UCSC Black Grad Program 2012

African Black Recognition Ceremony

University of California, Santa Cruz June 15, 2012 5-8pm

Greetings Graduates of the Class of 2012!

As you continue to embark on your life’s journey, remember your fond memories of your UCSC experience. It is one that only you know the good, the challenging and the “wow...how did I make it over” experiences and I charge each of you to hold fast to these memories in which each of you has made over the years. As a graduate of UCSC, the torch has been passed to each of you and it is with this torch that each of you has a profound question to ask to the man or woman looking in the mirror and the question is, “How can I pay it forward for others?” To that end, keep dreaming big; keep working hard; and keep those fundamental principles that have gotten you this far, alive and always moving forward in your hearts!

On behalf of the African American Resource and Cultural Center and the Campus Life / Retention Services Unit of UCSC, we salute each of you on a job well done! As you set out to leave your “print” on this world and as life gives you a lot to bear as well as a lot to embrace, here is a famous quote from Henry David Thoreau that I ask each of you to ponder as you solider on, to continue to make a difference in your respective communities: “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.”

Graduates, when you think you have done it all, remember–the BEST is yet to come! Hold on, Hold fast and Hold true!

Congratulations! Best success to you all!

–Dr. Marla Wyche-Hall Director, AARCC

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“If there is no struggle, there is no progress� –Frederick Douglass Welcome to the University of California, Santa Cruz ceremony for the graduating class of 2012.

Today we celebrate the importance of perseverance and the struggle to bringing progress, betterment, and change.

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KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

Ebony E. Lewis Associate Director of Admissions

Ebony Lewis is the Associate Director of Admissions at the University of California Santa Cruz where she oversees the outreach, recruitment and yield efforts for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. She has represented UC Santa Cruz and the UC system as a member of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Enrollment Management team for over eleven years. Ebony completed her undergraduate studies at UCSC, where she was affiliated with Oakes College and obtained her BA in Legal Students and Politics in 2000. As an undergraduate student she was very involved in a variety of student organizations, co-founding Black Sistas United which is still active on-campus.

She also served as a member of the residential life staff and took advantage of UCSC’s advising and research opportunities such as the Faculty Mentor Program.

Ebony holds a Masters in Public Administration from California State University Hayward and continues be very committed to helping students access higher education. She has served as a mentor for the Puente Program at Contra Costa College for two years and continues to volunteer with a number of community and faith based organizations, including Progressive Missionary Baptist Church here in Santa Cruz where you can find her singing in the choir, directing the youth and mass choirs, leading praise and worship or working with the SOULJAs young adult ministry.

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EVENT PROGRAM Doors Open For Seating 4:30pm Welcome Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Donald Williams 5:00pm Processional of Esteemed Faculty and Staff 5:05pm Processional of Graduating Class 5:05pm Libation Dr. David H. Anthony III and Ms. Adrienne Harrell 5:10pm Black National Anthem Mr. Dominic Calhoun, Ms. Natalia Garner, and Ms. Lauren Hubbard 5:30pm African Drummers Domu Africa 5:40pm

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Keynote Address Ms. Ebony Lewis 5:50pm Presentation of Graduates Dr. Ronald D. Glass, Dr. Derek Conrad Murray, Dr. Eric Porter, and Dr. Aaronette M. White 6:00pm Closing Remarks and Thank Yous Dr. Marla Wyche-Hall 7:00pm Recessional of Graduating Class 7:05pm Recessional of Esteemed Faculty and Staff 7:05pm End of Ceremony 7:10pm Celebratory Fellowship Dinner 7:15pm

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THE GRADUATING CLASS OF 2012 Jessica Armstrong Kresge College Economics and Mathematics There is not enough space here to give a proper thank you to all that got me here.

Aliesha Balde Oakes College Environmental Studies and Economics I want to thank my family and friends for all their love and support. You guys inspire me to be the best that I can be. I loved my time here at UCSC. Ive had some amazing experiences, made some great friends and learned so much about life (and of course academically). I’m excited and ready to move on to the next chapter. AXE, Felicidade y Agrecido.

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Amanda Bateman Oakes College Psychology I choose to come to UCSC to experience a new culture very different from my own and thats exactly what I got.

I came to Santa Cruz on a program called DHE and was amazed by the effort the black students put into welcoming other black students to the campus. My experience in the last three years at UCSC have been challenging, however I am proud to say I made it here and will be leaving with a degree!! I would like to thank my close friends, supportive family, Dean of Students Alma Sifuentes, and Assistant Dean Lucy Rojas for making this happen! I will always remember Santa Cruz for the beautiful campus, deer families, polite people, the three black people and that tall hippie man with long blonde hair, who rocked daisy dukes through any weather!

Thank You (:

LaTeaira Boyd Cowell College Sociology Minor: Education If anyone were to ask me four years ago, did I think I would be at the place I am right now, I would not have been able to answer it as confident and willingly as I can today. I am not only receiving my bachelors degree from a very prestigious university, but I am walking out of this very same university with assurance that I can pursue all

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my lifetime goals and future endeavors. I am leaving here with an abundance of maturity that is needed of me to thrive and survive in this society. My experiences here at the University of CaliforniaSanta Cruz has been extremely challenging, yet it has been one of the most rewarding decisions I have made in my life as a young adult. Attending school at the University of California- Santa Cruz has only benefited me in positive ways despite, the hardships encountered to get me at this mental satisfaction. I have become physically, mentally, and emotionally stronger from the classes and experiences that I have endured here. I have learned to be passionate about myself, my beliefs, and my rights, not only as a person, but as a African American woman. My experiences in college have led me to love speaking against inequalities, and have helped me amass the skills necessary to be an effective role model and policy maker in my near future. But this journey alone could not have been possible without my wonderful support team that stood by me through many obstacles. Without a mother who listened to the cries, the shouts, and frustration in her very own daughters voice, these accomplishments could not have been done. Without friends that stayed focused and motivated through their very own personal and academic obstacles as well as be there with me through mines, I could not have persevered. And without immediate and church family prayers and distant encouragement, I could not have went through these four years of college here in Santa Cruz. Before college, I did not realize how much support I needed in order to keep me focused and motivated throughout my undergraduate years. These people have done the impossible for me, their credits are too long to list, and I am more than appreciative of that. I am confident that that my experiences as a student, will allow me to speak against inequalities in situations offered as a education policy maker. Furthermore, these very same experiences has been essential life skills that are needed of me to be lucrative in my approaching goals. Thank You UC Santa Cruz!!!!! I rise, I rise, I rise!!!!!!

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Caroline Brooks Oakes College Psychology Minor: Education When I moved to Santa Cruz freshman year, I was a little intimidated about the whole idea of starting my college career. Though I took comfort in being relatively close to my home in the Bay Area, the thought of being on my own for the first time was scary to say the least. But within the first week, I quickly began to take comfort in the friendly peers I met in my dorm building and in the Oakes community. In the past four years here at UCSC I’ve met wonderful individuals and developed valuable friendships that have helped me survive the ups and downs of college life, and I wish to thank all of my friends who have helped me to get to graduation. Additionally, I’m eternally grateful to my parents, Raymond and Linda, who have not only pushed me to achieve but have supported me every step of the way here. Mom and Dad, you two are my role models and words cannot express how much I love you both! Thank you for everything you have done!

LaToya Mae Brown Cowell College Feminist Studies Attending UCSC gave me a chance to find myself as an individual who was just looking for a way to succeed. With the love and care of Analisa Brown and Lateaira Boyd my time at UCSC was made fun and so worth all my

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struggles. I want to say my siblings have been with me from day one of this journey and I love you all so dearly. (Erica, Regina, Deandre and Reginald) Thanks to my nana, my mothers Carrie and Carol and everyone in the San Mateo county office for making sure I was always doing okay and in good hands. Lastly to an extremely thoughtful best-friend of mine Anthony Flores, who dealt with all my crazy ways. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. John 4:18-19

Analisa Brown Kresge College Marine Biology Thank you Jesus! Being at UCSC these past four years has been fulfilling, stressful, exciting, challenging, depressing, worth wild and rewarding all at the same time. I have taken advantage of all the resources that has been presented to me and have met some wonderful people who have put their time, energy and money into helping me achieve my future goals. Just by being at a University of California, I have already started to pave the way for younger siblings and cousins who look to me for assurance that it is not impossible to obtain a college degree. If you surround yourself with positive people who constantly lift you up, then anything is possible.

Of course, it has been frustrating and intimidating at times being at such a great school but my foundation has kept up afloat. When people ask me what keeps me going and so hopeful for the future, I always say Jesus and my wonderful friends and family that he has blessed me with. I didn’t come to college to just obtain a degree but to be challenged on many different levels and get a taste of what the real world was like. Being at UCSC I have learned to not only take test and pass them but I learned of a system of higher educa-

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tion that has not always been so welcoming. I have been broken down, bewildered, lifted up and honored over the past years while being at UCSC and other universities. From coming in as a naive and unprepared first year to developing into a young woman equipped with a voice and way of thinking to survive in higher education and the world, I have been transformed. I would like to thank everyone who has invested into my life and future ever since I first stepped onto this school back in 2008. I am a bit nervous to go out into the world on my own but at the same time, relieved that I came to a school that has challenged and prepared me for many things to come in the future.

Camella Cooper Oakes College Theater Arts I would like to thank my family: Mom, Grandmommy, Granddaddy, and all my aunts and uncles that supported me through my journey. I love and appreciate you all. I would like to give a shout out to APF, The Trendsetters, Courtney Mathis, Kirsten Williams, Jessica Jones, Sarah Fishleder, and Carlos Joachin for growing with me, teaching me, and being the strong people who have kept me grounded on my journey. Special thanks to my two best professors Don Williams and Robin King. Rainbow Rainbow! Outreach!

AATAT! Love you family!

Callin Curry Stevenson College Modern Literary Studies and Politics

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Kimani David Oakes College Film and Digital Media Minor: Linguistics Kimani David is a student of high ambition. He transferred to UCSC in 2010 initially to study video game design, but declared his major as Film and Digital Media when he decided he didn’t want to write code for ten hours a day. He has always been a storyteller of sorts, and being involved in media allows him to translate that talent into a career. He thanks his parents, his siblings (both adopted and biological), and his extended family for providing support throughout his collegiate career.

Ermias Drar College Ten Business Management and Economics My UCSC experience was a lot of fun. Made a lot of new friends. Shout out to all the people that made my stay here dope. And a special shout out to the parents and all the fam that made it possible for me to attend! Yee!

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Brett Elliott Stevenson College Psychology Minor: Education My time here at UCSC has been a learning experience that has helped shape the person I am today. Santa Cruz has helped open my eyes to the different cultures and struggles that people in this world go through. I would like to thank my family and friends for always being there for me and encouraging me to continue my education.

aaliyah Fowler Oakes College Sociology Lord knows that I did not choose Santa Cruz; but I am so grateful that it chose me. I have had such an experience here at UCSC and in these past four years I have grown so much. The lessons that I have learned were not always from the classroom but they are invaluable nonetheless and have made me into the young women am I today. I will never forget this Santa Cruz chapter of my life.

Even in this very moment, as I write, I still cannot believe that it’s coming to an end but I am excited for what the future holds for me.

Throughout these past couple of years I have received so much love and support from so many places and people and I just want to say THANK YOU! From my loved ones to my EOP family to my FBT Church family, thank you so much for your encouraging words, prayers and support. Words cannot express how much I

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appreciate all of you! And to my electric, elegant, devastating divas of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., thank you for allowing me into this illustrious sisterhood. And to my SANDZ, you know you all have a special place in my heart! OO-OOP!!

Cecelia Frye Oakes College Legal Studies I was born in Oakland, California but raised in Hawaii where I lived for 15 years before returning in 2005. I graduated from Berkeley High School in 2008 and continued my scholastic journey by becoming a UC Santa Cruz Banana Slug! My time at UCSC has been a rewarding and memorable one. I am grateful for all the opportunities that I received and I am overjoyed by the relationships that Ive gained throughout my four years as an undergraduate. I thank God, my Parents, Family, my close friends, Sorors, my Sandz, and everyone who has shaped my life! I would not be here today if it wasn’t for all your support and Guidance throughout my 22 years; you all are my foundation! I will cherish the great times spent on this beautiful campus and I will miss the gangsta forest and beach! OAAAAAAAKEEES all day! I HELLA LOVE YALL! I wish all my fellow scholars the best in their future endeavors! I know that you all will be successful at whatever you put your hands to! Cheers to the class of 2012, WE DID IT!!!! OOO-OOP

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Abraham Jones College Ten Community Studies Minor: Education Thank You God Thank You Family Thank You EOP Thank you E2 Thank you Community Studies Department/ Faculty, Education Department/ Faculty. Thanks to the Santa Cruz Boys and Girls Club

Aleyna Jones College Eight Modern Literature On January 29, 1991, I was born in Sacramento, California to Allen Jones and Noreen James. I was raised by my mother, and together we moved to a small neighborhood within Sacramento County called Rancho Cordova. I spent a happy childhood there, flourishing in school and athletics at an early age. My younger brother, D’Mitre, and I spent our weekends riding bikes with our mother and going to the drive-ins together. Before I knew it, I was getting ready to graduate high school and was beginning to look for the right place to make myself at home for the next four years. I first came to visit UC Santa Cruz with the Destination Higher Education program while I was a high school senior and I fell in love with the school. I could tell from the people that I had met, the stunning landscape, and the laid-back attitude that this would be the soil that I wanted to plant my intellectual roots into. Since then, I have discovered and learned a lot of things about myself. I am an artist, a lover, a scholar, an explorer, a writer, and a comedian. A sister, a

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daughter, a niece, a grand-daughter, and a cousin too. I would not be who I am today if all of these different aspects of my life had not fused together so beautifully. I would like to give the biggest thank you to my family and friends, who always encouraged me to pursue my education and have inspired me to dream of bigger and better adventures. I would also like to give a huge shout out to my partner, Trevor Wallace, who has been my solid rock in a constant sea of change these past four years. I want to thank all of the teachers who have motivated and challenged me to see the world in new ways and who have appreciated my work. Finally, I’d like to give the warmest and most heartfelt thank you to this campus, to the views of the Pacific, to the ancient redwoods, and to the sprawling fields of grass that have stolen my breath away again and again. My experiences here at UCSC will always have a home in my heart no matter where my feet will take me.

Tonya Jones Kresge College Sociology and Physical Anthropology My experience here at UCSC has been interesting to say the least. I would like to thank my Mother Carolyn Daniels for helping me navigate through the tough times with laughter and supporting me every step of the way in this portion of my life’s educational journey. I also would like to thank my best friend Juan Carlos Gonzalez for being the best friend that any woman could ask for! I am so proud of you and know that you will be a wonderful teacher! Tonight you will receive your Masters in Education here at UCSC. It sucks that our graduations are on the same night at the same time here on campus, but I know our many struggles together were worth it compadre. I will never forget... a negative times a negative equals a positive :)

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Patrick Levell Lloyd, Jr. Merrill College American Studies Born in Compton raised in Long Beach. I was always told I was destined for greatness and I have always strived to be great. As a scholar, friend, preacher, and king, I live and learn with passion and positivity for the future. With every walk and breath, I move with my head high and one foot in front of the other. Without the people I love and the people that told me I couldnt do it I wouldn’t be here today and I want to thank all of those people.

And special props to my woman warrior tribe and my little nephew.

Erika Denise Moore College Ten Community Studis: Immigration and Social Justice OH! Let me tell you, I didn’t read half as much material as I could have during this college experience. I was much more interested in schoolin’ life and taking full advantage of what this higher education had to offer me outside the lectures and discussion sessions. Being a young black woman from Oakland California, having the privilege of living all around the Bay Area as well as openly being exposed to other cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, and perspectives, I have learned to confront, respect and accept people from all walks of life. This, to me, is the best lesson there is. I transferred from a diverse community college, graduated from a diverse high school and aspire

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to continue believing in as well as pursuing the goodness and realness deriving from multiculturalism. When we can recognize as individuals how closely connected we are on this Earth and in God’s family, we will be able to appreciate one another more. Let is love and seek justice for all, for in the words of Dr. Cornel West, “Justice is what Love looks like in public.” I hope this class aspires to first Live (and be alive) as well as Learn (from everything and everyone, everyday) with this opportunity rather than prioritize comfort and money. Let’s challenge ourselves and one another to pursue struggles and push ourselves to higher limits. Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!

Lon Ogunduyile Oakes College MCD Biology I have grown to love UCSC. I have made connections here that I will be in contact with throughout my life. I am sad to leave the family I have here but I am excited to see what the future has in store for me. I truly believe this school has fully prepared me for the real world and for that I am grateful. Special shout out to everyone who supported me since day 1. Praise the Lord.

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Dominique Smith College Ten Sociology I would like to first take this time to thank God, my parents, and my family, for always supporting me and being my motivation to finish these past 4 years. I could not have gotten to where I am today, if it was not for my past and your inspiring words. Now to my college friends Genola and Cylest, although there has been days of joys and hours of tears it was all worth spending them ups and downs with you both. Most importantly I would like to thank you both for showing me the other side of me and always pushing me to my max. You both have helped me learn how to think and work outside my past environment, and how to become someone I dreamed to be. You guys are the true definition of life long friends, I love you both, Bean and Taemar. Finally to my Dear Friend Sharon Higgins, Thank you for always being my angel and my life coach, while you were physically here and now as my actual angel.

You have given me the confidence and the energetic personality to always be myself and to love others as they come. I love you and miss you dearly.

Christa Stanton College Ten Legal Studies and Psychology I would like to thank my family, friends, professors, employers and the Lord for helping me get to this point. I am so lucky to have crossed paths and I have learned so many things from

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all of you. You have each contributed in one way or another to my truly wonderful college experience and I could not imagine going through the past 4 years without any of you. So without further ado, the shout outs! My apologies if you are not listed, just know you are forever in my heart. My College Ten homies: Abraham Jones, Moses Massenburg, Darius Jamal Brown, Colee Williams, Taila Hamilton, Stefaney Mahaley, Melissa Valencia, Jen Yee, Alan Garcia, Bryant Chang, Lara Verwer, Dominique Smith, Cylest Wiggins, Genola Thomas, Sata Diop, Ashley Young, Annie Le, Taylor Tumah, Nica Wilson. Second year homies: Aaliyah Fowler, Caroline Brooks, Nicole Canonigo, Aliesha Balde, Raven Williams, Brett Elliot, Bryan Low, Mario Johnston. Rainbow! Rainbow! Cast of NOLA baby! Naca loves you! Thank you Don Williams for the opportunity. Educators: Carolyn Shaw, Dr. Aaronette White, Jasmine Syedullah Employers: Rosa Plaza! For two great summers of orientation. Terri Jenkins for making me a part of the EOP family: Pablo, Peggy, Lilly, Abdishakur, Maryam, Dana, Administrative Assistants, Bridge Mentors, PALS, Pre-Grad mentors, EOP Interns. ABC 2012 homies: Marshal, Shawniqua, Ariel, Ermaline, Sandrine, cousin Courtney, Simone, Jamie, Teena, Iman, Nesha&Alicia, Meka, Shadin, Perchay. Dr. Marla Wyche-Hall and everyone who organized this event, creating such a joyous and momentous culmination of my matriculation at UCSC. Cheers to UCSC Class of 2012 Black Grad! I wish you all the best of luck in life as multi-talented, intellectual and revolutionary young black scholars, ready to take the world by storm, make our strong presence be known, and of course be the Change we wish to see.

Genola Thomas College Ten Sociology Attending UCSC has helped me to develop into a more open minded and social person. When I first got here I was very antisocial and stayed

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to myself a lot. Throughout these four years I’ve dealt with many hardships, made a lot of friends, networked with a lot of faculty, but most of all I met two very amazing people Cylest Wiggins and Dominique Smith. I love you both dearly. Thank you for being there for me when I needed you and putting up with my craziness as a housemate for the past two years and as friend for the past four years. I’m going to miss cooking for you guys (because y’all know I can cook), I’m going to miss hopping in your beds whenever I was dealing with a broken heart, but most of all I’m going to miss your company. You both were the sisters I never had and I needed you very much to help me grow. Enough with the emotional stuff ! The most important lesson I will take from UCSC is to accept everyone as they are; we all come from different backgrounds. Last but not least, I’d like to thank my mother Shirley Thomas and my father Jesse Thomas. They’ve been there tremendously for me throughout these past 4 years. And God, just know that I could not have done any of this without you. Good Luck Graduates of 2012 !

Elena Wash College Ten Psychology Hello Everyone!! My name is Elena Wash and I will be graduating with a degree in Psychology. My experience at UCSC has been a crazy and lifechanging adventure and I am so glad I made it through. Firstly, I would like to thank God our father for allowing me to finish one of my goals in life, and that is to become a college graduate. I would also like to personally thank my lovely and supportive parents who have motivated me through my journey of college. I love you more than you know and I am so proud to be your daughter. I would also like to thank my Grandfather, who has always given me words of wisdom and support. I would also

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like to thank my Auntie Belita and siblings Tracy, Xavier, Levon, and Taryn, you guys are always a breath of fresh air and I love you to death. Special thanks to my mentor Professor Aaronette White who is an inspirational and loving person, I truly enjoyed our time together. Thank you to my wonderful sorority sisters Cecilia Frye, Sata Diop and Aaliyah Fowler, love you guys and it’s always a pleasure. Lastly special thanks to my advisors Libra White and Tressa Williams and all my Devastating and Dynamic Divas of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. My future plans will be studying in Europe this summer and applying to grad school for Social Work, and becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Cylest Wiggins College Ten American Studies Yay!! I am finally finished! This journey for me at UCSC was definitely not easy. But I want to thank God first, for being my strength to lead me through.

Also, a special thanks to Dominique Smith and Genola Thomas for really pushing me (“we walked on campus together and we are going to graduate together, ON TIME” lol). I would like to thank my wonderful family/ friends for always being my backbone, constantly showing me unconditional love and support (words of encouragement and financial), throughout my 4 years here, and also for listening to all my cries and complaints, it’s over! lol I love you all dearly and WE MADE IT! Thanks for helping me reach my biggest goal, and getting closer to success.

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Christina Wiley Oakes College History of Art and Visual Culture and Psychology I’m a 1990 baby born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area by some of the most understanding, fun, and awesome people I know-- my Mom and Dad. As far as my childhood goes, I was exposed to so many things involving education, the arts, street smarts, and common sense by my family and other experiences going to school in Emeryville (between Berkeley and Oakland) and later Union City. However, those were merely seeds in my development when I reflect on my undergraduate career. I have accomplished so much looking back at my four years at UCSC. I have been one of the few/first people in my family to live outside the US during 2 sessions studying abroad in Turkey and soon Barbados. Those travelling opportunities have changed my forever and make it my mission to encourage others—especially the working-class and people of color—to take that challenge of living abroad. Through Rainbow Theatre and African American Theatre Arts Troupe (AATAT), I grew up emotionally, met some great human beings, and found love in outreach and sound designing. All the while balancing a rewarding social life and several jobs over the years. This year I came to the realization of my identity as an opportunist and a responsible influential adult.

However, none of that could have been possible without the unconditional support of my family and my friends/housemates (CAYUGA CASTLE). These people have seen me at my lowest points and highest peaks in my life—I really can’t thank yall enough. I want to thank Oakes College (OOOAKES!) and Rainbow Theatre

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(RAINBOW-RAINBOW) for academic, personal, and professional guidance. Without these communities, I probably would have never discovered social justice, the joys of community outreach, and been one very alienated Black-American woman in Santa Cruz. A special shout-out to Homayun Etemadi, Dr. Aaronette White, and Dr. Soraya Murray: all of you leave me speechless and have been— and continue to be—an inspiration to me, especially in the past two years. So many times I wanted to leave UCSC, and yall found a way to widen my view and make me want to stay. Lastly, I want to dedicate my degrees in Psychology and History of Art/Visual Culture (HAVC), to my grandparents. They aren’t here physically, but their spirit fuels me daily. Until the next episode… CLASS OF 2012!

Raven Williams Oakes College Sociology Minor: Politics My experience at UCSC was one that I’ll never forget. I’ve met many wonderful people and friends and enjoyed the fun times we’ve all had. UCSC is just the beginning of more blessings and opportunities to come my way, and I can’t wait to see what the future will bring. I would just like to thank my family for always believing in me and for their support. Thank you for never letting me give up and for pushing me to do my best. One achievement accomplished and many more to conquer.

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THANK YOU A special thanks to the following individuals for giving of their time, energy and talents to making this event a success. These individuals are: Mr. Patrick Levell Lloyd, Jr. – Lead Graduation Coordinator Ms. Ashley Emery and Ms. Ariel Kennedy – Co-lead Coordinators for the Volunteer Committee Ms. Abrianna Hall – Photographer Ms. Maya Wagoner – Program Designer Mr. Donald Williams – MC for the Event Dr. Marla Wyche-Hall – Director of the AARCC Mr. Duane Garner – Program Coordinator for the AARCC Dr. David H. Anthony, III Dr. Ronald D. Glass Ms. Adrienne Harrell Ms. Ebony Lewis Dr. Derek Conrad Murray Dr. Eric Porter Dr. Aaronette M. White

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THANK YOU To our sponsors...

The AARCC CARE Council Committee on Ethnic Programming Core Council Campus Life / Dean of Students and Retention Services and our volunteers...

Sheila Allen-Cooley Shadin Awad Iman Barre Dominic Calhoun Ashley Emery Natalia Garner Taylor Griggs Cynthia Gutierrez Shaunita Hampton Lauren Hubbard Ariel Kennedy Fithawi Kudus Danielle Lindstrom Jordan McClanahan Erika Munoz Chinaza Oti Kieva Perry Jessica Pierre Crystal Scherr Trazetta Smith Unique Thomas Alyssa Tyree Desmond Vehar Maya Wagoner

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JOIN BLACK ESCARGOT!

On behalf of the Alumni Office-Black Escargot Affinity group, we congratulate the Class of 2012 for their dedication and perserverance in achieving this outstanding acknowledgement of degree completion. To that end, it’s critical that each of you now continue to pay it forward, as the University of California Santa Cruz has done for each of you. Please consider joining the Black Escargot Alumni group.

For more information, please contact Ms. Adilah Barnes – Cowell ‘72, Black Drama major abpro1@aol.com

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HYE WON HYE “That which cannot be burnt” West African Adinkra symbol of imperishability and endurance