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ROXBURY 

Community 
College 


Commencement 


June  6,  2008 

One  O'clock  P.M. 


Reggie  Lewis  Track  and  Athletic  Center 

1350  Tremont  Street 
RoxBURY,  MA  02120 


The  National  Anthem 

Oh,  say,  can  you  see,  hy  the  dawn's  early  Ught, 

What  so  proudly  we  hailed  at  the  twilight's  last  gleaming? 

Whose  broad  stripes  and  bright  stars,  thro'  the  perilous  fight' 

O'er  the  ramparts  we  watched,  were  so  gallantly  streaming. 

And  the  rockets  red  glare,  the  bombs  bursting  in  air. 

Gave  proof  through  the  night  that  our  flag  was  still  there. 

Oh,  say,  does  that  star-spangled  banner  yet  wave 

O'er  the  land  of  the  free  and  the  home  of  the  brave? 

Francis  Scott  Key 

1779  -  1843 


Lift  Ev'ry  Voice  and  Sing 

Lift  ev'ry  voice  and  sing 

Till  earth  and  heaven  ring. 

Ring  with  the  harmonies  of  Liberty; 

Let  our  rejoicing  rise.  High  as  the  list'ning  skies. 

Let  it  resound  loud  as  the  rolling  sea. 

Sing  a  song  full  of  the  faith  that  the  dark  past  has  taught  us. 

Sing  a  song  full  of  the  hope  that  the  present  has  brought  us; 

Facing  the  rising  sun  of  our  new  day  begun 

Let  us  march  on  'til  \ictory  is  won. 

James  Weldon  Johnson 

1871  -  1938 


Program 


Prelude 

Processional 

The  audience  is  requested  to  remain  seated  during  the  processional  for  students  and 
faculty.  Music  provided  by  Dr.  John  Weeks. 
Grafton  Job  Corps  Color  Guard  will  post  the  colors. 

National  Anthem  and  Lift  Ev'ry  Voice  and  Sing 

Led  by  Ms.  Tia  Myers  Class  of  08 

Students'  Greetings  from  Around  the  World 

Greetings  From  the  President 

Dr.  Terrence  A.  Gomes 

Greetings  From  the  Governor  of  Massachusetts 

The  Honorable  Governor  Deval  Patrick 

Greetings  From  the  Commissioner  of  the  Massachusetts  Department  of 
Higher  Education 

Dr.  Patricia  Plummer 

Greetings  From  the  Alumni 

Ms.  Toya  Scott  Class  of  98 

Musical  Selection 

Ms.  Velma  Dupont 

Introduction  of  Community  Service  Recipient 

Dr.  Alane  Shanks,  Vice  President  of  Administration  and  Finance 

Community  Service  Award 

Ms.  Brandy  K.  Cruthird  .  ' 

Introduction  of  the  Valedictorian 

Dr.  Brenda  W.  Mercomes,  Vice  President  of  Academic  Affairs 

Valedictorian 

Mr.  Girma  Tsegaye  Endale 

Introduction  of  the  Commencement  Speaker 

Ms.  Stephanie  C.  Janey,  Vice  President  of  Enrollment  Management  and  Student 
Affairs 

Commencement  Address 

Ms.  Beverly  A.  Morgan- Welch,  Executive  Director  of  Museum  of  African  American 
History 

Musical  Selection 

Ms.  VeJma  Dupont 


Conferring  of  Degrees  and  Certificates 

Authorization  of  the  Board  of  Trustees 

Ms.  Michele  Courton  Broum,  Chair,  Board  of  Trustees 
Dr.  Terrence  A.  Gomes,  President 

Introduction  of  Degree  and  Certificate  Candidates 

Presided  b^i  Dr.  Brenda  W.  Mercomes,  Vice  President  of  Academic  Affairs 
Candidates  for  Associate  of  Arts  degree  introduced  b}i  Dean  Nancy  Teel 
Candidates  for  Associate  of  Science  degree  introduced  hy  Dean  Tala  Khudairi 
Candidates  for  Certificates  with  specification  introduced  b}i  Dean  David  Becker 

Presentation  of  Degrees  and  Certificates  to  the  Students 

Mr.  Deval  Patrick,  Governor  of  Massachusetts 

Ms.  Michele  Courton  Brown,  Chair,  Board  of  Trustees' 

Dr.  Terrence  A.  Gomes,  President 

Presided  by  Dr.  Brenda  W.  Mercomes,  Vice  President  of  Academic  Affairs 

President's  Charge  to  the  Graduating  Class  of  2008 
Dr.  Terrence  A.  Gomes,  President 

Recessional 

The  audience  is  requested  to  remain  seated  during  the  recessional  and  is  invited 
immediately  after  the  ceremony  to  a  reception  in  the  Reggie  Lewis  Track  and  Athletic 
Center  Field  House. 


Terrence  A.  Gomes 

President 

Today  is  a  landmark  in  die  chosen  padi  for  your  lives.  Beyond  diis 
landmark,  or  signpost,  awaits  a  world  around  you  that  is  real  and 
exciting.  But  this  is  not  just  the  end;  think  of  today  as  the  beginning  of  new 
opportunities,  experiences  and  growth. 

I  would  like  for  you  to  remember  today,  not  just  the  moment,  but  the 
years  that  have  lead  to  this  moment.  The  days  spent  together  in  class,  the 
hard  work  and  sacrifices  endured  and  the  friendships  that  have  been  built 
along  the  way. 

Education  is  a  frontier  for  changing  how  we  choose  to  live,  how  we 
choose  to  educate,  and  how  we  choose  to  govern  ourselves  for  future 
generations  to  come.  Please  grasp  the  opportunities  when  they  arise,  for 
therein,  lies  the  key  to  your  future  and  the  future  of  all  our  communities. 

I  am  very  proud  of  you  and  what  you  have  accomplished.  Your 
graduation  will  help  pave  the  way  as  you  travel  the  road  to  greater  success 
both  in  college  and  beyond.  You  will  be  the  leaders  of  tomorrow  and  with 
the  education  you  now  have  and  will  seek  further,  it  will  take  you  to  new 
heights  to  achieve  many  of  your  dreams  and  the  dreams  of  others. 

My  heartiest  congratulations  to  the  Class  ot  2008. 1  wish  each  of  you 
the  very  best  and  much  success  in  the  future. 


Sincerely, 

a. 


y^^yr%X4y 


Dr.  Terrence  A.  Gomes 

President 


Commencement  Speaker 


Beverly  A.  Morgan-Welch 

Executive  Director 

Museum  of  African  American  History 

Beverly  A.  Morgan-Welch  serves  as  the  chief  executive 
of  the  oldest  and  most  visible  African  American 
history  museum  in  New  England  located  on  Boston's 
Beacon  Hill  and  on  Nantucket.  With  four  historic 
sites  and  collections  that  preserve  the  powerful  past  of 
African  Americans,  the  museum  provides  Black  Heritage  Trail®  tours,  exhibits 
and  education  programs  that  illuminate  a  liberating  American  History. 

Under  her  leadership,  the  Museum  of  African  American  History  has  become  a 
nationally  recognized  institution  increasing  scholarship  and  collections.  In 
2006,  Beverly  launched  a  200th  Anniversary  Campaign  to  restore  and  celebrate 
the  African  Meeting  House  in  Boston  during  its  bicentennial  and  to  raise  funds 
for  other  capital  projects  including  the  purchase  of  the  Seneca  Boston-Florence 
Higginbotham  House  (c  1774)  on  Nantucket  and  a  building  to  create  an 
Education  and  Technology  Center  in  Boston. 

Beverly  has  served  as  the  Executive  Director  of  the  Greater  Hartford  Arts 
Council,  Director  of  Development  at  the  Wadsworth  Atheneum,  and  Assistant 
Dean  of  Admission  at  Amherst  College.  She  was  also  the  Manager  of 
Community  Relations  at  Raytheon,  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the 
Bank  of  Hartford,  and  Secretary  of  the  Connecticut  Mutual  Life  Foundation 
serving  the  company's  Corporate  Social  Responsibility  Department.  Beverly  was 
Co-Chairperson  of  the  Inauguration  of  Governor  Deval  Patrick  and  raised 
funds  for  the  Bishop  Desmond  Tutu  Southern  African  Refugee  Scholarship 
Fund. 

Currently  she  is  a  member  ot  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Boston  History  and 
Innovation  Collaborative,  and  a  Member  of  the  Antiquarian  Society,  the 
Colonial  Society  of  Massachusetts,  and  the  Massachusetts  Historical  Society. 

A  graduate  of  Smith  College  with  a  major  in  Theatre  and  Speech,  Beverly 
Morgan-Welch  resides  in  Andover,  Massachusetts  with  her   daughter, 
Alexandra. 


Community  Service  Award  Recipient 


Brandy  K.  Cruthird 

Founder 

Body  By  Brandy  Fitness  Studio 

Brandy  K.  Cruthird  is  the  founder  and  owner  of  Body 
By  Brandy  Fitness  Studio  in  Boston,  Massachusetts.  A 
former  marketing  representative  for  Reebok,  IntL, 
Brandy  is  a  certified  aerobic  instructor  with  over  10  years  experience  in  the  fitness 
industry.  She  has  conducted  numerous  fitness  demonstrations  nationally  and  locally 
including  the  YWCA's  Breast  Cancer  Awareness  Day,  the  African  American  Women  on 
Tour  Convention  and  the  Dimock  Health  Center's  Body  &  Soul  Wellness  Connection. 
Brandy's  signature  community  event,  the  "Everybody  Walk  Your  Body  Fitness  Walk  and 
Health  Fair",  was  launched  in  1997,  in  collaboration  with  Mayor  Thomas  M.  Menino  and 
the  Boston  Parks  and  Recreation  Department.  This  annual  event  has  inspired  thousands 
of  people  to  become  physically  fit.  Her  commitment  to  her  community  is  also  exemplified 
in  her  articles  on  exercise  and  nutrition  for  Roxbury.com  and  BlackBostonOnline.com. 

Brandy  has  been  on  a  10-year  mission  to  make  the  community  she  loves  a  healthier  one. 
A  native  of  Dorchester  who  grew  up  in  the  Orchard  Park  projects,  Brandy  parlayed  her 
athleticism  into  a  Division  I  basketball  scholarship  to  James  Madison  University  in 
Virginia.   While  still  a  student.  Brandy  spent  her  summers  working  for  Canton-based 
Reebok  where  she  moved  from  Field  Services  Coordinator  to  Marketing  Representative 
responsible  for  over  200  accounts  in  the  Boston  area.   While  at  Reebok,  Brandy  saw 
there  were  no  fitness  centers  in  her  community,  so  she  opened  her  very  own  fitness 
studio  part-time,  financing  her  venture  with  Reebok  stock  and  tapping  her  retirement 
fund.  From  humble  beginnings-two  studio  apartments  in  Duciley  Square-Body  By  Brandy 
Fitness  Studio  has  grown  and  recently  expanded  to  a  newly  renovated  facility  at  2181 
Washington  Street. 

The  newly  developed  parent  organization  of  the  fitness  club.  My  Bociy  My  Business  Inc., 
pointedly  addresses  prevailing  notions  about  fitness  through  education,  nutrition 
consultation  and  empowerment  strategies.   Family  health  and  fitness  has  become  a  major 
focus  for  Brandy,  and  her  studio  provides  fitness,  nutrition  and  healthy  alternatives  for 
adults  and  a  fitness  and  health  awareness  program  for  children.  In  March  2006,  Brandy 
launched  Body  By  Brandy  Fit  Kidz,  a  non-profit  designed  to  help  combat  childhood 
obesity.  The  first  kids  gym  in  the  community,  Body  By  Brandy  4  Kidz  has  been  made 
possible  by  the  generous  support  of  its  partners  the  Children's  Hospital  of  Boston, 
United  Way  of  Boston,  Blue  Cross  Blue  Shield  and  Good  Sport.  BBB  Fit  Kidz  features  a 
rock  climbing  wall,  dance  revolution,  games  bikes,  boxing  ring,  cardiovascular  and 
strength  training  equipment  for  kids  and  much  more.  Brandy  plans  to  utilize  everything 
she  has  learned  to  educate  kids  about  the  benefits  of  recreational  and  competitive  sports 


Brandy  K.  Crudiird.. 


Brandy  has  always  believed  that  healthy  living  is  a  family  affair  and  in  May  2005  she 
released  "The  House  is  Getting  Fit©"  Video,  the  first  in  a  series  of  family  fitness  videos 
designed  to  get  families  up  and  moving  at  home  together!   Brandy  says,  "When  parents 
become  role  models  and  instill  the  importance  of  exercise  and  diet  in  their  children  at 
an  early  age,  they  develop  healthy  habits!  Most  importantly,  there  is  no  better  way  to 
bond  with  your  family." 

Brandy  has  been  featured  in  Essence  Magazine,  the  Boston  Globe  and  Heart  &  Soul 

Magazine.  She  has  also  amassed  numerous  awards  for  her  leadership  including  a  1998 
Roxbury  Chamber  of  Commerce  "Outstanding  Achievement  Award."  The  Girl  Scouts' 
2001  "Leading  Women  Award,"  the  2002  Harvard  School  of  Public  Health  "Rebecca 
Lee  Award,"  and  Body  By  Brandy  Fitness  Center  was  voted  "The  Best  of  the  New  2005" 
by  the  Boston  Globe,  and  received  the  Boston  Business  Journal  Top  40  under  40  "Up 
&-  Coming  Award."  Brandy  was  also  Voted  Dudley  "Business  of  the  Year"  2006  by  Main 
Streets.   Ford  Motors  also  recognized  her  accomplishments  as  a  pioneer  with  the  2006 
Fusion  "Life  In  Drive  Award".  In  adciition  Brandy  was  the  recipient  of  the  Boston 
Center  for  Community  and  Justice  "Voices  of  Inclusion-Innovator  Award"  in  2006,  as 
well  as  a  Massachusetts  State  Lottery  "Friends  of  the  Fairway  Award",  for  positive 
contributioiis  to  her  community  through  golf  and  sport.   The  Makers  of  Pine  Sol 
Cleaners  saluted  Brandy  in  their  "She's  Got  the  Power"  contest  for  leading  the  charge 
in  childhood  obesity.  Direct  TV  recognized  her  as  a  "Home  Town"  hero  for  giving  back 
to  her  community. 

Amidst  these  extraordinary  accomplishments,  Brandy  was  most  notably  featured  on 
NBC  Nightly  News  "MAKING  A  DIFFERENCE"  and  CNN  News  "Places  To  Play"  for 
creating  the  First  Kids  Gym  in  the  country  that  accepts  prescriptions  from  participating 
health  care  providers  for  obese  kids  enabling  them  to  workout  at  BBB  Fit  Kidz  for 
FREE! 

Recently,  Jake  Steinfeld,  founder  of  ExerciseTV,  the  first  comprehensive  on-demand 
network  dedicated  to  fitness,  sports  training  and  motivational  programming,  named 
Branciy  Cruthird  the  winner  of  the  network's  inaugural  nationwide  coritest  for 
"America's  Next  Fitness  Star."   As  the  contest  winner,  Brandy  will  receive  a  one-year 
paid  contract  with  ExerciseTV  that  includes  appearing  in  an  original  fitness  series  on 
the  network  and  hosting  a  monthly  blog  on  exercisetv.tv,  as  well  as  a  year's  worth  of 
New  Balance  footwear  and  apparel.   Brandy's  programming  will  premiere  on  ExerciseTV 
this  summer. 


THE  Governor  of  Massachusetts 


Governor  Deval  Patrick 

Governor  Deval  Patrick  was  elected  in  November  of 
2006.  He  brings  to  the  Governor's  office  a  broad  range 
ot  leadership  experience  at  the  top  levels  of  business, 
go\-ernment,  and  non-profits.  From  an  early  age,  he  has 
built  his  life  on  hope,  and  traced  a  trajectory  from  the 
South  Side  of  Chicago  to  the  U.S.  Justice  Department, 
Fortune  500  boardrooms,  and  now  the  Massachusetts 
Statehouse. 

Patrick  came  to  the  Commonwealth  at  the  age  of  14. 
An  excellent  student  despite  the  difficult  circumstances 
of  under-funded  and  often  violent  Chicago  schools,  he 
was  awarded  a  scholarship  to  Milton  Acaciemy  through 
A  Better  Chance,  a  Boston-based  organization. 

After  graduatiiig  from  Milton,  Patrick  went  on  to  Harvard,  the  first  in  his  family  to 
attend  college.  He  received  his  ciegree,  with  honc:>rs,  in  1978  and  spent  a  post-graduate 
year  working  on  a  United  Nations  youth  training  project  in  the  Darfur  region  of  Sudan. 
He  returned  to  Cambridge  to  attend  Harvard  Law  School  in  the  fall  of  1979. 

Following  law  school,  Patrick  served  as  a  law  clerk  to  a  federal  appellate  judge  before 
joining  the  NAACP  Legal  Defense  and  Education  Fund.  In  1986,  he  joined  the  Boston 
law  firm  of  Hill  &  Barlow  and  was  named  partner  in  1990,  at  the  age  of  34. 

In  1994,  President  Clinton  appointed  Patrick  Assistant  Attorney  General  for  Civil 
Rights,  the  nation's  top  civil  rights  post.  At  the  justice  Department,  Patrick  worked  c^n  a 
wide  range  of  issues,  including  prosecution  of  hate  crimes  and  abortion  clinic  violence, 
employment  discrimination,  and  enforcement  of  fair  lending  laws  and  the  Americans 
with  Disabilities  Act. 

During  his  tenure,  Patrick  led  the  largest  criminal  investigation  prior  to  September  11*, 
coordinating  state,  local  and  federal  agencies  to  investigate  church  burnings  throughout 
the  South  in  the  mid-1990s. 

Patrick  returned  to  private  practice  in  1997  with  the  Boston  firm  of  Day,  Berry  & 
Howard.  That  same  year,  he  was  appointed  by  a  federal  district  court  to  serve  as  the  first 
chairperson  of  Texaco's  Eciuality  and  Fairness  Task  Force.  Working  with  employees  at  all 
levels,  Patrick  and  his  Task  Force  examined  and  reformed  Texaco's  complex  corporate 
employment  culture,  and  created  a  model  for  fostering  an  equitable  workplace.  Patrick 
was  hired  by  Texaco  in  1999  to  serve  as  Vice  President  and  General  Counsel  leading  the 
company's  global  legal  affairs. 


Deval  Patrick.. 


In  2001,  Patrick  joined  The  Coca-Cola  Company  as  Executive  Vice  Presicient  and 
General  Counsel.  He  was  elected  to  the  additional  role  of  Corporate  Secretary  in  2002, 
and  served  as  part  of  the  company's  senior  leadership  team  as  a  member  of  the  Executive 
Committee. 

Governor  Patrick  has  served  on  numerous  charitable  and  corporate  boards,  as  well  as  the 
Federal  Election  Reform  Commission  under  Presidents  Carter  and  Ford,  and  as  Vice 
Chair  of  the  Massachusetts  Judicial  Nominating  Council  by  appointment  of  Governor 
Weld. 

The  Commonwealth's  first  African-American  Governor,  Deval  Patrick  came  into  office 
with  a  grassroots  message  of  hope,  community  and  hard  work.  By  focusing  on 
transparency  and  inclusion,  he  hopes  to  increase  accessibility  to  government  and 
encourage  the  civic  engagement  so  crucial  to  shared  progress  in  educatioii,  health  care, 
economic  development  and  other  issues. 

Diane  and  Deval  Patrick  have  been  marriecl  for  over  two  decades  and  have  two  college- 
age  daughters,  Sarah  and  Katherine.  The  Patrick  family  has  lived  in  Milton,  in  a  house 
on  Deval's  high  school  paper  route,  for  the  last  17  years. 


10 


Degrees  in  Course 

Degrees  are  presented  in  the  folk 

swing  order. 

Associate  of  Arts 

HoDA  A.  Abichaker 
Liberal  Arts 

Frances  B.  Coleman 
Pre-Health  Career 

Tauna  Necole  Good 
Liberal  Arts 

HoDA  A.  Abichaker 
Social  Science 

Charlene  C.  Comma 
Liberal  Arts 

Nolisha  Trenese  Greer 
Liberal  Arts 

WOREDEKAE  TeKA  AbRAHA** 

Pre-Health  Career 

Jessica  K.  Cook 
General  Concentration 

Dorcas  Bethsaida  Griffith 
Liberal  Arts 

Oluwafemi  John  Adebayo 
Social  Science 

RoMONA  Luvern  Cropper 
Liberal  Arts 

Saran  C.  Haidara 
Pre-Health  Career 

Marino  Antonio  Almonte 
Pre-Health  Career 

Latasha  Denise  Dobson 
Biological  Science 

Edell  Milton  Howard 
Liberal  Art^- 

Stacey  K.  Anderson 
B  usiNEss  Adminstration 

Marthe  U.  Doirin 
Health  Careers 

Akeno  Anthony  Hutchinson 
Physical  Science 

Kesta  Andre 
Biological  Science 

LinaM.  Dolph*** 
Business  Adminstration 

Akeno  Anthony  Hutchinson 
Pre-Engineering 

Dieudonne  Jerome  Auxilius 
Business  Administration 

Jacqueline  Dorvilmar 
Business 

Norenegbe  Ik4ASUEN** 
Pre-Health  Career 

Yewhoalashet  Bedlu  Aytenfisu 
Pre-Health  Career 

Ekaterina  Doubko 
Liberal  Arts 

Sahro  M.  Jama 
Pre-Health  Career 

Adenike  Mobolaji  Bakre 
Pre-Health  Career 

Ekaterina  Doubko 
Health  Career 

SophonieJean 
Liberal  Arts 

Cynthl^  Ifeoma  Banor 
Biological  Science 

Chad  Telford  Drigo 
Biological  Science 

SauwurJeanty** 
Biological  Science 

Mekdim  Ashesir  Bantiwalu 
Blisiness  Administration 

GirmaTsegaye  Endale*** 
Biological  Science 

Jamie  A.  Jones 
Business  Administration 

Yaambo(Bakari)  Jibri  Barrett 
Liberal  Arts 

Danny  Leoardo  Estrada 
Biological  Science 

Priscilla  \.  Jones 
Broadcast  Media  Technology 

Candy  G.  Batista** 
Biological  Science 

Alicea  Evans 
Social  Science 

Cynthia  S.Kebreau 
Pre-Health  Careers 

Charisse  Baxter 
Business  Adminstration 

Daphney  Excellent** 
Biological  Science 

kwasi  a.  kwaa 
Business  Administration 

Carine  Belizaire 
Pre-Health  Career 

Daphney  Excellent** 
Pre-Health  Career 

Alvaro  Omar  Larr.^ma** 
Business  Adminstration 

Jennifer  Altagracia  Bencosme 
Liberal  Arts 

Wallace  J.  Fashaw** 
Broadcast  Media  Technology 

Yves  Z.  Lebron 
Pre-Engineering 

Martine  C.  Casimir 
Liberal  Arts 

Inca  M.  Freire** 
Social  Science 

MAL:KliNZY  LOVINSKY** 

Business  Administration 

Widlyne  Cetoute 
Pre-Health  Career 

Felix  Gaston,  Jr. 
Liberal  Artn 

Flore  Lubin 
Pre-Health  Career 

Georges  G.  Chick*** 
Liberal  Ar'in 

Olritgii  Gi;rmain 

/Jroaik  :ast  Mei  )IA  Ti;(  ;hnol(  )Gy 

Fi  ore  Ll'bin 
Lini-RAi.  Ari>; 

12 


LEL^N  L^'NCH*** 

Oluwafemi  O.  Oparinde 

Xiomara  Suarez                 .   -•  ■ 

Business  Adminstration 

Business  Administration 

Biological  Science        -    - 

Jessica-Lynn  M.  Maloney** 

Judith  Paige 

MiTzi  A.  Sweeney 

Biological  Science 

Pre-Health  Career 

Biological  Science 

TSELOTE  WaKA  MaMO 

Bernadei  IE  Pierre 

Erimal  Taraj 

B/GLOGJCAL  Science 

Liberal  Arts 

Business  Administration 

\ 

Luz  A.  Mancebo 

Cruz  Pizarro 

Mamenasha  Oshena  Tesfaye 

Business  Adm!nstrat/on 

Liberal  Arts 

Business  Administration 

} 

PuRO  Martinez 

Jacqueline  Elizabeth  Reeves 

Karen  Denise  Thomas 

k 

Liberal  Arts 

English 

Biological  Science 

I' 

NoLisHA  Greer  Mcmillan 

Ulrick  Rene 

Karen  Denise  Thomas 

i 

Pre-Health  Career 

Pre-Engineering 

Liberal  Arts 

I 

Marty  McPhail 

Dean  St.  Paul  Robinson** 

Chinwe  K.  Uchendu 

Business  Admimstrat/on, 

Business  Administration 

Broadcast  Media  Technology 

YvROSE  Lynn  Michel** 

Tat^'ana  K.  Rudnitskaya 

SonyVilbon 

Pre-Health  Career 

Pre-Health  Career 

Business  Administration 

Umar  Abdullah  Muhammed 

Nicole  L.  Sadberry** 

Solomon  M.  Waka 

Liberal  Arts 

Physical  Science 

Biological  Science 

TiA  L.  Myers 

Marie  J .  Saint  Jacques 

Jessica  Walker 

Musical  Arts 

Biological  Science 

Liberal  Arts 

Myrlene  Myrtil 

Judith  Saintcyr 

Ayana  Cameisha  Walters 

i 

Business  Adminstration 

Pre-Health  Career 

Biological  Science 

Felipe  A.  Navarrete** 

Betsy  Ann  Santana 

Ruth  Wilcox*** 

Liberal  Arts 

Broadcast  Media  Technology 

Liberal  Arts 

Keitha  Taquana  Nicholas 

Amanata  Sesay 

Deanna  Jeanne  1 1  h  Williams 

Pre-Health  Career 

Pre-Health  Career 

Liberal  Arts 

Annei  IE  Nicholson 

Alvaro  S.  Silva 

JoelineJoyelWise 

Liberal  Arts 

International  Business 

Business  Administration 

Jean  Frero  B.  Noel 

Carlos  Jorge  Silva 

Amani  M.  Yousif***  . 

Liberal  Arts 

Pre-Engineering 

Business  Administration 

i{ 

Oluchi  Lilian  Nsonwu 

Kyle  R.  Sims 

) 

Biological  Science 

B  usiNESs  Administration 

(**)=  High  Honors    (***)=  Highest 

Honors  ■  Bright  Yellow  Sash 

13 


AssociAiH  OF  Science 

HalimatouAbdou 

EuDOSL\  Cosme 

Samuel  Kofi  Hammond 

Reg/stered  Nurse 

Accounting 

Radiologic  Technology 

Theophilus  NuAdjei  Adjetey 

Ludmila  Costiv 

JOYANN  MaRLA  LUrEWOOD-SmITH 

Radiologic  Technology 

Registered  Nurse 

Registered  Nurse 

MOMPREMIER  AlCE 

Phyllis  Ann  Coulter 

Marl\  Lopes  Hubbard 

ACC0UNT!NG 

Early  Childhood  Education 

Business  Management 

Cecilia  Renee  Alkins 

Tiffany  S.  Cross 

Nathanaelle  BredinaJeudy 

Criminal  jLfSTicE 

Early  Childhood  Education 

Early  Childhood  Education 

Sean  L.C.  Ambris 

Leana  Deiaj^ey 

Marie  Joceline  Joseph 

Computer  /nformation  Systems 

Nursing 

Practical  Nursing 

Lyzete  Akwi  Anjeh-Talla 

Tathiane  S.  Delima 

Marlon  M.  Juba 

ADN  Nursing 

ADN  Nursing 

Criminal  Justice 

Dolapo  L.  Ayanbeku 

Josei'ieDelva 

SoonaJung 

Early  CHfLDHOOD  Education 

ADN  Nursing 

Registered  Nurse 

EucLiDES  F.  Barbosa 

Lyrna  Desravines 

MutazM.  Khir 

ACCOL/NTING 

ADN  Nursing 

Computer  Jnforamtion  Systems 

Charisse  Baxter 

]eannl\  M.  Dotel 

LouiSANA  King 

Business  Management 

Early  Childhood  Education 

Practical  Nursing 

Adelina  Berberi*** 

TriclaT.  Ducheine 

Margalie  Lacombe 

Radiologic  Technology 

Criminal  Justice 

Business  Management 

Etheart  Bertrand 

Alicea  Evans 

Alvaro  Omar  Larrama** 

Radiologic  Technology 

Liberal  Arts 

Business  Management 

Vanessa  C.  Bowen-Newton 

Robin  Anne  Feetham*** 

DL^NE  Levine 

ADN  Nursing 

Radiologic  Technology 

Criminal  Justice 

Michaelle  E.  Breneville 

NOLETTE  FeRJUSTE 

Zakia  Chene  Lilly 

Criminal  Justice 

Accounting 

ADN  Nursing 

Sadiya  Burdette 

Linda  Forestale 

Dana  T.  Long 

Early  Childhood  Education 

Early  Childhood  Education 

Computer  Information  Systems 

Lisa  Ann  Marie  Busby 

JoseM.  Fuentes 

Murielle  Louis 

Registered  Nurse 

Network  Administration 

ADN  Nursing 

Hui  Ling  Cai 

Jose  R.  Garcl\ 

Clarisse  F.  Madjeu 

Business  Management 

Criminal  Justice 

Practical  Nursing 

Carline  Cenat-Pierre 

Gautam  Gautam*** 

Thewodros  Demie  Mamo** 

Registered  Nurse 

Computer  Information  Systems 

Accounting 

Tracy  Ann  Clements 

JiiAN  E.  Griffiths 

Magalie  Mathieu 

Radiologic  Technology 

ADN  Nursing 

Radiologic  Technidlogy 

Geraldine  Conille 

Shelley  B.  Gumbs 

Daphne  Aretha  Matti  iews 

ADN  NuRsiNc; 

Registered  Nurse 

ADN  NuRsiNc; 

Kathleen  A.  Conners 

TovA  Marii:  1  Iai.l 

Lyoia  C.  M(.:Guire*** 

ADN  Nursing 

Early  C^H/L/)/K)o/)  Education 

Criminal  Justic;e 

14 


MlSoOK  McTlGHE 

Justin  Ortiz 

Marilyn  Tamaklo 

ADN  NuRS/NG 

Criminal  Justice 

Criminal  Justice 

Erin  A.  Melchiorri 

DONAIDA  PaTRONE*** 

Kanei  Taylor 

jRadjolog/c  Technology 

Radiologic  Technology 

Early  Childhood  Education            ^ ' 

Ernand  Menard 

Phillip  Perez 

NejatTewolde                                k 

Business  Management 

Criminal  Justice 

ADl^  hlURSING 

QiN  Shao  Meng** 

Roxann  Antoinette  Perez 

Darlene  C.  Thorpe 

ADN  Nursing  . 

Health  Career 

Business  Management 

Sandy  Merejo 

Rotchana  Petchdee 

Nhan  Le  Tran 

Early  Ch/ldhood  Educatjon 

ADN  Nursing 

Business  Management 

Karline  Michel 

Cynthia  Ann  Marie  Plummer 

Matthew  Umudi         '^ 

ADN  Nursing 

Criminal  Justice 

ADN  Nursing 

Yvonne  Rene  Miles 

DaquiriJ,\cquel  Purifoy 

YvETTE  VaLDERRAMA 

Criminal  Justice 

Criminal  Justice 

ADN  Nursing 

DulcinaS.Mor.ais 

Wendy  R.  Quashie-John 

M'l'ETLA  Ann  Vaughan 

ADN  Nursing 

ADN  Nursing 

Early  Childhood  Education 

Patricl\  Ann  Murray** 

Carmen  M.  Reyes 

SonyVilbon                                   1 

ADN  Nursing 

Early  Childhood  Education 

Business  A^anagement                      1 

Lucy  W.  Mwaura 

Manuel  D.  Ron-l^n 

Rudolph  Anthony  Vinton*** 

ADN  Nursing 

Criminal  Justice 

Criminal  Justice 

Loi  T.  Nguyen 

Mohamed  Mukhtar  Saidi 

GiGjA  Hlin  Wesneski** 

Accounting 

Computer  Information  Systems 

Radiologic  Technology                   l 

Loi  T.  Nguyen 

JOSLENE  SaINFORT 

Chantelle  S.  Willlams 

Business  Management 

Early  Childhood  Education 

Business  Management 

Jacklyn  NicoiAS 

Karleena  a.  Savage** 

Nadesha  S.  Wint** 

Business  Management 

Office  Administration  Degree 

Criminal  Justice 

George  G.  Njenga 

Zenaida  Eshaah  Serra 

JoelineJoyelWise 

Registered  Nurse 

Criminal  Justice 

Business  A4anagement 

Chinenye  Anne  Nsonwu** 

Shaquana  Nakesha  Small 

Queen  E.  Woghiren  * 

ADN  Nursing 

Early  Childhood  Education 

ADN  Nursing 

YvETTE  C.  O'Brien 

Krishawna  Marie  Smith 

YusufM.  YusuF 

Criminal  Justice 

Early  Childhood  Education 

Accounting 

Benson  E.  Omoregbe 

Alexis  Denise  Smith 

ADN  Nursing 

Criminal  Justice 

Pauline  O.  Onyemelukwe 

Michelle  A  .Tackie-Hogwood 

Registered  Nurse 

ADN  Nursing 

(*  *)=  Higfi  Honors     (***)=  Highest 

Honors  ■  Bright  Yellow  Sash 

15 


Certificates  with 

Specification 

ViviANE  Alexis** 

Roshanda  Renee  Leak 

Medical  Office  Specialist 

Medical  Office  Specialist 

Alexander  O.  Esteban 

Uche  K.  Obu 

Practical  Nursing 

Practical  Nursing 

Vicky  Fan 

Yanick  Petion** 

Accounting 

Medical  Office  Specialist 

GuERLiNE  Francis 

Stella  Ratner** 

Practical  Nursing 

Medical  Office  Specialist 

Almaz  K.  Gebremicheal 

Valmy  Saint  Louis** 

Medical  Office  Specialist 

Network  Administration 

POLLYANNE  GrAZETTE 

Michelle  R.  Spencer 

Microcomputer  Applications 

Pratical  Nursing 

Alain  Jean-Louis 
Practical  Nursing 

Andre Suber 
Office  Technology 

Rica  R.Jimenez 
Paralegal  Studies 

Bath-Sheba  Joseph 
Practical  Nursing 

Eugenie  Ocilie  Laurent 

David  O.  Ugwu 
Practical  Nursing 

Lucretia  C.  Washington 
Practical  Nursing 

Medical  Office  Specialist 

Cn-HiH.li  Honors     (***)■    11  ii;hcst  1  Umors    Ihii'lu   YMowSash 

16 


Scholarships,  Awards,  and  Honors 

Alpha  Kappa  Alpha  Sorority,  Inc./Psi  Omega  Chapter  Award 

This  award  is  given  to  an  outstanding  multicultural  female  graduate  who  is  transferring 
to  a  four-year  institution. 

Betsy'  Santana 

Claudia  J.  Tucker  Award 

This  award  is  given  annually  to  an  outstanding  Roxbur\'  Community  College  transfer 
student  in  honor  of  the  mother  of  Roxbury  Community  College's  Professor  Royal  C. 
Tucker. 

Bernadette  Pierre 

Edith  Pistorino  Memorial  Endowed  Scholarship  —   — 

This  award  is  made  possible  by  the  late  Edith  Pistorino.  A  $  1 ,000  annual  scholarship 
recognizes  outstanding  academic  achievement  by  students  who  are  enrolled  full-time  in 
a  degree  program  which  leads  to  transfer  to  a  baccalaureate  institution  following 
graduation  from  Roxbury  Community  College.  To  qualify  for  this  scholarship  students 
must  have  achieved  a  grade  point  average  of  3.50  or  better  for  two  consecutive  semesters 
and  not  be  in  their  final  semester  at  Roxbury  Community  College. 
Gregory  Miller 

Francina  E.  Copeland  Gelzer  Endowed  Scholarship 

Given  in  the  name  of  a  lifelong  resident  of  the  greater  Roxbury  community  with  a  strong 
commitment  to  education,  this  award  is  presented  to  a  Roxbury  Community  College 
student  on  the  basis  of  outstanding  scholastic  achievement.  The  recipient  is  an  African- 
American  graduate  who  has  maintained  a  grade  point  average  of  3.0  or  higher  and  who 
has  been  accepted  into  a  four-year  college  degree  program. 
Ruth  Wilcox 

International  Student  Scholarship 

International  Student  Scholarships  are  available  for  full-time  students  in  good  academic 
standing  who  have  earned  a  cumulative  grade  point  average  of  at  least  3.00.  These  are 
$  1,000  scholarships.  To  be  eligible  to  receive  these  scholarships  students  must  provide 
documentation  which  certifies  that  the  student  holds  a  current  student  visa. 

Fritz  Prev/lon 
Ga/le  Registe 

James  H.  Caesar  Endowed  Scholarship 

In  1986,  a  Roxbury  resident  established  this  scholarship  to  honor  the  opportunities 
this  country  and  community  had  given  him.  In  selecting  the  recipient,  preference  is  given 
to  graduating  students  who  have  attended  the  Cooper  Community  Center  of  Roxbury 
or  the  Roxbury  Boys  and  Girls  Club.  If  this  criterion  cioes  not  apply,  the  scholarship 
may  be  awarded  to  a  talented  Roxbury  Community  College  student  from  the  Roxbury 
community. 
Danny  Estrada 


17 


Girl  Friends,  Inc.  Scholarship 

These  $1,000  scholarships  are  made  possible  by  the  generosity  of  Girl  Friends,  Inc. 
The  scholarships  are  to  be  awarded  to  African-American  women  who  are  a  single 
parent,  in  a  transitional  housing  situation  and/or  a  head  of  household  and  in  good 
academic  standing  at  the  College.  Homeless  African-American  single  parent  women 
are  to  be  given  priority. 
Tracy  Clements 
Latasha  Dobson 
TiA  Myers 
Amanda  Schaefer 

Hiram  Grand  Lodge  Scholarships 

Two  $  1,000  scholarships  are  awarded  annually  as  a  result  of  the  generosity  of  Hiram 
Grand  Lodge;  $500  will  be  awarded  in  the  Fall  2007  semester,  and  $500  will  be 
awarded  in  the  Spring  2008  semester.  Recipients  must  have  achieved  and  maintain  a 
cumulative  grade  point  average  of  at  least  3.00  and  have  positively  contributed  to 
Roxbury  Community  College  and/or  to  the  community  in  which  they  reside. 
GiLLMA.  ].  Rodriguez 
Shawn].  Reed 

Letitia  Garafalo  Endowed  Scholarship 

Established  by  a  native  of  Quincy,  Massachusetts,  who  used  her  knowledge  of  languages 
to  live  and  work  in  communities  around  the  world,  this  endowed  memorial  scholarship 
is  presented  to  a  Roxbury  Community  College  graduate  on  the  basis  of  academic  merit 
and  financial  need. 

NODESHA  WlhlT 

Sapers  Family  Opportunity  Awards 

This  award  is  presented  to  no  more  than  ten  Roxbury  Community  College  graduates 
who  transfer  to  four-year  colleges  in  pursuit  of  baccalaureate  degrees.  This  special  "SO- 
SO"  award  consists  of  both  a  scholarship  and  a  low-interest  loan.  The  award  is  made 
available  through  the  generosity  of  the  William  R.  Sapers  family  of  Boston. 
Georges  Chick 
Latasha  Dobson 
Daphney  Excellent 
YosEF  Gebretensay 
Saran  Haidara 
Marie  Saint  Jacques 

Therese  Dutile  Giles  Award 

Given  annually  by  the  Giles  family  in  memory  of  their  mother,  this  award  is  presented 
to  a  student  wbo,  having  mastered  a  new  language  in  the  English  tor  Speakers  of  Other 
Languages  Department,  is  nt)w  grackiating  with  an  associate  degree  and  has  proxidcil 
service  to  the  Roxbury  Community  Conege  community. 
Feui'e  Nazarretit: 


18 


Scholarships,  Awards,  and  Honors 

RCCF  Excellence  Scholarship  Award 

This  award  ot  $1,000  is  given  annually  to  die  graduating  student(s)  with  the  highest 
grade  point  average.  The  student(s)  must  have  earned  at  least  50  credits  at  Roxbury 
Community  College  and  have  been  accepted  at  a  four-year  college  in  pursuit  of  a 
baccalaureatedegree. 

G/RMA  TSEGAYE  EnDALE 

RCCF  Nursing  Scholarships 

These  scholarships  are  made  possible  by  the  generosity  of  the  Roxbury  Community 
College  Foundation's  Board  of  Directors.  These  $500  scholarships  are  awarded  to 
full-time  Nursing  students  in  good  academic  standing  who  have  earned  a  grade  point 
average  of  at  least  3.00. 
Jayne  Hamilton 

DONAIDA  PaTRONE  ..    / 

Urban  Workforce  Scholarships 

Urban  Workforce  Scholarships  are  available  tor  enroUees  in  the  College's  business 
and  industry  short-course  and  certificate  programs  and  part-time  students.  Part-time 
students  (fewer  than  12  credits  per  semester)  will  receive  one-half  of  their  tuition 
charges  up  to  $500  per  semester. 

Dorcas  Griffith 

SOLANYI  LOPEZ-LlMA 

Marie  St.  Jacques 


19 


Deans/Departmental  Scholarships 


These  $500  scholarships  are  awarded  each  semester  and  recognize 

outstanding  academic  achievement.  To  be  eUgible  students  must  be  enrolled 

full-time  in  a  degree  program,  and  on  the  Dean's  or  President's  List. 

NORENEGBE  lUASUEhl 

YosEPH  Gebregziabhe 

Khad/ja  Khatib 
Edith  AgbonghAgb 


Tlic  lU'^isfrar  oi  lloxiniry  C  ^uinniuiiiry  C'i)ilo,ui.'  m;iini;iins  tiu'  oliai:il  list  ol  nil  .t^riKkiatcs.     This 
program   is  only  lor  t'iTi.'miini,il  purposes. 


20 


Academic  Regalia 


The  caps,  gowns  and  hoods  ot  the  academic  procession  date  back  to  the  Middle 
Ages  when  they  were  common  dress  for  scholars.  In  the  Twelth  Centviry  monks 
and  students  wore  them  to  keep  warm  from  the  damp  and  cirafty  European  castles 
and  halls  of  learning. 

The  Bachelor's  gown  has  a  pleated  front  and  long,  pointed  sleeves.  The  master's 
gown,  which  may  be  worn  open,  is  distinguished  by  its  long  square  sleeves.  The 
doctor's  gown  is  trimmed  with  velvet  panels  and  has  three  velvet  bars  on  the  bell 
shaped  sleeves.  . 

The  hood  provides  the  color,  contrast  and  symbolism  of  the  procession.  Certain 
colors  became  associated  with  particular  areas  of  knowledge.  For  example,  the  hood 
border  worn  by  a  doctor  of  theology  was  red,  a  color  associated  with  the  Catholic 
Church;  a  medical  doctor  wore  a  green  border  with  relates  to  the  healing  powers  of 
medicinal  herbs. 

In  Europe,  a  uniform  color  system  was  never  developed.  However,  in  the  United 
States,  an  intercollegiate  committee  meeting  in  1895  decided  upon  uniform  color 
standards,  assigning  a  specific  color  to  each  field  of  study. 


Departmental  Colors  of  Faculty  Members'  Hoods  &  Tassels 

Agriculture 

Maize 

Library  Science 

Lemon 

Arts,  Humanities 

White 

Medicine 

Green 

Chiropractic 

Silver  Gray 

Music 

Pink 

Dentistry 

Lilac 

Nursing 

Apricot 

Economics 

Cooper 

Pharmacy 

Olive  Green 

Education 

Light  Blue 

Philosophy 

Dark  Blue 

Fine  Arts 

Brown 

Science 

Golden  Yellow 

Journalism 

Crimson 

Social  Work 

Citron 

Law 

Purple 

Theology 

Scarlet 

21 


RoxBURY  Community  College 


Years  of  dreaming  and  planning  came  to  life  in  1973,  when  Roxbury 
Community  College  opened  its  doors  in  the  Grove  Hall  area  of  Roxbury. 
Despite  less  than  perfect  surroundings  -  its  location  was  a  former  car  dealership  - 
Roxbury  Community  College's  dedicated  faculty,  staff,  and  administration  served 
the  educational  needs  of  four  hundred  students.  The  College's  mission,  as  it  is  now, 
was  to  provide  higher  education  to  those  Boston  residents  who  found  most  other 
avenues  to  higher  education  closed. 

hi  1975,  growth  was  the  impetus  to  a  move  to  424  Dudley  Street,  a  former 
nursing  home.  This  move  permitted  the  expansion  and  strengthening  of  academic 
programs  and  student  services.  The  College  continued  to  grow,  which  precipitated 
another  move  in  1982  to  the  former  site  of  Boston  State  College  on  Huntington 
Avenue.  As  the  College  continued  to  shift  its  service  base  to  meet  an  expanding 
enrollment,  the  goal  to  establish  a  permanent  home  for  Roxbury  Community 
College  in  the  heart  of  the  communities  it  serves  remained  strong. 

With  much  anticipation,  Roxbury  Community  College  built  its  new  home  as 
the  cornerstone  of  the  Southwest  Corridor  in  the  Spring  of  1978.  This  fifteen  acre 
campus  includes  a  state-of-the-art  Media  Arts  Building,  Academic  Building, 
Administration  Builciing,  Student  Center,  and  the  Reggie  Lewis  Track  and  Athletic 
Center. 

A  global  village,  Roxbury  Community  College's  multicultural  and  ethnically 
diverse  student  population  has  set  it  apart  from  other  community  colleges  in  the 
Commonwealth.  Although  most  c^f  our  students  are  from  Bosttin  and  suiTounding 
communities,  many  come  from  all  corners  of  the  world  including:  North  America, 
Central  America,  South  America,  Africa,  Asia,  the  Middle  East,  Europe  and  the 
Caribbean. 

With  renewed  commitment,  Roxbury  Community  College  continues  its  legacy 
of  providing  educaticmal  opportunities  for  all  who  enter  its  doors. 


Governing  Boards  and  Officers 

Board  of  Trustees 

Executive  Staff 

Ms.  Michele  Courton  Brown 

Dr.  Terrence  A.  Gomes 

Chxiir 

President 

Ms.  Anita  L.  Crawford 

Dr.  Brenda  W.  Mercomes 

Vice  Chair 

Vice  President,  Academic  Affairs 

Mr.  John  R.  Jenkins 

Dr.  Alane  K.  Shanks                                               '  ' 

Treasurer 

Vice  President,  Administration  and  Finance 

Ms.  Gillian  A.  Van  Delft 

Ms.  Stephanie  C.  Janey 

Secretary 

Vice  President,  Enrollment  Management  and 

Mr.  Lyman  Randolph 

Student  Affairs 

Mr.  Russell  D.  Aims 

Mr.  Patrick  Jean-Louis 

Mr.  Keith  Chaney 

Interim  Chief  Technology  Officer 

Ms.  Karen  H.  Walker 

Mr.  William  J.  Dorcena 

Executive  Officer  for  Development 

Dr.  Michael  J.  Hoyle 

Dr.  Ivelisse  Sanchez 

Mr.  Theophikis  Adjetey,  Jr. 

Commencement  Committee 

Student  Trustee 

Ms.  Carol  Bliss-Furr, 

Co-cfiair 

RoxBURY  Community  College 

Ms.  Elizabeth  Clark, 

Foundation 

Co-chair 

Mr.  Kenneth  Hall 

Mr.  Robert  A.  Williams,  III 

Mr.  A.  Keith  McDermott 

President 

■      Mr.  Justin  A.  Petty,  Professor 

Mr.  Michael  James,  Sr. 

Treasurer 

Mr.  Steven  Keyes 

Mr.  Thomas  M.  Simmons 

Mr.  Milton  Samuels 

Clerk 

Ms.  Shirley  Y.  Leslie 

Ms.  Sonia  AUeyne-Matthews 

Ms.  Nicole  McKoy 

Mr.  Keith  Castle 

Mr.  Thomas  Galvin 

Mr.  Robert  Harris 

Mr.  Gib  Pomkittichotcharoen 

Ms.  Judith  L.  Kahalas 

Ms.  Shonda  D.  Green 

Ms.  Sylvia  A.  McDowell 

Marshals 

Ms.  Mauryanne  Remondini 

Chief  College  Marshal 

Ms.  Joan  Resnikoff 

Dr.  Angel  Amy-Moreno 

Ms.  Monalisa  Smith 

College  Marshals 

Ms.  Eve  Strother 

Ms.  Sabrina  Williams 

Ms.  Lisa  Jenkins 

Ms.  Veronica  McCormack 

Ms.  Judith  L.  Kahalas 

23 


special  Thanks  to  the 
Commencement  Committee 


RoxBLiRY  Community  College 

12M  Colunilnis  A\'enue 

Roxluiry  Crossin*.',  MA  02  1  20 

Tel:  (617)  427-0060