Black Graduate Celebration
Black Grad was started in 1995. This event commemorates the accomplishments of the Black community and its allies.
For many historically underrepresented and traditionally marginalized students, graduating from college signifies success not only for themselves but also for their family and friends. The Intercultural Center recognizes the importance of this milestone with celebrations that offer Saint Mary’s students the opportunity to publicly thank the people who helped them on their journey.
Student Keynote Speaker
Bimba Mansaray
Master of Arts, Counseling: School Counseling
Black Graduates
Rai Maia Ahmed-Green
Stephanie Nonyelum Atuegbu
Leah Mieko Brown
Lydia Buggs
BriYana Linda NeShelle Butler
Denishia LaVonne Clark
Antonio O’keef Colvin
Damian Cortez
Ashia Daniels
Jade Davis
David Adrian Freeland Jr.
Joycelynn Gage
Reginald Grimes
Jewelisa De’Bradie Harrison
Kennell Henry
Erin Michelle Johnson Kelly
Leia Kawaii-Mooney
Myesha Patrice Kendrix
Imbamba Mansaray
Ja’Carria Mays
Tiffany Michele McCoy
Tom Muyunga-Mukasa
Jourdan Oliver
Kaya Sanders
Quaneesha Ta’Quan Shields
Hannah Stevenson
Pharaoh LaMont Stone
Maya Diane Washington
Kimberly Wesley
Kristen Williams
Sophia Williams
Cherri Y. Wright-Taylor
Awards
Dr. Bedford Palmer
Associate Professor of Counseling; Counseling Department Chair
DEAN THOMAS EARL BROWN FACULTY AWARD
Awarded to a Saint Mary’s College faculty member who the graduating class feels has provided exceptional service to the Black community at Saint Mary’s.
Jenee Palmer
Director, High Potential Program & TRIO Student Support Services
PAMELA Y. GEORGE AWARD (STAFF)
Awarded to a Saint Mary’s College staff member who the graduating class feels has provided exceptional service to the Black community at Saint Mary’s.
Pharaoh Stone
Master of Arts, Leadership
STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD
Awarded to a graduating student who the graduating class believes has demonstrated exceptional service and leadership to the Black community at Saint Mary’s.
Staff and Faculty Congratulations
A compilation video message of congratulations and best wishes from just some of the SMC faculty and staff whom the graduating class identified as influential mentors and professors along their respective journeys.
Features: Alicia Rusoja, Álvaro Ramírez, Amissa Miller, Carrie Davis, Cathy Davalos, Cesar Ramos, David Quijada, Denise Witzig, Emily Klein, Jeanine King, Jennifer Pigza, Kathy Littles, Legacy Lee, Loan Dao, Maria Luisa Ruiz, Michael J. Viola, Myrna Santiago, Scott Schonfeldt-Aultman and Ynez Wilson Hirst
