Class of 2016: SSS, McNair Scholars Feted at Banquets

Class of 2016: SSS, McNair Scholars Feted at Banquets

Graduation is a time to recognize hard work, determination and success. It’s also inspirational to see students honored for their accomplishments — such as research, leadership and mentorship — and also a chance to thank faculty and staff for their supportive contributions.

2016 SSS & McNair Celebrations

Earlier this week, two very important organizations on the University of San Diego campus, Student Support Services and the McNair Scholars program, held end-of-the-year recognition ceremonies in the Hahn University Center Forums.

Both organizations, part of USD’s Institute of College Initiatives, bring out the best in the USD students they serve and support.

McNair Scholars

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, McNair Scholars has a cohort of 25 students from various majors who are first generation or come from low-income families. These students, juniors and seniors, receive intensive mentorship during their undergraduate years and into graduate school, expecting that they will achieve a Master's degree and/or a Doctoral degree. It includes a summer research mentoring program at USD and the opportunity to present their research at conferences.

A May 11 luncheon recognized 13 graduating McNair Scholars in USD's Class of 2016 — Alaysia Brown, Tarez Lemmons, Kenneth Theodore Davis, Fiorella Morales, Madalyn Glim, Julie Pham Vu, Rayne Ibarra-Brown, Joey Rocha, Jordan Jackson, Veronica Ramirez, Natalie Jimenez, Gabriella Russo and Kaleigh Ward. Some of the students already have post-graduation graduate programs they'll be attending in the fall and a few are still in the process of formalizing their graduate school destinations at this time. Each received a special McNair Scholars stole to wear at graduation.

Furthermore, Josen Diaz, PhD, assistant professor of Ethnic Studies and a McNair Scholar alumna from UCSD’s program, delivered the keynote address. Two McNair Scholars faculty mentors, Judith Liu, PhD, (Sociology) and Nadav Goldschmied, PhD, (Psychology) were recognized for their support of their students. Alaysia Brown and Veronica Ramirez spoke about and presented Goldschmied with his award and Ward did the same for Liu.

Student Support Services

Funded by both the U.S. Department of Education and USD, Student Support Services (SSS) identifies promising students and prepares them for leadership in their college-level work. SSS serves USD students who are first generation to attend college, low-income, underrepresented and/or disabled. SSS provides a comprehensive range of academic support services including tutoring, basic skills workshops, strategic advising and counseling, mentoring, cultural activities and supplemental instruction.

On May 10, SSS’ annual banquet honored students and staff for their inspiring work, their dedication to academics and participation as mentors and involvement within the community.

Members of the SSS Class of 2016 are Stephanie Altamirano Martinez, Hawi Angassa, Alexa Argumedo, Joel Arias, Krystelle Ashbaugh, Jennifer Baltadano, Yvette Beltran, Victoria Benavides, Mariela Brambila, Khadijah Brandon, Markeia Brox-Chester, Danielle Cady, Celine Castillo, Mae-ling Choquette, Sierra Delgadillo, Austin Denworth, Emerald Dohleman, Pearse Early, Alyssa Eash, D’Jenne Edwards, Ashley Escobar, Sergio Espinosa, Michael Evans, Douglas Galdamez, Magali Garcia, Kaylee Gil, Madalyn Glim, Jordan Golden, Victor Guadarrama, Sandy Guerrero, Mithsy Hernandez, Kelly Horn, Janel-Marie Hubbard, Kristin Hughes, Rayne Ibarra-Brown, Leandra Ipina, Jordan Jackson, Paris Jackson, Natalie Jimenez, Edward Johnson III, Danielle Jones, Stephanie Leiva, Tarez Lemmons, Jessica Leon, Jake Leonard, Savanah Linares, Alejandra Lopez-Cuellar, Mikayla Lord, Genesis Maganda, Dalia Martin Del Campo, Amaris Martinez, Joseph Mejia, Bethanie Milteer, Miles Mitchell, Nicollette Molina, Karishma Narayan, Shakhnoza, An Nguyen, Ngoc-Tram Nguyen, Hayley Park, Maira Preciado, Fernando Quinones, Nicole Read, Samuel Rector, Hannah Santos, Toney Sawyer, Feven Seid, Jasmin Shores, Rodrigo Sicre, Carmen Kimberly Sierra-Moran, Daniela Silva, Hue Simone, Alexis Sims, Mahlet Soloman, Norma Solorzano, Samin Syed, Ce’Sjonnae Taylor, Kelsea Tower, Alek Varela-Baez and Kristin Velladao.

The annual SSS faculty award went to Leonora Simonovis-Brown, PhD, associate professor of Spanish and program director of Spanish, Languages, Cultures and Literatures, Latin American Studies as well as an affiliated faculty member for the Department of Ethnic Studies.