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.