Salute to Graduates of African Heritage
Salute to Graduates of African Heritage
BAAFSSO's 38th Annual Salute to Graduates of African Heritage
Radical Resilience: Forging Forward Post-Pandemic
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 | 4:30 PM
New Jersey City University
Gilligan Student Union
NJCU's 38th Annual Salute to Graduates of African Heritage is a special annual event hosted by the Black Administrators, Alumni, Faculty, Students and Staff Organization (BAAFSSO) at NJCU.
Our Salute to Graduates ceremony is an opportunity for our students of African Heritage to be celebrated for their achievement in higher education with Baccalaureate, Master’s as well as Doctoral degrees. The ceremony which is a special event for students who plan to graduate in May or Summer 2024, includes a gift; a reception with family, friends, and members of the University community; a procession of the graduates, a keynote speaker, and the distribution of certificates to graduates.
For more information, email Loretta Davis, lmurraydavis@njcu.edu
Program
4:30pm Opening Reception
Processional Procession of 2024 Graduates
Marshals: Andre Grant, Michelle Scott-Crooks, John Smith
Passing down of Torch
Significance of the Torch: Taveres Johnson, HR Administrator, Human Resources Department
Torch Bearer: Oyin Kansola Femi-Fola Demi 24’,
Receiving the Torch: Branda Logan, NJCU Sophomore
Lift Every Voice and Sing
NJCU Student - Naomi Hazelwood, rising NJCU Junior
Invocation
Debra McClary, Assistant to the Dean of the School of Business
Master of Ceremonies
Dr. Lewis Spears, Director, Lee Hagan Center for Africana Studies
Greetings
President Andres Acebo, Interim President, NJCU
Welcome
Dominique Smith, Director of New Student Programs
Presentation of Speaker
Douglass Bailey, Instructor/Crew Leader for NJ Youth Corps
Keynote Address
Jose Balda and Navin Saiboo, founding members of SHANGO, a NJCU non-profit, non-religious support group for men which was designed to promote the healthy development and success of men representing the breadth of the African Diaspora, Latin and South America to the Caribbean. The primary focus of SHANGO was retention, graduation and overall success.
Stellar Service Award
Presenter: Dominique Smith
Awardee: Venida Rodman-Jenkins, Director, Speicher-Rubin Women’s Center for Equity and Diversity
Spoken Word
Performance: Angelique Davis, January 24’ graduate
Community Service Awards
Presented by Deatra Ashley, Administrative Assistant to the Dean, School of Business
Student Awardee: Ashley Igbowke, Class of 2025
Staff Awardee: Bobby RayShae Shirden, NJCU Housekeeping Staff, Facilities and Construction Management
Recognition of Graduates
Readers: Courtney Chambers, Academic Advisor and Program Assistant, Art Department
Tayo Arogula, Administrator, Adult and Continuing Education
Salute to the Families
Oyin Kansola Femi-Fola Demi, May 24’
Closing Remarks
Jeff Dessources, Director, Center for Leadership and Engagement
Processional: 2024 Graduates
Awardees and Keynote Speakers
Rev. Venida C. Rodman Jenkins hails from Teaneck, and she is passionate about providing love, visibility, encouragement, and spaces of belonging to underrepresented groups, a current that ripples through all areas of her life.
She is the Director of the Speicher-Rubin Women’s Center for Equity and Diversity at New Jersey City University, and an Adjunct Professor at Newhouse NYC, Syracuse University. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Syracuse University, and the Master of Divinity degree from New York Theological Seminary. Venida loves singing, sushi, and the arts. She resides in Jersey City, NJ with her partner-in-squashing-oppression, Todd L. Jenkins. She is grateful to be receiving this award as part of her mother’s legacy – Rev. Lucy G. Rodman! Thank you all for this honor!
bio coming soon.
Born and raised in the vibrant town of Jersey City, New Jersey, Bobby RayShea Shirden has a record a commitment to service and community throughout his life.
Bobby is a graduate of Lincoln High School in Jersey City. Within the halls of NJCU, Bobby serves as a member of the Facilities and Campus Maintenance (FCM) team, specifically in Housekeeping for six years. His dedication to ensuring welcoming environment for students, faculty, and staff reflects his deep commitment to the university community.
Yet, Bobby's impact extends far beyond the campus grounds. For over two decades, he has been consistent in the support and mentorship in his local community. As the Head Coach at the Recreational Center in Jersey City, NJ, Bobby has tirelessly invested his time and energy into shaping the lives of countless youth, instilling in them the values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
In recognition of his unwavering dedication, Bobby has been honored with numerous awards, including the prestigious Lynette Garden's Children's Outstanding Service Award. This accolade stands as a testament to his profound impact on the lives of the youth he has served throughout the years.
Beyond his role as a coach, Bobby has also contributed to the community as a Basketball Referee for over 25 years. Through his passion for the game, he has not only officiated countless matches but has also served to positively aspire athletes.
Jose Balda serves as the Assistant Vice President for University Admissions at New Jersey City University, overseeing a team and managing all aspects of student admissions, from recruitment to marketing and conversion. With a focus on recruiting and enrolling a diverse and intellectually driven student body, Jose has been dedicated to advancing the university's admissions goals.
Beyond his role in admissions, Jose is a passionate advocate for NJCU students' needs. He participates in male empowerment groups on campus and mentors students from local high schools. Jose has also conducted workshops for programs such as EOF, College Bound, and the Juvenile Justice Commission.
Professionally, Jose is involved in various organizations, including the New Jersey Association of College Admissions Counselors (NJACAC), the Hispanic Association for Higher Education (HAHE), and the National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC).
Jose holds a Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences and a Master of Arts in Counseling, both from New Jersey City University. He was selected for the Inaugural Presidential Leadership Academy, La Academia de Liderazgo, by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, demonstrating his commitment to leadership and advocacy in higher education.
Dr. Navin Saiboo, University Registrar is an accomplished professional with over 20 years of experience in higher education, managing student records, ensuring compliance with academic policies, and overseeing registration processes. Holding a Ph.D. with a focus on Higher Education Administration, Dr. Saiboo approaches his role with a deep understanding of the complex dynamics within university systems.
Driven by a desire to see students thrive, he goes beyond his administrative duties. Dedicated to student success, he collaborates with university stakeholders to provide comprehensive support and guidance throughout each student's academic journey and participates in male empowerment groups on campus and mentors students from local high schools.
Dr. Saiboo's dedication extends to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. He works tirelessly to ensure equal access to educational opportunities for all students, advocating for a more inclusive and supportive environment within the university community.
Dr. Saiboo holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from New Jersey University and a Ph.D. from Seton Hall University. His extensive experience and deep expertise as a University Registrar reflects his unwavering dedication to fostering diversity, empowerment, and success within the university community. Through his leadership, advocacy efforts, and active involvement in professional organizations, Dr. Saiboo continues to make a significant impact in higher education.
The following list is not official. It contains the names of candidates whose degrees are contingent upon completion of final degree requirements.
Undergraduates A-K
Emmanuel Abarah
Eghosa Adeghe
Tomiwa Agbebiyi
Sunny Agbonifo
Garry Ainsley
Eniola Ajuwon
Moyinoluwa Akeju
Busayo Akinde
Ibironke Alake
Taiye Amedu Babatunde
Ashley Anele
Ricky Asemota
Malika Ashley
Christine Atkins
Bisola Babalola
Tamarin Ball
John Bangura
Danika Bartley
Jason Battle
Gloria Belfleur
Da'Quon Benders
Tyler Berry
Imani Betha
Imane Bigaume
Robert Boakye
Ahmaira Bonds
Jasmine Bouier
Gabrielle Boyer
Christina Brown
Elijah Brown
Kayla M. Brown
Na'zir Brown
Fadillah Brown-Ross
Samiyyah Bullock
Sabriya Bulluck
Dannele Campbell
Diranlly Carpio
Ameelah Carvin
Motunrayo Charles
Ikum Chetambong
Aliuen Cisse
Quiara Clark
Ajadah Conyers
Iyana Cooper
Michael Cooper
Taylor-Michelle Coriolan
Anisha Cyril-Williams
Katrell Daise
Angelique Davis
Juvan Davis
Tyrik Defoe
Angelica Derose
Daijah Devard
Awa Diakhate
Cherif Diallo
Tracel Dickerson
Ruth Diegue
Kayia Dingle
Shane Dingle
Arame Diouf
Jevon Dunmore
Valerie Egharevba
Shaquanna Elliott
Sydney Epps
Jakai Evans
Terrial Fair
Jessica Fanfan
Breanna Felix
Oyinkansola Femi-Folademi
Fatoumata Fofana
Megan Francis
Mya Gantt
Jordan Gentles
Djennifer Georges
Kynema Gibson
Janice Gillette
Jaidon Goldston
Andrea Goodwin
Alanah Gordon-Jones
Darell Grant
Dominique Graves- Holley
Donyea Green
Jordan Green
Yiyamotti Green
Jessye Greene
Charles Grier
Markus Grisham
Sandra Gyasi
Trevlon Hamer
Eddie Harris
Nyasia Hendricks
Naomi Henry
Karrington Hill
Donovan Hines
Joseph Hinton
Amiyah Howard
Reginald Hudson
Anthony Hunt
Chimelogo Igbokwe
Esther Ilunga
Erica Jackson
Jahkyma Jarvis
Doris Jean
Jha'ni Jean
Katie Jean Baptiste
Julian Jimerson
Alice Johnson
D'nasia Johnson
Jhakeer Johnson
Michael Johnson
Za'kiayah Johnson
Donte Jones
Kevin Jones
Skyla Jones
Patricia Joseph-Walcott
Abdulbasit Junaid
Mariam Kadiri
Mubaraq Kadiri
Ngozi Kalu
Diana Khadaka
Esther Koffi
Winifred Koomson
Hawanatu Koroma
Undergraduates L-Z
Marckinson Laine
Tyanna Laing
Hassan Lawal
Shenice Lawrence
Shannon Lemmon
Jerry Lewis
Olivier Lherisson
Lotoya Lindsay
Mously Lo
Jackie Logan
Jerry Louis
Donald Luxama
Abubakarr Mansaray
Masai Maple
Catherine Marcial
Darius Marion
Carina McClean
Simone McDonald
Mia McNeil
Kayla Medina
Briana Mekoba
Shamel Mercado
Arnelle-Laura Mian
Patricia Mkanyia
Aaliyah Montgomery
Tahani Morand
Melissa Murray
Jamal Myers-Smith
Kanisha Nanguy
Christine Nazaire
Janari Newsome
Whitney Newton
Mitchell Nicolas
Koreana Nixon
Nicole Nwosu
Israt Ogundipe
Samuel Ogunsakin
Kemari Okoye
Oluwaseyi Olaniyan
Adedamola Oloko
Marvellous Oluwafemi
Eric Ongwacho
Ihuoma Onwunali
Doyan Osborne
Richard Oscar
Ari-Yonnah Paige
A'lajaih Palms
Angelie Pierre
Jazmine Pierre
Shannon Pinchinat
Justin Pinckney
Damon Porter
Jaedan Pressley
Dineen Rackley
Kelechi Ralph-Mbah
Josiah Ramkellawan
Jasmine Reese
Natasha Richardson
Rasheda Richburg
Dahnaisha Riddick
Rayza Riofrio
Vanetta Rivera
Shawn Roach
Alexxis Roberts
Kristopher Robinson
Latoya Robinson
Delvante Roseburgh
Grace Sabaya
Mark Sadek
Erica Sagna
Hummam Salih
Niyale Sanders
Sharonda Sanders
Philipa Sarpong
Crystal Serrano
Bakir Shakoor
Saika Sime
Carissa Simon
Alianijah Slade
Anniyah Smith
Brandi Smith
Courtney Smith
Dorothea Smith
Jhannel Smith
Sade Smith
Tashauna Smith
Khia Snead
Hadizatou Soumano
Jordan Southerland
Kadra Spence
Kellee-Ann St. Louis
Kayla Stroughn
Chavelle Taylor
Danielle Taylor
Wilfrantz Therzy
Zahria Thomas
Tajani Tomlinson
Vancy Trumpet
Kiarah Turner
Herol Valcin
Stacy-Ann Vernon
Amelvis Villafane
Veronica Vincent
Kameelah Waddell
Kimora Wade
David Washington
Tionna Watson
Nafeesa Wheeler
Milton White
Aneefa Williams
Darya Williams
Dyshawn Williams
Jessica Williams
Skyla Wilson
Tangie Wimberly
Shantel Worrell
Lamya Young
Keshia Zamor
Graduates
Gehad Abedullah
Samuel Ackah
Yahaya Adam
Dela Amexo
Keith Bellamy
Lawrence Bender
Nakita Bourne
Donnielle Bowman
Tracey Brant-Williams
Brian Brown
Rolanda Bruce
Richard Carr
Neil Charlery
Berthony Charles
Theresa Chukumba
Vanessa Coaye
Aminata Conteh
Mariama Conteh
Christina Cooper
Opephany Curtis
Shamira Davis
Adaeze Duru
Karleen Elam-Freeman
Taj Elliott
Dona Elms
Besem Etta-Ashu
Brittany Evans
David Fanfan
Dominique Frazier
Deborah Futrell
Norine Gordon
Domenick Gran
Rhondi Gregory
Noelle Hemingway
Danielle Heneson
Tamia Henry
Latwanna Hill
Jazlyn Johnson
Levi Johnson
Brunette Joseph
Balla Keita
Michelle King
Vershay Lawrence
Alicia Lee
Shannon Lemmon
Aykiah Massey
Aisha McEachern-Hill
Gregory Milord
Samantha Minor
Ariona Moore
Tavier Nkongo
Paschal Nwagwu
Osakpolor Okunkpolor
Michael Owusu
Toyosi Oyenola
Latrice Payne
Aliyah Ponton
Shanae Pritchett
Whitney Reid
David Richardson
Jasmine Seegers
Enasia Smart
John Smith
Ashley Sullivan
Jasmine Sykes
Natalia Thomas
Tracey Thompson
Shelly Threatt
Walter Utley
Kevin Walker
Patrice Withy
Angelica Derose
Diane Pouna
Doctoral Graduates
Kathlyn Battle, Ed.D is graduating from the Community College Leadership Program and resides in Irvington, NJ.
Yolanda Blue-Gaskin, Ed.D is graduating from the Community College Leadership Program and resides in East Orange, NJ.
Atiba Buckman, Ed.D is graduating from the Educational Technology Leadership Program and resides in Millburn , NJ .
Ike Ejikeme, D.Sc. is graduating from the Civil Security Leadership Management and Policy Program and resides in Silver Spring, MD.
Lamont Harris, Ed.D is graduating from the Educational Technology Leadership Program and resides in Plainfield, NJ.
Nancy Nemorin, Ed.D is graduating from the Community College Leadership Program and resides Merrick, NY.
Patricia Peterson Bland, Ed.D is graduating from the Educational Leadership Technology Program and resides in Union, NJ.
Derek Ware', Ed.D is graduating from the Community College Leadership Program and resides Newark, NJ.