journey. She reminded her classmates that they each had unique powers–skills and abilities learned at UT. She encouraged the class of 2019 to embrace their status as superheroes, to fight for what they stand for, and to make waves.

During her time on the Forty Acres, Redhead interned with the Criminal Defense Clinic at UT Law, founded a student organization called People of Color Keeping Everyone Tight (POCKET), worked as a UGS Alumni Guide, and was a student in the Discovery Scholars Program.

When asked to reflect on starting in UGS, Redhead said, “From orientation my freshman year, to my first two years as a UGS student, I was surrounded with unwavering support from coaches, advisors, and administrators. I am forever grateful for the School of Undergraduate Studies and proud to be a UGS alumni!”