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:
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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
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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
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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
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special Thanks to the
Commencement Committee
RoxBLiRY Community College
12M Colunilnis A\'enue
Roxluiry Crossin*.', MA 02 1 20
Tel: (617) 427-0060