SIUE Spring 2020 Black Graduation Celebration

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Hello and welcome to this virtual Black Graduation Ceremony. While we know that the virtual realm is not where you envisioned celebrating your academic accomplishments, we do want to take this special opportunity to acknowledge your hard work and efforts in reaching this point in your educational career. Congratulations!

We hope that SIUE has been a place for you to not only excel in your academic achievements, but also to feel supported while at the University. In your time on campus, you have had the freedom to consider new ideas; meet new people and expand your perceptions, both locally and globally; further explore your individuality - and celebrate it; define and refine a sense of self and of what brings you happiness; and live in a place that has had a significant and positive influence on your life.

Please know that we are very proud of your success and SIUE was a better place because you were here.

Take a moment to reflect on all of the people and programs you encountered! In those experiences, you have left your mark on your classmates and friends; the faculty and staff within your program of study; and the University’s reputation, both now and in the future.

And you can be proud that, as a member of the SIUE family, you are now an alumnae of the largest producer of bachelor’s degrees in the St. Louis metropolitan statistical area (MSA).

Remember to enjoy this moment…to stop and smell the roses! Your time here at SIUE will stay with you forever, and I am confident that, as SIUE Cougars, you have even greater accomplishments in your future. Congratulations, thank you for choosing SIUE and, as soon as travel restrictions ease, come back and see us.

We celebrate YOU!!!

A Message from Student Affairs I know this is not how any of us imagined how the end of your time here at SIUE would end. I want to thank each of you for persevering during this unprecedented time in our nation and wish you nothing but the best as you transition into the next stage of your journey.

Parents, family members, spouses, friends and guests, I can’t imagine the pride and joy (and maybe relief) that you are feeling right now…seeing these young adults who will be graduating in a few days.

I want to thank each of you for entrusting your student to us and being supportive of your student throughout their academic career here. Students, make sure you show your appreciation for those who have supported you and helped you reach this important milestone in your life!

To the students who are graduating in a few days…congratulations…while one journey ends, another begins! I want to thank you for your perseverance during your time here at SIUE. Today we celebrated a milestone in your life. Even though we will not be able to shake hands or fist bump on stage at graduation, please make sure to participate in the Virtual ceremonies which will go live on Saturday, May 9 at 1 p.m. An email with a link to view the ceremonies will be sent on May 7.

I want to personally thank and recognize Dr. Earleen Patterson, Director of SOAR, Dr. Howard Rambsy, Professor of English, Kelly Jo Karnes, Director of the Morris University Center and the newest member of the team, Lindy Wagner, Director of the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion for their leadership in coordinating this program.

In closing, I’d like to leave you with these words of encouragement especially during this time of uncertainty.

Dr. Randy Pembrook

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them – that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” – Lao Tzu Thank you and good luck class of 2020.

&

THANK YOU

to all who assisted with this year’s virtual programs!

Dr. Jeffrey Waple

Bachelor’s Degree Graduates

Malik Baker Criminal Justice

Allen Adams Business Administration

Specialization in Entrepreneurship

Thank you to Dining Services Staff- Matt Turner, Melissa McEldowney, Susan Mangiaracino, Harold Hendricks, Kelly Jo Karnes, Frank Fisher

Justin Benton Exercise Science

Minor in Sports Psychology

Public Health

Thank you God for allowing me to be in the position I am in today. Thank you to my parents and my little sister for pushing me to be the best man I can be. Thank you Dr. Brown and Dr. Retzlaf for being great mentors and I thank you for always checking on me and making sure I was on point.

I would like to say thank you to all my professors in the Public Health Department, for pushing me to be the best me.

Shawn Bonds

Waverly Adams

Corporate/Organizational Communications and Business Administration

Focus in Public Health and Sociology

Thank you to my family, Dr. Wrobbel, the department of communication, SIUE Athletics, my academic advisor and my many mentors along this journey. I am forever grateful for everything this university and program has instilled in me.

Jonathan Amwayi

Rayna Boyd

Mathematics

Computer Management Information Systems

Michael Adeniyi Integrative Studies

Specialization in Actuarial Science, Minor in Business Studies It is said that if you walk alone, you will go faster but in a group you will go further. As such, I want to take this opportunity to thank God, for making all of this possible, connecting dots that seemed impossible to connect. Also, I want to thank my amazing family, friends and faculty for believing in me even in the times I did not believe in myself. Be blessed and set your heart ablaze for it is the passion and determination that pushes the wheels of change.

With Dr. Earleen Patterson’s guidance, I was able to gain confidence within myself to grow into the woman I am today. Dr. Patterson was my go-to person whenever I needed a listening ear, words of wisdom and compassion, and just to talk to about what’s going on in my life.

Angela Bradley Nursing

Kayla Baker Liberal Studies I want to thank SIUE as a whole. Over my three years attending SIUE I have really grown as a person.

Diedre Brown Criminal Justice

Minor in Forensic Science

On’Zhai Brown

Darzanae Crite

Integrative Biology

Forensic Chemistry

Minor in Forensic Science To my friends and family, words cannot describe my appreciation and love for each one of you. Every care package, CashApp, Zelle, loan, prayer, and call will FOREVER be cherished. Thank you guys, SO much for believing in me and encouraging me to keep going. Uncle William, WE MADE IT!

Michaela Carter Mass Communication

Minor in Digital Art Thank you to all the opportunities SIUE has equipped and provided for me.

Thank you to all of my mass com and art professors, Tarsha Moore, Arielle Weaver and the Epsilon Iota Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Forever grateful for all of you and your immense impact on me! Thank you!!!

Denise Cobb Nursing I would like to thank Jerrica Ampadu, Tracy Cooley, Rachel Kister, Stacy Skelton and Kerry Basarich for always being there for me and giving me the extra push I needed.

Minor in Forensic Science Thank you to the chemistry department faculty, especially Dr. Wiediger, Dr. Jones, and Dr. Hankins for encouraging me through classwork and research. Thank you to my friends for always believing in my success because without you, I would not be me.

Jabril Corss-Ellis Mechatronics & Robotics Engineering

Minors in Mathematics and Military Science There was always obstacles that I could not prepare for, but as long as you put your mind to it , anything is possible. Always Push forward and keep your head held high.

Tatyana Curtis Public Health I am truly thankful for the Public Health Department because of the support they have given in my undergraduate career. Dr. Cathorall and Dr. Ma have aided in the journey of my success. I would also like to add a big thank you to my late night study crew.

Michael Doss Khiri Coleman Business Administration I would like to thank the faculty for all of their support and dedication to helping me succeed. This moment would not have been possible if it was not for the faculty and staff that I have encountered over the past four years at SIUE.

Social Work

Minor in Sociology I want to personally thank Rob Aspholm for being my best support and mentor as I have grown academically and personally as well as Mrs. Ham for being that inspiration during my most dire times. I also want to send love and gratitude to my collegiate 100 brothers, teammates I’ve played beside on the Club Basketball Team, and my fellow cohort of now BSW graduates!

Amayha Dycus Biological Sciences

Karis-Jamal Conner Public Health

Concentration in Medical Science Minors in Chemistry, Psychology and Forensic Science I would like to say thank you to my family, especially my mom and grandparents for supporting me and pushing me to succeed in everything I do.

Cody Edgeston

Dalia Hassan

Integrative Studies

Chemistry - ACS

Miya Evans

I would like to thank my mom, dad, Mohamed, Youssef, my closest friends, and all of my professors and faculty especially Dr. Tucker, Dr. Wiediger, Dr. Jones, Dr. Hankins, Dr. Miller, Ms. Kaemmerer, Dr. Sumita, Dr. Laux, Stephanie, and Melinda. I would not be where I am today without you all.

Focus in Pyschology and Sociology

Historical Studies

Minor in Mass Communication First and foremost, I want to thank God for carrying me these last four years at SIUE. I would also like to thank Dr. Carol Frick for inspiring me to pursue my History degree as well as Dr. Erik Alexander for his consistent help and overall guidance. I made it!

Jade Hatten Chemistry

Public Health

Concentration in Forensics Minors in Spanish, Biological Sciences and Forensic Science I’ve changed so much from my freshman year to now. I have a lot of people to thank for that - research advisors, friends, and even those who have hurt me. But, above all, I’d like to thank myself, because I always persevere. No matter what.

I would like to thank all the faculty and staff that has helped me through my journey here at SIUE. I am glad to have met you all, and my experience here will stay with me forever!

D’Myla Hayes

Jasmin Flowers

Oceona Garrett Geography

Minors in Geographic Information Systems and Military Science I would like to thank the Geography Department along with Army ROTC for helping me find my passion and opening so many doors for my career and life. Also, a big thank you to the black community of SIUE for always being welcoming and exemplifying phenomenal scholars.

Mass Communications

Minor in Black Studies Thank you to the professors in the Mass Comm department who go out of their way to make classes both engaging and useful. Thank you to my friends and family who have loved and supported me throughout my college career.

Ahnnyshia Hibler Business Administration

Courtnie Gordon Criminal Justice

Minor in Prelaw Thank you to every professor that has dedicated time to teach me a skill of life that I couldn’t learn without you!

Gerhyrah Grant Mass Communications

Minors in Political Science and Applied Communications Studies I would like to give a special thank you to these amazing people at SIUE: Dr. Tyler Phelps, Alarice Houston, Efrosini Hortis, Elizabeth Sanders, Dr. Timothy Lewis, Andrea Keller, and Dr. Jason Yu. Thank you for helping me through my journey.

Specialization in Management I would like to give a special shout out to Kelley Brooks, Dominic Dorsey and Tarsha Moore. These three people have helped me along the way and have made me a better version of myself than I could ever be. I was able to come to them through hard times and good. I thank you guys so much for that. I love you guys! Thanks for being that mentor and friend at times.

Andrea Hill Biological Sciences

Minors in Chemistry and Black Studies Thank you to Mrs. Mumphard for always being there to give me enormous amounts of encouragement and support throughout my journey at SIUe. You have been a great inspiration to me. Also, thank you to Dr. De Meo, your support, patience, and positive energy helped me become a better student.

Aaron Hinton Business Administration

Specialization in Marketing Minor in Applied Communications Thank You Lacey Sonderegger - For inspiring me to follow the applied comminications path, I would have never chosen ACS with her class. Sade Shepard - For being a guiding force in my college career when I felt lost. Dr. Micheal Hair - For reigniting my love for the marketing field. Joel Petry For providing me with the best classes of my college experience. Dr. Joseph Vithayathil - For providing me with guidance and support. Bradly Walker For being one of the best bosses I have ever had.

Jamonique Johnson Applied Communications Studies

Public Relations Track Minor in Mass Communication They say it takes a village to raise a child, so I would like to thank my amazing support system for always motivating me to be better. Among these people are my mother and father, my fiance, and my best friends. I am successful because of you.

Kyle Johnson Business Administration

Andre Hood Mathematical Studies Specialization in Statistics

I’d like to thank all faculty, staff, and classmates who have helped me grow as a man and soon-to-be professional mathematician. I wouldn’t have done it without your help and support!

Ronada Hood English - Secondary Education Minor in Applied Communications

I would like to thank the CAS faculty, but most importantly the English department. Without the help of Dr. Jill K. Anderson, Dr. Heather Johnson, Dr. Charles Berger, Dr. Jessica DeSpain, I would not have made it this far.

Brandon Jackson Applied Communication Minor in Criminal Justice

Specialization in Management I would like to thank you and much love to the Brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and Collegiate 100. My most influential professors at SIUE are Chemistry Professor, Mary Kaemmerer and Business Professor, Katherine Robberson for being professors that are genuine, intelligent, and offer great knowledge and skills to be used throughout experiences in the real world. Also, a heart warming thank you to English Professor, Dr. Elizabeth Cali and Business Professor, Dr. Michael Hair for being professors that are very knowledgable, yet personable with students to not only learn but engage and trust their professors. Congratulations to the Black Graduating Class of 2020, WE DID IT!

Tyrone Johnson Exercise Science

Thank you to gospel choir for providing me a space to connect and worship freely.

Johntera Jones English Language & Literature

Minor in Speech Communication Education Thank you to my parents, family, friends and my loving boyfriend for your unconditional support. To my daddy, my dear friend in heaven, this is for you.

Robin Jenkins

Louis Jones

English

Social Work

Minor in Black Studies Minor Thank you to Jesus Christ! Thank you to Ms. Mattie and Myla for carrying me on their backs. Special shoutout to the Feds! And everyone else that’s supported me on this journey.

The primary gratitude owed is to my mother and other family who have supported me through my educational journey. In addition, the Social Work program at Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville has truly been like a family. Their support has been instrumental.

Shaniece Jordan Criminal Justice Minor in Sociology

Denea Kiser

I would like to give a huge thank you to Dr.Oberwise for everything. Words cannot explain how grateful I am for everything you’ve done for me and my family.

Thank you to all of the faculty for believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. I will miss you all.

Exercise Science

Ciara Kellus Political Science

Minors in Prelaw and Public Relations I would like to thank my Mom first for always holding me down and lifting me up. Next, thank you to the Political Science Department, especially Tim Kalinowski, and Laurie Rice for being so supportive! Finally, my chapter of AKA, Epsilon Iota, for always uplifting me! As well as my NPHC community, special s/o to the best of the BEST MJ and LaShatá, love you both!!

Kamariah Lewis Public Health Thank you to my family, my friends, and all faculty and staff who believe in me. To God Be The Glory!

Sydnee Lollis Regine Key Public Health Thank you to the entire Public Health department. Special shout out to Dr. Klein, Dr. Shin, Dr. Cathorall, Dr. Ma, and Dr. Becker!

Ashya Kiner Business Adminsitration

Specialization in Marketing I would like to give a special thanks to the village that has supported me, both emotionally and financially, along this journey of completing my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

Cheriyah King Psychology

Minor in Applied Communication Studies I want to take this time to thank everyone who had a role in my success at SIUE. Thank you to all my professors who gave me extensions when I needed them. Thank you Sam Early for writing letters of recommendation for all graduate programs that I applied to, and also being a great supervisor.

Thank you to the students for bringing excitement to this campus. I am honored to have been an SIUE student, and now SIUE Alumni.

Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology I would like to express my gratitude to all faculty/staff of the SpeechLanguage Pathology and Audiology undergraduate program. I would also like to give a big THANK YOU to Dr. Brady and the ladies of NBASLH. My time here at SIUE has been nothing short of memorable and joyous.

Anashay Love Exercise Science I want to thank God for the opportunity that is presented in front of me. I would like to thank the Exercise Science department for assistance that they bring to the students and I appreciate my fellow students for making SIUE a great experience for me.

Brianna Marsh Social Work

I want to thank all of the faculty of the Social Work department for their dedication to the school and the program. Thank you to Dr. Carter, Dr. Aspholm, and Professor Ham for being such great mentors and giving me guidance and encouragement throughout these past 2 years.

To my cohort, I am thankful to have met everyone. It has been a long journey and I am glad we all made it. Good luck to my future fellow social workers and I wish you the best in your endeavors. It has been a pleasure being a student at SIUE.

Alexander McCann Psychology

Minor in Philosophy I would like to thank Dr. Mienz, Dr. Murphy, and Professor Adam’s for inspiring me to pursue Psychology. I would also like to thank Bradley Walker for being the best boss I’ve ever had.

ShiAnn Minor Business Administration

Specialization in Management

Destiny McCoy

Adaeze Nwaezeigwe

Early Childhood Education

Psychology

Thank you to the Early Childhood Education Program for an amazing experience.

Madalynn McKenzie Psychology

Minor in Sociology I would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Joel Nadler for always believing in me, nominating me for the Stephen R. Dankenbring Award, allowing me to work alongside the I/O graduate students, and for advocating for me to get into the I/O psychology master’s program here at SIUE. He always believed in my capabilities, even when I doubted myself. Dr. Joel Nadler has not only been a professor to me, but I consider him to be a mentor. Other faculty/staff I want to thank for helping me grow into the person I am today include: Dr. Elora Voyles, Melinda Stitzel, Darci Schmidgall, Dr. Catherine Daus, Carolyn Compton, and Sarah Laux.

Minor in Forensic Science Thank you to Arielle Weaver, Tarsha Moore, Fannie Acoff and my inquirewithim family for presenting me with opportunities and guiding me throughout my time at SIUE.

Rose Okungbowa Computer Management Information Systems

Specialization in Cyber Security I want to use this medium to thank everyone that contributed to my success at SIUE. I want to thank all my CMIS professors! Thank you for the wonderful semesters spent with you all & for the daily encouragements! I want to thank my academic advisor for being patient with me and also directing me to the right path! Without all these people, I wouldn’t be where I am today! Thanks again!

Takyra McMillon Psychology

Minor in Sociology I would like to thank the psychology department for helping me find my career path. I would also like to give a special thank you to english professor Keith Edwards for always pushing me to do great things. I also wanna give a special thanks to Daria, Kennedy and Darzanae for never giving up on me and always letting me know that I will do great things. Thank you all!

Gabriele Owens Applied Communication Studies Public Relations Track Minors in Sociology and Political Science

Randall Parker II Kynidi Miller Psychology & Pre-Law

I want to thank all the faculty members who have contributed to my success here at SIUE. Special Shoutout to Lashata Grayson!

Exercise Science

Minor in Exercise and Sports Psychology Thank you to the entire staff and faculty that had a major impact on my life during my journey to complete my Bachelor’s of Arts in Exercise Science from SIUE.

Tiara Perkins Public Health Thank you to my mother, siblings, grandparents, godparents, family. Thank you to my chapter, academic advisor, my public health family & my professors.

Jordan Robinson Biology-Medical Sciences

Minors in Chemistry and Forensic Science I want to give the highest thanks to Dr. Danielle Lee, Dr. Lynn Miller, and Dr. Brittany Peterson! These are wonderful women who encouraged me throughout my education and life in general!

David Robinson II Melody Peterson

Biology

Minors in Chemistry and Forensic Science

Sociology

Concentrations in Diversity and Social Justice Minor in Pre-law

Jesse Rogers III Zachary Pickett Applied Communication Studies

Interpersonal Focus Minor in Business Administration Thank you to all my teachers that actually cared about their students!

Appreciate the knowledge that was received these past years here.

Nia Piggott Computer Management Information Systems I would like to thank the CMIS/Business students who have helped me throughout my time at SIUE. I would also like to thank the CMIS department for their encouragement/ guidance in coursework and for the advice on how to successfully transition into my future career.

Amaan Price

Electrical Engineering Minor in Mathematics

Joe Simpson Theater Performance Shout out to all my supporters and friends who helped me get this far in college career. Tyler Manning, Lashata Marie, Kathryn Bentley, etc.

Maree Slack Nursing

I would like to thank God; without Him, I would not be where I am today. Secondly, I want to thank my parents, Cortez and Calondra Slack, who are my biggest supporters. Lastly, I want to thank my closest friends and family for being my rock.

Mass Communications and Business Administration

Kashaun Smith Alexis Robinson International Studies and Philosophy

Minor in European Studies

Mass Communications

Minor in Applied Communication Studies My time at SIUE has been awesome! From the first day I came here from Jamaica, I was greeted with nothing but love and respect and for that I am extremely grateful!

Salina Thomas Lyric Spells Business Administration

Specialization in Human Resource Management Minor in Applied Communication

Sharlita Stanley Integrative Studies

Sociology and Business Administration I would like to thank all of my Professors,Mentors and Advisor Dawn Huckelberry for believing in me and pushing me to receive my degree to provide a better future for me and my daughter. Thank you!

Sociology

Minor in Psychology I would love to give a special thanks to Dr. Maatita for always being supportive and understanding. But honestly the whole sociology department has wonderful caring teachers I will never forget!

Jazsmine Towner Psychology

Minor in Sociology Thank you to all of the faculty and staff that assisted me during my time here at SIUE. I appreciate all the support and kindness.

Marina Taylor Elementary Education

I would like to thank Beth Wiemers and Jessica Krim for striving to include diversity education and experiences in our curriculum and working to make me feel included and valued as a minority student in the education program at SIUE. To all of the members of NACWC, I want to thank you for immediately welcoming me upon joining the organization, and surrounding me with positivity and encouragement. I have made many lifelong friends and my time at SIUE wouldn’t have been the same without you.

D’Andre Traylor Criminal Justice

Minor in Military Science

Kameryn Tucker Mass Communications - Advertising & Strategic Media

Tamar Taylor Business Administration

Minor in Applied Communication Studies Thank you SIUE for giving me the best and most rewarding 5 years. I have made lifelong friends and memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Minor in Black Studies My college career is coming to an end, but my gratitude for Southern Illinois University is never ending. Professor Kapatamoyo and the Mass Communications Department have served as my guide and I want to personally show my appreciation for your teaching and mentorship this past semester. You all went above and beyond your responsibilities and I would like to simply say Thank You. I appreciate your encouraging words and persistence. Thank you for believing in me!

Mariah Tyler Exercise Science

MiKeith Teague Applied Communication Studies Minor in Mass Communications

Sports Psychology My journey at SIUE has been a long and full of personal and educational growths. I would like to say thank you to all the friends and family who have supported me, I want to send my appreciation to my advisor Dawn Aldrich and professors who’ve contributed to making my journey easier. I am grateful for my experience and SIUE!

Kiara Ulmer Theater Performance

Minor in Black Studies I want to give a large thank you to the faculty members Kathryn Bentley, Chuck Harper , and Peter Cocuzza, for giving me the essential tools needed for me to advance in my career path. They all have showed that there was so much versatility within the theater department, and have consistently helped me improve my leaderships skills. Without these three, I would have had no idea of where to begin with this field. I also want to thank a former roommate of mine named Avalon Palmer , for being a great companion and reliable source in the theater department as well.

Breanna Woolfolk Biology

Minors in Chemistry and Forensic Science First I would like to give honor to God for letting me make it this far in life. Thank you to all my family and family friends who help me to get to this day.

Moneque Young Exercise Science

Dalyn Wells Mass Communications - Advertising & Strategic Marketing Minors in English and Creative Writing I would like to thank everyone who played major roles in my success during my time here at SIUE.

Minor in Nutrition First, I would like to thank God for the strength and courage to press on academically and spiritually. I’m forever grateful for my family, friends, Exercise Science faculty, and my Gospel choir family, for treasured memories and loving support throughout my education and graduation. To God BE THE GLORY!!

Angel Williams Psychology

Minor in Applied Communication Studies Thank you to SIUE’s department of Psychology for being a great assistance in the advancement of my education. Also, thank you to SIUE’s Black Girls Rock and its mentors for creating a safe space and helping me feel at home.

Ofuje Amune Geography, GIS

Katrice Williams Criminal Justice & Pre-Law

Thank you for the support and guidance through my journey here at SIUE. My mom graduated from here and now me! Thank you so much for the experience and support of students who have children.

I want to say a special thank you to Dr. Stacey Brown for being an amazing advisor, Dr Wendy Shaw, Dr. Acheson Gillian, Dr. Zhou Bin, Dr. Francis Odemerho and the rest of the faculty members for being super amazing to me and making my stay at SIUE a less stressful one.

Thank you!

Brittany Buchanan College Student Personnel Administration

Gabrielle Winton Mass Communications

I extended my sincerest gratitude to my Kimmel family, CSPA faculty, community non-profits, Tarsha Moore, Dominic Dorsey, Prince Roberson, and all of my students for being sources of motivation, guidance, and inspiring me to continually pursue truth and excellence.

Redell Hendricks Diversity and Equity in Education

Shoneka Burnett

Emphasis on Diversity Training

Education

Department of Diversity and Equity

Malaya Downey Marketing and Mass Communications Thank you to the awesome staff of SIUE for all of your guidance! An even bigger thank you to my family and community for your support throughout this process.

Lauryn Joiner Sociology

I would like to extend my gratitude to Dr. Frey-Spurlock and Dr. Weissinger for aiding in my academic and professional success here at SIUE. Thank you for leading by example.

Kayla Moody Destinee Ganious Kinesiology & Sport and Exercise Psychology

Adriana Givens Clinical Psychology

I would like to thank all of the esteemed faculty and staff among the Psychology department for providing me with an excellent educational experience and always being there to assist me along this journey.

LaShatรก Grayson College Student Personnel Administration I would like to thank all my mentors that helped me get to this moment.

Dominic Dorsey and Tiffany Reed helped me in more ways then you know.

I appreciate every moment that you have encouraged me and pushed me to the person I am today. The times that I wanted to give up you picked me up and told me to keep going. Special thanks to Tarsha Moore for showing me a true example of a strong black woman. You showed me how to give my all in everything I do. Thank you to Prince Robertson for showing me how to look within myself and a higher power.

Clinical Psychology I would like to thank the clinical psychology faculty, Drs. Pomerantz, Ro, Pawlow, and Segrist, our department secretary, Christine Gallagher, and my 2020 cohort for all of the knowledge, guidance, and support I received during my time at SIUE. You are appreciated!

Shervonti Norman Clinical Psychology

I wanted to express my appreciation for the clinical faculty, Drs. Ro, Segrist, Pomerantz and Pawlow, my 2020 cohort, Christine G, Carla M, and Dr. Boddie for being patient with me through this tiring, trying, and rewarding time in my life.

Kayla Ryan Psychology Minors in Health, Society and Human Conditions I would love to thank everybody who helped me during my tenure at SIUE. I would like to thank the best advisor Ms. Claire Teichman for being so patient with me. She helped me the most on this journey and she never let me give up. I will also like to thank the whole psychology department. Lastly, I would like to thank Ms. Nichol Allen. She is a phenomenal professor who makes learning so much better. I appreciate everyone that I have met during this journey and I wish everyone the best.

Gena Stringer

Latricia Singleton

Public Administration

Education Administration

I would like to thank all of my Professors,Mentors and Advisor Dawn Huckelberry for believing in me and pushing me to receive my degree to provide a better future for me and my daughter. Thank you!

I would like to say thank you to Cara Lytle and Dr. Andrew Leland for assisting me throughout this process.

Paris Smith Keelah Washington College Student Personnel Administration

50 words are not enough to encompass the breadth of the impact you have all had in my six years at SIUE. Thank you to my mentors, friends, and family. You taught me not to pour from an empty cup and I’m finally getting my refill. Veni, Vidi, Vici.

Pharmacy

I would like to thank all of my wonderful classmates for being my pharmacy family over the last 4 years. I also want to thank the entire OPSA office at SIUE SOP for always being there whenever I needed something and lastly, I would like to thank my mentors for teaching me and guiding me over the last 4 years. It has been a true honor to be a part of the SIUE SOP family.

Closing Remarks from Dr. Patterson

Deja Finley Pharmacy

I will forever be abundantly grateful to have such a strong support system in my fellow classmates, faculty, and staff. I cannot express my appreciation enough to you all! We got through this huge challenge together and those memories will live with me forever. So, instead of being sad that we don’t get a physical commencement ceremony, I will rejoice and hold my head high to a job well done. Cheers to the end of something big, and the beginning of something even bigger!

Linda Imoh Nursing Practice (DNP)

Master of Business Administration

My appreciation goes to my six wonderful children, my mother, husband, siblings, and friends for supporting me through the programs. I also thank my instructors and the entire faculty at the SIUE School of Business and School of Nursing for teaching and guiding me through the programs.

Above all, I thank God almighty for sustaining me through this journey.

To my children, thank you for staying focused, and congratulations to Doris, Ashley, and Blessing(my twins) for earning your BSN and High school diplomas this week. I love you all!

THE TRUTH - It certainly is not business as usual. The class of 2020 has become the class of COVID-19. A class graduating into a world of quarantines and social distancing. No graduation, no celebration and no traditions that come with it. Certainly not what you had in mind. We are all grieving this experience in some form or another. It is an emotional time for everyone. Everybody is uniquely affected, and especially our first-generation students and families, where graduation carries definitive importance.

But make no mistake, Congratulations are in order! This is a special time, for it culminates 4+ years of school and is a rite of passage to launch you into a new journey in life. For your parents, teachers, and university staff, it is a time to reminisce about how far you have come and express again their hopes and expectations for your future, and reminisce they will, but from a distance.

Your tenacity and work ethic have driven you to succeed and be your best. As a class, your legacy includes those things that have set you apart, academic achievements, community service, leadership and caring for each other. You of course have not done this alone! You have had much support and guidance along the way, from your family, friends and of course your teachers and university staff. You will tell stories about their influence, you will remember their unique characteristics, you will remember the funny stories, and you will be a better person because of the faith they had, and have in you.

Commencement is a time of new beginnings. It is certainly a time to feel a sense of tremendous pride and accomplishment. With it comes a sense of wonder, fear, and much excitement. What shall I become? It has been said that the two most significant times of your life are when you are born and then the day you figure out why you were born. The reality is your education is just beginning. A lot has been said about essential services, essential personnel. What I know to be the truth, is that you are essential, absolutely necessary, extremely important. Congratulations to you class of 2020, and thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey!

Dr. Patterson SOAR Office