2005 Massachusetts State College Student Achievers
Andrea BrahamAndrea Braham is a communication major at Bridgewater State College, with a minor concentration in public relations. The Brockton resident has a 3.7 grade point average, and has been named to the dean’s list all four years.

She is a member of Lambda Pi Eta, the communications honor society, participated with the college’s debate team, and has earned the Ruth Baston, Jerrol Toledo and Bridgewater Alumni Association scholarships.

Andrea is an active member of the college’s Afro-American Society and Sister Scholars.  She was named Mistress of Ceremonies at the 2004 Sister Scholars Tea, and has served many leadership roles in recent Sister Scholars fashion shows. She has also completed internships at the American Cancer Society and the National Organization on Disability in Washington, D.C.

She has served as a mentor at the college through its LINKS program, and is a member of RISE, Reaching Independence through Self Empowerment, in her hometown.
Lauren E. CarterLauren E. Carter is an English major at Bridgewater State College with a nearly perfect grade point average of 3.996. The Plainville resident is the editor-in-chief for The Bridge, a student-produced magazine at the college that features literature, poetry and art. The magazine was awarded the Gold Medal by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association at Columbia University. She is in charge of public relations for the publication.

On her own, Lauren has won an award from the college’s Campus Climate Action Group for her essay, The New Face of Racism, which appeared in the inaugural issue of The Bridge.

She has been named to the dean’s list all five of her semesters at the college. Lauren has received an ATP Grant for her work on a memoir-in-progress, “My Father Had Green Eyes,” and was a presenter last spring at the National Conference of Undergraduate Research held in Indianapolis.
Susan PaulSusan Paul is a social work major with a minor concentration in psychology at Bridgewater State College. The Dorchester resident has a grade point average of 3.5, and has been named to the dean’s list five times. She captured the college’s 2004 Professor Lester G. Houston Award.

Susan has been a student facilitator for Sister Scholars, vice president of Christian Fellowship, as well as a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the National Association of Black Social Workers. She has served as secretary for the Phi Alpha National Social Work Honor Society, BSC’s Beta Chi Chapter, and the college’s Cape Verdean Student Association, and is a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society.

She has also worked at the college library, the Bird Street Community Center in her hometown, and was an intern at the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council. Susan plans to pursue a dual master’s degree in the area of social work. Her goal is to work with at-risk youth in her hometown.
Joe Louis Pickett Jr.Joe Louis Pickett Jr. is an industrial technology engineering major at Fitchburg State College, with a minor concentration in business. His is a story of determination.

A family crisis more than a decade ago forced him to withdraw from college. Now a working father and husband, Joe is about to graduate with the Class of 2005, an example of the good things that happen when a dream deferred becomes a dream realized. He is a member of the college’s Industrial Technology Society.

With a grade point average of 3.0, Joe has proven it’s never too late to pursue your education, even when life throws you a curveball.
No photo availableJandelle Council is a communication arts major at Framingham State College, with a concentration in corporate environment. A regular on the dean’s list, this Boston resident is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, and has an overall grade point average of 3.12.

Jandelle spends much of her time volunteering, and has received the CASA Student Excellence Award for her work in tutoring at the college’s Center for Academic Support and Advising. She raises funds for the Jimmy Fund, volunteers at the Woods Mullen Shelter and is a mentor for at-risk youth at Treasures. She is completing an unpaid internship in the college’s Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Viewed as a leader on and off campus, Jandelle is the founder and director of the college’s annual Black History Month Variety Show, is the events chairperson for Culture in Effect, the social chairperson for the Black Student Union and vice president of the college’s Gospel Choir.

Other awards she’s captured include the Culture in Effect Student of the Year Award. Jandelle is the assistant youth director and president of the choir at Timothy Baptist Church, where she also participates in numerous ministries and events.
No photo availableAlejandro Verdaguer is a psychology major at Framingham State College, with a minor concentration in biology. Known for his dedication to academics, the Andover resident has been named to the president’s list and dean’s list several times since transferring to Framingham from Northeastern University, with an overall grade point average of 3.65.

He has done an internship in the college’s Office of Multicultural Affairs, and has been instrumental in helping the college develop programs dealing with racial equality and acceptance.

Alejandro is not only a scholar, but an athlete and soldier. A member of the college’s rugby team for three years, this year, when the team went undefeated, he also served as its president. Alejandro was selected to the All New England Rugby Team in fall 2003, and was a New England Collegiate All-Star in spring 2004. He has been a member since July 2001 of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, and was active during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Alejandro has served as senator in the Student Government Association, has been a reviewer for the Framingham State College Journal of Behavioral Sciences, and spent two years volunteering as an assistant coach for his old high school wrestling team.
Rahs Aymeric HenaffRahs Aymeric Henaff, best known to his classmates as Rahsaym, is majoring in studio for interrelated media at the Massachusetts College of Art. Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, the Mattapan resident is described as a model of patience and tolerance, especially when helping to bring people of different nationalities together.

Rahsaym is a known as a quiet leader at the college’s Interrelated Media Program, where he has become an expert in sound engineering. He is the president of SPECTRUM, a student organization dedicated to cultural diversity. He also owns his own business that offers a variety of services to the music industry.

Even with all these activities, Rahsaym has managed to carry a 3.0 grade point average. Recently, he donated his services to the college for a fund-raising event, and frequently volunteers his expertise to help his fellow students with their events and exhibitions.
No photo availableLavaughan Jenkins is a painting major at the Massachusetts College of Art. Since 2001 his paintings have been featured in art shows from Boston to Connecticut. In fall 2002, he was a member of the MassArt Activities Council.

Over the years, Lavaughan’s work has earned several grants and awards, including the 2004 Senior Painting Award from the college; and in 2003, he took home the All School Show Painting Award.

He has shared his love and knowledge of art with future generations as a volunteer at local schools, and as a guest lecturer in 2002 at Newton’s Beaver Country Day School.
Schnider SimeonSchnider Simeon is a film and animation major at the Massachusetts College of Art, and has dreams of becoming a film director. The Hyde Park resident already has taken several steps toward his goal, with three underground films on his resume. He also hosts and directs his own weekly cable show, “Freestyle Boston,” which over the years has showcased more than 50 local musical acts.

He has worked as a teaching assistant at the college, and shared his technical expertise with various departments, including computer arts, studio foundation, animation and photography.

Schnider has served internships at Waltz Audio and Bristol Studios. His goal is to one day have his own sound studio and direct films. Perhaps MassArt Dean Nancy Aleo put it best: “Schnider is fabulous!!!”
Charles ImafidonCharles Imafidon is an English/communications major with a minor in broadcast media at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. The Lawrence resident has a grade point average of 3.02, and plans to pursue a career in television or radio.

Charles has spent considerable time in Africa, and because of that, brings a positive and refreshing outlook and energy to campus life. He has been a leader in the Multicultural Students’ Society and African American Studies Club, and is very active with the college’s African, Latino, Asian and Native American student organization.

He also serves on the college’s Diversity Task Force, and is a member of the National Broadcasting Society. Charles has worked for the campus television production unit. Known for his diligence, creativity and maturity, he has a reputation of always being willing to spend his time helping fellow students.
Wallace M. MakorWallace M. Makor is a biology major at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, with a minor concentration in chemistry. The Mattapan resident is enrolled in the honor’s program and has a grade point average of 3.14. He earned the 2002 Enduring Student Award from the college, and in summer 2003 was one of 10 students selected from around the country to participate in a research internship at the University of Houston.

He has been a member of the Biology Club, Aikido Club and Christian Fellowship, and has served as an executive member of the African-American Studies Club.

Wallace has been a volunteer for the African, Latino, Asian and Native American student organization, and the college’s International Student Affairs office. He has also worked on a number of community service projects. He plans to pursue a medical degree or Ph.D. in biochemistry.
Laura MukaniaLaura Mukania is a business administration major with a concentration in accounting, at Salem State College. She arrived in the United States in January 2001 from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

When one of Laura’s mentors was asked to write a reference for her HOBA nomination, the person replied, “Where do you want me to begin?” Indeed, Laura has a grade point average that has hovered between 3.8 and 4.0 during her tenure at the college, and a long list of accomplishments both on and off campus.

She was elected vice president of the International Students Association, and during her two years on its executive board, the organization won the McIlraith Award for promoting cultural awareness. Laura has also been involved in the Student Government Association, the Multicultural Students Association and the group’s Gospel Choir, as well as a college program that teaches high school students about different cultures.

She has been included in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, has served as vice president of Delta Mu Delta, a national honor society for business majors, and is president of the college’s Accounting Association.

Laura’s community service efforts include a trip to Kentucky to help build a home for a family in need, and volunteering with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Initiative Program, where she helps senior citizens and low-income families complete their tax returns. She hopes to earn a master’s degree in taxation and become a certified public accountant.
Kadilsha O. CainKadilsha O. Cain is a mass communications major at Westfield State College, with a minor concentration in public and corporate communication. With a better than a 3.3 grade point average, this Springfield resident has made the dean’s list several times, and earned many scholarships and awards. She was named in 2003-2004 to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

She has been a member of the college’s Lambda Sigma Honor Society, the Third World Organization, Latino Association for Empowerment, Student Government Association, and was a student representative to Northeastern University’s 2003 symposium, Prejudice and Hate on Campus.

Kadilsha has been a volunteer youth group mentor and camp counselor at Springfield’s Dunbar Community Center, and also donated her time to Jolly Juniors Childcare Center. On campus, she has served as a peer counselor.

She hopes to work in the fashion or entertainment industry as a public relations or advertising specialist.
Salim IbrahimSalim Ibrahim is carrying a dual major at Westfield State College of computer science and mathematics. The Springfield resident has a grade point average of 3.789, is a regular on the dean’s list, and has earned several scholarships and academic awards.

He was included in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, and is a member of the National Scholars Honor Society, and the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. He was named a McNair Scholar, and is a recipient of the certificate of achievement from the University of New Hampshire’s Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program.

Salim has been a member of several organizations, such as the Student Government Association, and was treasurer of the Third World Organization, and has served the college in many capacities. He volunteered at the newspaper, Al-Mizaan, and was a volunteer peer mentor and counselor at Springfield’s Dunbar Community Center.

Salim hopes to pursue an advanced degree in computer science.
Andrea A. JosephAndrea A. Joseph is majoring in both psychology and mass communication at Westfield State College. With a grade point average of 3.3, the Springfield resident was not only included in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, she was a McNair Scholar at the University of New Hampshire, and served as moderator at the University of Tennessee’s 2003-2004 McNair Conference.

She has been on the dean’s list, and is a member of the National Honor Society in Psychology, and earned the college’s Students of Color Recognition Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement. Andrea was selected “Ms. U.E. 2001” by the college’s Urban Education Program. She has served the college and many of its organizations in various roles.

Andrea is an original and current member of the Urban Educational Gospel Choir. She hopes to obtain her Ph.D. in social psychology and theological studies and conduct research and teach at the college level.
Shauna P. WilsonShauna P. Wilson is carrying a dual major at Westfield State College in elementary education and liberal studies. The Springfield resident has a grade point average of 3.47, and has been named to the dean’s list several times.

She has been recognized by Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, and has her teaching certification. Shauna has gained experience as a high school classroom teacher, and served as a tutor and peer counselor at the college. She is also an original and current member of the Urban Educational Gospel Choir, and a member of the Musical Theater Guild, which has awarded her its Most Professional Award.

Shauna was a member of the Kenya Global Plunge 2004, where for one month she traveled across the African nation doing various types of volunteer work for Homeless Children-Kenya.

She has also completed an internship at Springfield’s Dunbar Community Center. Shauna hopes to continue teaching until going to graduate school.
Adeteju LipedeAdeteju Lipede is a business finance major at Worcester State College, with a minor in communication. She has a grade point average of 3.8, and was included in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

The Cranston, R.I., resident has served as senator in the Student Government Association, as chairperson of the Black History Month Committee, and president and secretary of Third World Alliance, a multicultural organization for students. She has been a member of International Students Union, the Business Club, and was on the college’s Step Team.

Adeteju has also been a Big Sister for the college’s Upward Bound program, and its Alternatives for Individual Development program. She has been the secretary of the Youth Council at Celestial Church of Christ in Providence, and worked on various charity drives.
Angelique TorresAngelique Torres is a communications major at Worcester State College, with a minor in industrial/organizational psychology, and a grade point average 3.95. The Worcester resident has been on the dean’s list, and received many honors during her academic career, including several scholarships.

Among her achievements are memberships in Omicron Delta Kappa, a leadership society, and Phi Eta Sigma. She has earned the college’s Alumni Achievement Award and Freshman Achievement Award.

Angelique is the president of Third World Alliance, a multicultural organization for students, has been a student mentor and tutor. She has also served her community locally and worldwide, as a volunteer tutor for Moroccan children in Spain, and at AIDS Project Worchester’s Food Bank.

She has served an internship at the United Way of Central Massachusetts, and in 2004 received the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges award.

 

Last Modified: March 29, 2005