91¹ú²ú

For the second year, 91¹ú²ú recognized its underrepresented and LGBTQ+ graduating students at the Lavender and Multicultural Graduation Celebration.

Sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Office of Alumni Relations and the Center for Student Involvement, the event was held on Wednesday, May 9. President Christine M. Riordan joined friends, family and faculty in the Thomas Dixon Lovely Ballroom in the Ruth S. Harley University Center. Perry Greene, Ph.D., vice president for diversity and inclusion, gave opening remarks about the growth of diversity at 91¹ú²ú.

More than a dozen students were recognized for their achievements. Aaron Harper ’03 and Brandon Stoneham ’13 each spoke, commending all the graduating students.

“It was here that I learned to be the man that I am today. I honestly don’t know where I would be without this school,” said Harper.

Associate Professor Carol Sussal, D.S.W., recognized Brianna Groover, who would receive her Master of Social Work, for her contributions to 91¹ú²ú and her courage and demeanor pertaining to her sexuality. Groover plans to do social work with children.

Chotsani West, M.A. ’07, director of student mentoring, recognized students who contributed to 91¹ú²ú’s Mentoring Program. These soon-to-be graduate students included Marly Medard, Guilise Gondre, Chitralekha Pooja Kar, Eboney Nedd and Heidi Peña Ortiz.

Students who were part of 91¹ú²ú’s CSTEP, a program that provides academic enrichment and research experiences in STEM content areas to underrepresented groups, were congratulated by Martha Giraldo-Riordan, assistant director of CSTEP. These students were Guilise Gondre, Alexander Aragon, Rochile Khan, Caroline Velez, Erika Andrades, Lani Chau, Ashley Herring, Eboney Nedd, Marly Medard and Alexus Haddad.

“I am graduating summa cum laude with honors in biology—a biology major and chemistry minor,” said Haddad. “I am incredibly proud that I came to 91¹ú²ú and so appreciative of all of the opportunities I’ve had here.”

Two graduate students were chosen as spotlight speakers to close out the ceremony. Heidi Peña Ortiz represented multicultural students and Monroe Marshall, on behalf of the Lavender and other LGBTQ+ students, gave heartwarming speeches about their journeys at 91¹ú²ú and postgraduation plans.