SIUE Spring 2020 Latinx Graduation

2020

LATINX graduation M AY 4

Welcome from the Chancellor, Randy Pembrook Hello and welcome to this virtual Latinx 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!!!

Graduates

Hernan Cortez Major: Computer Science Bachelor's Degree I wanted to give a special thanks to my parents for all their support. I would not have been able to accomplish this milestone without their help. Also, I want to thank my guidance counselor and the computer science instructors.

Fatima Gonzalez Major: Foreign Language and Literature Minor: Applied Communications Bachelor's Degree I wanted to thank the whole department of Foreign Language and Literature for everything. The Spanish department has an amazing group of professors that care about the cultures and the language.

Richard Fitzgerald Major: History Social Science Education Bachelor's Degree I would like to thank Dr. Jennifer Hernandez, Dr. Rowena McClinton, and Mrs. Tracy Carney for being ready and available anytime I really needed something. I have learned a lot from each you and will be a better teacher because of you.

Franklyn Hernandez Major: Electrical Engineering Minor: Mathematics Bachelor's Degree Thanks the School of Engineering a great experience in learning and their support with bringing students ideas to life. Thank you to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Mathematics for teaching me. Thank you to the Associate Dean of the School of Engineering, Dr. Chris Gordon.

Daniela Jofre Arroyo Major: Music-performance Master's Degree Thank you to all the faculty and staff of the Music department for helping me achieve this masters degree. Thank you to the Suzuki family for helping me to fall in love with Suzuki method of teaching violin and my classmates, Ceci, Brian, Karen, Muchi and Andrea.

Daniel Lange Major: Kinesiology: Exercise and Sport Psychology Master's Degree I'd like to take a moment to thank Dr. Webb and Dr. Ross-Stewart for helping me succeed in all my endeavors and supporting me during my time at SIUE.

Rylan Lopez Major: Accountancy Bachelor's Degree

Anashay Love Major: Exercise Science Bachelor's Degree 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 the assistance that they bring to the students and I appreciate my fellow students for making SIUE a great experience for me.

Micaela Maco Major: English with Secondary Licensure Minor: Speech Communication Education Bachelor's Degree Thank you to Dr. Anderson, Dr. Johnson, Dr. Berger, Dr. Hardman in the English Department and Dr. Cheah in the ACS Department for making a teacher out of me. A HUGE thank you to Chris Knetzer at UHFM for being the best boss EVER and making me feel like family.

Manuel Mayoral Major: Social Work Master’s Degree I would like to thank all the social work faculty that has worked so hard for this amazing program, specifically Dr. Carter, for being a wonderful mentor and advisor. I want to thank my family, friends and partner, for always being there to motivate and encourage me in this accomplishment.

Jessica Mateo Major: International Business Minor: Marketing & Spanish Bachelor's Degree Thanks to Dr. Rocha for providing me an opportunity to work as a Research Assistant with her, and for supporting me during our Conference. I would also like to thank Dr. Hair for introducing me to opportunities in my field. I would not have studied abroad without his help.

Stephanie Olivares Major: Psychology Minor: Spanish Bachelor's Degree I am thankful to graduate and would like to give special thanks to Dr. Joseph Meeks for helping to guide and give me advice, Dr. Joel Nadler and the wonderful group of research lab students, and Dr. Elora Voyles for my senior capstone!

And huge thanks to my family!

Oscar Perez-Ortiz Major: Exercise Physiology Master's Degree Thank you to my fellow classmates, many of whom I have the privilege to call friend. Thank you to all my professors, especially Dr. Maria Fernandez Del Valle for being a role model to those like us seeking professional degrees. To my family and partner, thank you for your support.

Abigail Rivera Major: Exercise Science Bachelor's Degree Thank you to my professors Erin Vanderbunt and Bryan Smith who have helped push me and have made me enjoy my major, as well as to see the opportunities that it comes with. Thank you as well to Tyler Manning, for encouraging and showing the positive aspects of campus involvement.

Jasmin Ruiz Major: Chemistry Bachelor's Degree I would like to thank the Chemistry Department and all my professors at SIUE for leading me to the path of my success. I would also like to thank my fellow classmates who have been a great support system.

Tyler Wheeler Major: Elementary Education Bachelor's Degree I would like to thank Danielle Hill, Dr. Jessica Krim, Dr. Barbara O'Donnell and Dr. Earleen Patterson for the support over my college career. I will also like to thank my brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. for their brotherly love and encouragement.

We celebrate you!

A Closing Message from Dr. Waple 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.

“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