Coming Into Their Own

By Patrick Bohn, May 19, 2024

BIPOC Unity Center’s Senior Leadership Awards honors graduates.

Sixty students were presented with awards at the BIPOC Unity Center’s Senior Leadership Awards.

(Photo by Undarmaa Tserenkhuu '26)

The night before Ithaca College Commencement, students were recognized at the BIPOC Unity Center’s Senior Leadership Awards. The event honors students who exemplify leadership, scholarship, service, and academic achievement, including graduating seniors who participated in the Ithaca Achievement Program (IAP), MLK Scholars Program, first-generation graduates, and all seniors who identify within the BIPOC community.

You can read more about each award’s namesake and recipient on the BIPOC Unity Center’s Senior Awards page.

The night began with recognition of first-generation graduates, who were presented with black and gold honor cords to wear during the Commencement ceremony taking place the next day.

“By investing in yourself you have changed the trajectory of your life, and you are ready to make your marks in the world. I cannot wait to see all that you will accomplish.”

Shadayvia Wallace, associate director of the BIPOC Unity Center and program director for the MLK Scholars and First-Generation Programs

“I want to offer my congrats to you,” said Shadayvia Wallace, associate director of the BIPOC Unity Center and program director for the MLK Scholars and First-Generation Programs. “By investing in yourself you have changed the trajectory of your life, and you are ready to make your marks in the world. I cannot wait to see all that you will accomplish.”

The awards then recognized students, faculty, and staff in four categories.

The First-Generation Senior Leadership Award was presented to students who exemplify leadership qualities, strength of character, and serve as a role model in their community throughout their time at IC.

“I thank IC for my time here, but it is time to say goodbye. It has been a journey, but we are at the finish line. As we go to the next part of our lives, be bold and take risks, and take pleasure and satisfaction in what you achieve.”

Adriana Ramirez ’24

Jaevon Williams ’24, the first-generation student speaker, shared his story of changing his major, but not wavering in his commitment to graduate. (Photo by Undarmaa Tserenkhuu '26)

The awardees were: Anissa Borno, Adriana Ramirez, Nicole De La Mota, Jania Robinson, Melanie Perez, Skyler Cepek, Porter Lopata, Lisandra Espiritusanto Marte, Katelyn Matthews, and Jaime Kister.

The First-Generation Senior Impact Award honored students who dedicated themselves to the community by mentoring other first-generation students.

The awardees were: Sarake Dembele, Ashanti Ford, and Nathalie Molina.

The First-Generation Dedication Award was given to staff members who have routinely promoted and supported the first-generation community.

The awardees were: Sam Elebiary, associate director of career engagement and education at the Center for Career Exploration and Development; and Cliff-Simon Vital, assistant director of the BIPOC Unity Center.

The First-Generation Guardian award, given to a faculty member who routinely supported the first generation community and promoted its goals, was presented to Carlos Figueroa, associate professor of politics.

“I kept my end goal in mind to keep up my motivation to finish. I have achieved so much in my time here I never thought possible, and as I reflect on my time, I realize the importance of a community on campus. To my peers I say, ‘Continue to be goal oriented and remember what you came here for.’”

Jaevon Williams ’24

Jaevon Williams ’24, the first-generation student speaker, then addressed the crowd, remarking on his college journey, which began with him wanting to be a pediatrician and ended with him getting a degree in Communication, Management, and Design.

The MLK Scholar Program cohort was recognized at the ceremony. (Photo by Undarmaa Tserenkhuu '26)

“Being the first in my family to graduate college is something I have dreamed about,” he said. “I kept my end goal in mind to keep up my motivation to finish. I have achieved so much in my time here I never thought possible, and as I reflect on my time, I realize the importance of a community on campus. To my peers I say, ‘Continue to be goal oriented and remember what you came here for.’”

MLK Scholar Adriana Ramirez ’24 spoke about the impact of the program and reflected on her time on South Hill as she addressed her fellow students.

“The MLK program has opened doors and made connections for me and shaped me into the person I am today,” she said. “I thank IC for my time here, but it is time to say goodbye. It has been a journey, but we are at the finish line. As we go to the next part of our lives, be bold and take risks, and take pleasure and satisfaction in what you achieve.”

The 2024 cohort of MLK Scholars were: Fariduddin Ahmad, Fabiola Alvarado Berrios, Zawadi Boyce, Adrianna Ramirez, Jania Robinson, Angela Russell, and Amirah Torrence.

The event’s keynote speaker, Daphne Valcin, an executive coach,commended the students on overcoming challenges and urged them to think of others during their post-college journey.

“As a changemaker, you will be successful after college, and I hope you pay your success forward. As you complete your hike to success, bring others with you.”

Keynote speaker Daphne Valcin

“What every single one of you did was push past your obstacles and broke barriers,” she said. “As a changemaker, you will be successful after college, and I hope you pay your success forward. As you complete your hike to success, bring others with you.”

The next cohort to be honored were members of the Ithaca Achievement Program, which provides students with a scholarship as well as skill-building opportunities and academic achievement support.

A new addition to the ceremony this year was recognition of members of the Ithaca Achievement Program. (Photo by Undarmaa Tserenkhuu '26)

The 2024 cohort was: Ashanti Ford, Aubren Villasenor, Ashley Damian Texcucano, Ehikowoicho Onah, Jasmine Rodriguez, Melanie Perez, Utkarsh Maini, and Vanivy Delaney.

IAP student speaker Ashanti Ford was effusive in her praise of the program.

“The program is forever a part of me,” she said. “It is a program for elevation, leadership, and development. It taught me how to venture off and show my courage. It was a way to solidify the person I already knew I was, and I am blessed to be able to showcase what a leader is.”

Following her remarks, the BIPOC graduating student recognition began. Students were presented awards in five categories, and given purple honor cords as well as Kente stoles. Kente stoles, a patterned cloth originating from weavers in present-day Ghana, is a sacred cloth worn only in times of extreme importance.

The Chawla/Ochoa Academic Achievement Award was presented to students who have shown a commitment to enhancing their educational experience through research, conference presentations, and published works, while maintaining a high level of academic achievement.

This year’s recipients were: Ranjini Iyengar, Sarake Dembele, Quinn Tufino, and Guadalupe Fanelli.

The Chung/Thorpe Leadership Award was presented to students who have increased the profile of the community of color through continued participation in leadership roles throughout their Ithaca College experience.

Dozens of students were recognized for their achievements on campus.

(Photo by Undarmaa Tserenkhuu '26)

This year’s recipients were: Aminatta Imrana Jallow, Anesha Sandiford, Viviana Morlaes, Jaevon Williams, and Nour Elshikh.

The Chávez /Lorde Social Justice Award is presented to students who have demonstrated a strong dedication to social change for the Ithaca College and local community through various platforms, projects, or initiatives.

This year’s recipients were Manuella Asare, Olivia Celenza, Ashanti Ford, Angela Russell.

“This recognition means a lot to me. In my time at IC I changed tremendously and involved myself in a lot of things. To be recognized for that, and for putting the POC community out there, was great.”

Nour Elshikh '24

The Du Bois/Mandela Award for Scholarship, Leadership, and Service is presented to students for their significant scholarly achievements, coupled with exemplary contributions to the campus and local community through service and continued civic engagement.

This year’s recipients were: Mikayla Tolliver, Melanie Perez, Alexa Rahman, Utkarsh Miani, Jadyn Davis, Adriana Ramirez, Fabiha Khan, and Amirah Torrance.

The Gloria L. Hobbs Inspiration Award, named after the first African American elected to the Ithaca College Board of Trustees, is given to students who have shown empathy, helpfulness, and a willingness to go above and beyond in support of their peers throughout their undergraduate experience.

This year’s recipients were: Inbaayini Anbarasan, Heaven Cuevas, Nathalie Molina, Desoni Cooper, Vanivy Delaney, Anissa Borna, Pearl Hettich, Liguori Flanagan, and Lisandra Espiritusanto Marie.

For the award winners, being honored was a fitting end to their time at Ithaca College.

“It means a lot to me,” said Nour Elshikh, who was a recipient of the Chung/Thorpe Award. “In my time at IC I changed tremendously and involved myself in a lot of things. To be recognized for that, and for putting the POC community out there, was great.”