2008 Massachusetts State College Student Achievers

Zinkeng Afiadata was formally educated in his native Cameroon located in Central Africa. He began school at 2 years of age at a bilingual kindergarten in Douala. He went on to receive an Associate Degree in Social Sciences and a Bachelor of Science with honors in Management from the University of Beau in Cameroon.

Zinkeng moved to the United States in early 2006 and was accepted in the accounting and finance program at Bridgewater State College. A dean's list student, he conducted an international research project which focused on the problems facing African stock exchange markets.

He is an active member of Men Integrated in Brotherhood, American Marketing Association, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, United Caribbean Culture and Sigma Chi fraternit y. He has volunteered his time as a tutor in the Academic Achievement Center and has served his local community by volunteering at My Brother's Keeper and the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. During the spring semester, Zinkeng will serve as an intern at Putnam Investments. Upon graduation, his goal is to sit for the Certified Public Accountant examination.

Katia Silva Cardoso, a native of Angola and a resident of Brockton, is majoring in biology with a biomedical concentration at Bridgewater State College. Upon graduation in May, she plans to enter medical school and study pediatrics. A dean's list student, Katia received scholarships including: Jeanne Campbell Scholarship, Arthur C. Boyden Scholarship, CWFA First Annual Human Services Scholarship, Bridgewater Alumni Association Scholarship; Ruth Batson Scholarship and Erika Pinault Memorial Scholarship. She is a member of Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society and Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society.

On Saturday mornings, she participates in the Children's Physical Developmental Clinic, a program designed for children and young adults with disabilities. She is an active member of the Biology Club, Cape Verdean Student Association and Linking Individuals to Networks and Knowledge Scholarship (LINKS). She has volunteered for the First Fridays of Service program and Special Olympics. Since her freshman year, Katia has worked as a clerical assistant for study and research in the Academic Achievement Center. She takes time to volunteer in her own community with Old Colony YMCA's Big Sister Big Brother program and at the Nehemiah Saturday School.

Katia has participated in undergraduate research and has conducted an environmental microbiology research study entitled, "Isolation of Metal-Tolerant Bacteria from Soil Sediments in the Taunton River," which was presented at the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium at the college.The research goal was to isolate aerobics organisms with highest tolerance levels in pure culture and isolate DNA from them.

Libby V. Ealy is a special education major with a concentration in communication disorders at Bridgewater State College. She is a married mother of four who decided to finish her degree when her youngest child enrolled in college.

Libby is the 2007 recipient of the Dr. Robert A. Daniel African-American Scholarship awarded to the senior of African-American descent with the highest grade point average. She is a part-time speech/language pathology assistant.

She served on the board for Citizens of Somerset Scholarship Committee for three years. Libby is a New Hope for Kids volunteer from her church, working with children from the City of Fall River. She loves writing and her dream is to become a published author.

Kenneth Awasung of Taunton is a native of Cameroon majoring in chemistry with a concentration in biochemistry at Bridgewater State College. He is working towards a double minor in mathematics and biology.

Kenneth has received several honors/awards including: the Dr. Henry Daley, '58, and Rosemary Daley Chemistry Scholarship, Bridgewater State Alumni Association Scholarship, Adrian Tinsley Program Research Grant, Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges nominee, and a member of the departmental Honors Program by the Department of Chemical Sciences.

He has performed undergraduate research for five semesters under the mentorship of Dr. Steven Waratuke. Kenneth has developed an honors thesis and published his research in The Undergraduate Review. His affiliations and extra-curricular activities include: Men Integrated in Brotherhood, African American Student Association, Sigma Chi Honorary Society, Student Government Association at the University of Buea, Cameroon and International Student Orientation Leader.

Patricia A. Garcia is a senior art and graphic design major at Bridgewater State College. The Boston native, a married mother of three and grandmother of five, graduated with honors from Massasoit Community College.

Patricia is active in her church community, teaching bible study to pre-school children and serving as the women's ministry leader.Away from her studies, Patricia enjoys art, cooking, gardening, music and dance.

Jasmah N. Hanna, originally from the Bahamas, is a senior at Bridgewater State College majoring in biology with a biomedical concentration and a minor in chemistry. She has participated in the African American Society, Sister Scholars, and the LINKS program both as a mentee and a mentor.

She is a dean's list student, nominated for Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges and is completing an internship with Boston Medical Center's SPARK Center, a therapeutic medically specialized daycare and after-school program that serves children with developmental problems. On campus, she has worked with the Office of Disability Resources as a student assistant and peer leader. She has been a peer tutor with the Academic Achievement Center.

She is an alternate Class Marshal for the Class of 2008 and plans on volunteering with the Children's Physical Development Clinic during her last semester. She is active in her church where she serves as a praise dance leader, youth ministry leader and vacation bible school assistant. After graduation, she plans on attending medical school to pursue a master's degree in public health.

Tara Lima is a social work major at Bridgewater State College. She has been a regular on the dean's list since her freshman year, and has participated in research studies for the psychology department, and has held internships at the Old Colony YMCA's Boys Secure Treatment Program and Community Re-entry Center.

Her service to the college and community includes volunteering for the Children's Physical Developmental Clinic and Life is Good, a program benefiting Camp Sunshine which serves children with life-threatening illnesses.

Tara's inspiration in college has been her sister, who passed away from cancer. "My sister was my role model. She did well academically and embraced both sides of her heritage. I attended college for her and will succeed so that her lost potential can be fulfilled through my hard work and dedication," said Tara.

Nyoka Mills was raised in Cincinnati and first attended the Ohio Center for Broadcasting, where she concentrated in journalism. She has interned at local area news stations as a reporter and camera operator. After a career in journalism, Nyoka returned to receive her Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from the University of Cincinnati in 2004.

Upon relocating to Massachusetts in 2005, Nyoka realized her passion for helping others and decided to enroll at Bridgewater State College. The social work major was the 2007 recipient of the Professor Lester G. Houston Memorial Award. She has been involved within the Department of Social Work as a student representative on its advisory board.

"My parents instilled in me the importance of education and by not having one, could hinder me for the rest of my life," said Nyoka.

Melissa Monteiro of Brockton, a sociology major at Bridgewater State College, has been a dean's list student every semester since 2004 and maintains a 3.75 grade point average. She is a member of the sociology honors program and has been inducted into the Alpha Kappa Delta International Honor Society.

Melissa worked on a research project that examined the availability and the social consequence that emergency contraception had on teenagers living in Brockton. She presented her findings at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research and later at the University of Massachusetts Boston and at Bridgewater's Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Victor M. Ramirez was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York City. He transferred from Bristol Community College to Bridgewater State College where he is majoring in psychology. Fluent in Spanish, he has been on the dean's list and has received scholarships from the Bridgewater Alumni Association and Parents' Association.

Victor participates in a number of campus activities including membership at the GLBTA Pride Center, advocating for campus safety and bringing awareness of GLBT-related issues. He contributes to the psychology department research center by co-facilitating mock trials and focus groups. He traveled to Chile with members of the sociology department to study Chilean culture.

In the community, Victor's volunteer efforts include voter outreach and empowerment through Brockton GOTV; HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention through the Latino Health Institute; and public education reform through South Coastal Counties Legal Services, Inc. He is interning as a domestic violence advocate at Brockton Family & Community Resources, Inc. and is employed at the Coalition Against Poverty in Brockton. His goals include a doctoral program in psychology and a career helping individuals in need of mental health services, especially racial and linguistic minorities.

Damian Shakespeare is a physical education major with a concentration in motor development therapy and adapted physical education, and a minor in psychology at Bridgewater State College.

The Jamaican-American with ties to Waltham and Cambridge, is a dean's list student and was named to Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. He interned at the Veterans' Administration Hospital in Brockton and has worked as a mental health specialist with autistic children at the Franciscan Hospital for Children in Boston.

Damian's co-curricular involvement includes Afro-Am, where he served as vice president; LINKS as a peer mentor; and a member of the men's varsity basketball team, where he was also named to the All-Academic Team. Damian has served his local community by volunteering at My Brother's Keeper and Old Colony YMCA.

Whitney White is a Bridgewater State College senior majoring in art with a concentration in graphic design. Born in Rhode Island, she grew up in Framingham. She maintains a 3.30 grade point average while working off campus to support her education.

White at Bridgewater, Whitney has dedicated herself to athletics and dance. As a member and captain of the Women's Track and Field team, she broke the school record for the triple jump. She was selected as the college's representative at the 2006 NCAA Leadership Conference in Orlando.

Whitney credits her involvement in athletics, specifically basketball and track and field, as the reason for her self-discipline and work ethics. She is the art editor of the award-winning student fine arts journal The Bridge.

Carl H. Brunache, a senior from Somerville, is majoring in industrial technology with a concentration in electronics engineering at Fitchburg State College.

In addition to being a member of the Fitchburg's football team, Carl also has volunteered countless hours for the Fitchburg State College Volunteer Center planning social and cultural events for the college and the City of Fitchburg.

As a member of the Multicultural Student Services, Carl assists with the Black History Month activities. He plans to become an industrial engineer.

Lucy Fernandes of Boston is a senior at Fitchburg State College, where she majors in business administration in marketing with a minor in sociology.

She has been a consistent dean's list recipient maintaining a 3.25 grade point average while working at the local high school as an assistant after-school site coordinator.

Following her graduation in May, Ms. Fernandes plans on attending graduate school with a concentration in management. As the senior ambassador of the Multicultural Student Service program, Ms. Fernandes demonstrates leadership while supporting her peers in the Fitchburg State College community.

Michelle Carter is a food and nutrition-dietetics major at Framingham State College. A regular on the dean's list, Michelle maintains a 3.34 grade point average. Her high academic achievements have been rewarded through several scholarships that have helped support her educational goals.

Michelle is dedicated to her career choice. She has attended national conferences, completed a practicum through Sodexho at Faulkner Hospital, and is completing internships at Emerson Hospital in Concord and the Somerville Public School System.

Michelle is active on campus. She is an integral part of the Black Student Union and International Student Union, offering advice and ideas to both groups. She also finds time to assist new students with move-in, and serves as a student representative in her major to speak with prospective students.

Erica V. Allen of Boston transferred to Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts from the University of Massachusetts Boston. A dean's list student, she has earned ALANA Academic Achiever and Center for Service Scholar awards, and has been inducted into the National Honor Societies for First-Year Students, Juniors and Seniors.

She has combined her excellence in the classroom with leadership as the vice president of the MCLA Dance Company, peer adviser and a co-facilitator for Campus Conversations on Race. She finds time to volunteer in community outreach and after school programs.

Juana (Maria) Arias commutes to Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts from Lee and transferred from Berkshire Community College. In addition to attending school full time, Maria works at a local service agency that provides life skills to women.

She has been on the dean's list since 2004, inducted into the National Honor Society and has received a number of ALANA Academic Achievement Awards. On campus, she has conducted an independent study project to identify the impact of economic, racial and social factors for minority students attending college and represented MCLA presentations at national and regional conferences.

She is participating in efforts to increase awareness of world hunger, support for homeless shelters in Berkshire County and volunteers in local schools as a translator for non-English speaking parents.

Marilyn Casey is a painting major at Massachusetts College of Art & Design. She has received academic honors each year and most recently was awarded the prestigious George Nick Award for outstanding achievement in her field.

Marilyn as made considerable contributions as a member of the artists' community. Her work focuses on themes of personal and historical significance, including slavery, religion and gender roles.

Marilyn has dedicated a great deal of her personal time to improving access to public transportation and accessible living conditions in Boston. She has been recognized locally for her work with the Center for Assisted Living. Outside of her studies, she has taught painting at a summer program for children. She also taught art at the Felix House in Boston to homeless children affected by domestic violence.

Eva Barajas is a first-generation American who has worked at nonprofits developing her social conscience and saving money to return to school. While at Massachusetts College of Art & Design, she has chosen ambitious projects and has worked hard.

During her sophomore year, Eva managed a multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Undeterred, she has balanced schoolwork, internships and a job. She has interned in the art department at Boston magazine and at Magnum Photo Agency. She has tutored youth at Boston GLASS community center in digital photography.

Her exhibitions included the Chips Quinn Scholarship, for which she was a finalist, and the 2006 digital photography and Web design program. She also participated in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Upward Bound program, which teaches low-income and first-time potential college-bound high school students.

Cadet Mugo Keiyoro is a senior at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. The native of Kenya, who is fluent in English, Swahili and Kikuyu, holds a 3.37 grade point average and is a dean's list student. His academic success at the academy has made him a sought-after tutor in the campus's Learning Resource Center. His service to the academy and global community is impressive. He is a student-representative serving on the Science and Mathematics Department's Curriculum Committee. He is a two-time recipient of the Master's Award, a recipient of the Commandant's Award and the "Cadet of the Month."

This year, as a senior, Cadet Keiyoro reached the pinnacle of leadership at the academy. During this year's sea term, he will be a an assistant cadet chief mate and division leader, commanding approximately 125 freshmen, sophomores and seniors, as they complete the rigorous work of operating and sailing the training ship south through the Panama Canal and to ports in Aruba and Costa Rica.

He is on the crew team (coxswain) and plays rugby. He is a member of the school's Honor Guard, is his class's Honor Board Representative and the Christian Union chairperson. He is a member of the Multicultural Club and enjoys sharing his heritage as well as learning about the heritage of others. During the summer, he returns to Kenya and serves as an assistant director for the Green Gardens Schools, where he plans co-curricular activities for children ranging in age from 6-16. Closer to Massachusetts Maritime Academy, he is active in holiday drives to raise funds for families in need.

Cadet Albion Llewellyn is a senior at Massachusetts Maritime Academy where he has overcome personal obstacles to achieve success. In his personal essay, he writes "There is a saying: 'Seafarers are born seafarers and are passed down through ancestry.' However, I never recalled any one in my family ever being seafarers, but the ocean runs through my veins, and the urge for me to fulfill my goal increases by the second."

Cadet Llewellyn was born on the island of Trinidad. After the death of his father, his family moved to Tortola, British Virgin Islands, where he attended high school. He attended community college and received a degree in marine science.

After working for a local government agency, he was accepted into Massachusetts Maritime Academy, receiving a full scholarship. Cadet Llewellyn credits his mother's encouragement and support of him during his pursuit of the degree from the academy.

Cadet Peter Tomdio is due to graduate in June 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation. Cadet Tomdio has been a dean's list and presidential scholar and holds a grade point average of 3.6. In addition to his outstanding academic work, Cadet Tomdio is the regimental executive officer, second in command of a regiment of 1022 cadets. He is responsible for the training, discipline and military bearing of the regiment, and serves as co-chair of the student-run Honor Board.

Cadet Tomdio is active in extracurricular activities serving as the 2007 varsity soccer team captain and participates in the newly formed track and field program. He is an integral member of the Multicultural Club. Cadet Tomdio has always volunteered to help his fellow cadets serving as a tutor in the Learning Resource Center and supervising eight and ninth graders in the academy's four-week summer leadership camp.

A native of Cameroon, Cadet Tomdio grew up speaking English, French and Russian and is fluent in all three. After living as a permanent resident of the US for eight years, he became a citizen on March 20, 2007, an accomplishment of which he is most proud.

Kondwani Chirwa is a senior at Salem State College majoring in communication with a concentration in advertising and minor in marketing. Kondwani was a resident assistant for three years and was named "Resident Assistant of the Month." She was inducted into the National Residence Hall Honorary.

Kondwani has been on the dean's list for five semesters and maintains an overall grade point average of a 3.2. She has been an Upward Bound peer leader and in the spring 2006 semester she was awarded the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Scholarship.

Kondwani was selected to attend the first Monster Diversit y Leadership Program held in Boston in 2007.

Pedro-Miguel Soto, originally from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, was raised in Lynn and is a Salem State College senior majoring in political science with a focus on socio-economics. He has a grade point average of a 3.11.

Pedro is an active member of Salem State's diverse student body and has been a resident assistant for the past three years while serving as a peer leader for the past two years for the institutions TRIO programs.

Pedro is a senior senator in the Student Government Association, a student representative on the Political Science Curriculum Committee and the Residence Hall Director Search Committee, an active member of the Political Science Academy and a proud member of the Hispanic-American Society.

Mohammed N. Ibrahim, a native of Ghana, Africa, will graduate from Westfield State College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in May. A political science major with a concentration in law, Mohammed has a minor in English. A Washington Center student intern through the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars, Mohammed served as a summer associate for the Law Offices of Attorney Miriam B. Riedmiller in Washington, where he prepared executive summaries and conducted research for the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill [CIR Bill].

His leadership roles at Westfield have included: Urban Education "Bridge" Program peer counselor/mentor, teaching assistant and mentor for students enrolled the Critical Issues in Education course, peer tutor for the Student Support Services Program-Multicultural Media Center, resident assistant for the Residential Life Office and member of the Third World Student Organization.

An active member of the Islamic Society of Western Massachusetts since 2004, Mohammed hopes to pursue a law school education in Washington. He wants to study international law to become an agent/representative for Ghana and other West African countries for international aid from respected entities like USAID (U.S. Aid for International Development).

Yaitza E. Monge, a resident of Springfield, will graduate May from Westfield State College with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. Yaitza has earned dean's list recognition every semester since her freshman year. She has been inducted into Lambda Sigma Honor Societ y and the Iota Phi Chapter of Phi Alpha-National Honor Society for Social Work.

A student intern through the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars, Yaitza interned at the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Montgomery County Office of Public Defenders (Juvenile Division and Criminal Public Defender). As a WSC social work practicum intern, Yaitza has the opportunit y to work at the Shiners Hospital for Kids the entire year.

Leadership roles have included: volunteer/intern work with the Hampden County District Attorney, volunteer for Shiners' Hospital food drive for the Ronald McDonald House and active membership in the WSC Social Work Club. Yaitza attended a "Missionary Trip to Peru," serving as a student leader and liaison for the Baptist Apostolic Renewal Church. Her goal is to earn a law degree with a focus on international law. She would like to unite with other countries and simultaneously serve a as a legal liaison for the Renewal Apostolic Church.

Sarailin Rodriguez, a Springfield resident, is scheduled to graduate from Westfield State College with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and a minor in multicultural and ethnic studies in May. She has been inducted into the Iota Phi Chapter of Phi Alpha-National Honor Society for Social Work and the Lambda Sigma Honor Society. As president of the WSC Third World Organization, Sarailin coordinated the West Indian Festival and the Cooperating Colleges of Greater Springfield Unity Festival.

The Multicultural and Ethnic Studies Capstone provided her the opportunity to produce and co-direct the video "Behind the White Curtain-Examining the Color Line at Westfield State College," which was viewed by faculty, staff, students and the President's Council. Other leadership roles at WSC have included: president of the Social Work Club, peer counselor for the Urban Education "Bridge" Program, teaching assistant for a Critical Issues in Education course and peer tutor for the Student Support Services Program-Multicultural Media Center. She assisted in the coordination of the first WSC free HIV testing opportunity called "Love Your Valentine."

Upon graduation, Sarailin wants to pursue a Master in Social Work degree with the ultimate goal of acquiring a PhD. She plans to establish and operate a group home for adolescent girls.The focus of the group home will be to enable and empower the girls to become strong, independent women.

Jamara Exilus is a community health major who minors in Spanish at Worcester State College. Jamara has many accomplishments to her credit, which include being named to the Student Athlete Honor Roll and attaining MASCAC all-academic honors.

She was able to achieve these honors while participating for four years in women's basketball and two years in track and field. She is involved in youth basketball clinics and is an ESL tutor.

Jamara has been selected to Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges and has received the Student Affairs Recognition of Academic Achievement award. She will graduate May.

Brandon Huggon exhibits a strong commitment to his educational pursuits above and beyond all his leadership activities at Worcester State College. He can be seen on campus in a myriad of roles such as tour guide for the admissions office, building supervisor in the Student Center and resident assistant in the housing office.

He has been involved in student government as a senator, president and parliamentarian for the election of 2005. His varied interests and accomplishments range from disk jockey for WSCW Lancer Radio to serving as an orientation leader for the incoming freshmen classes two consecutive years.

Brandon has been serving on the Board of Trustees as the student trustee since May 2007. He is a communication major with a solid grade point average and expects to graduate in May.

Sonja Logan, is a communication science disorders major at Worcester State College. Despite some physical challenges, Sonja has maintained a solid grade point average and has been named to the dean's list.

Her contributions to the college have been through her work in the financial aid office. She is a volunteer in the community feeding the hungry and homeless.

She has been a recipient of the Worcester Rotary Club Scholarship and the McGinn Family Scholarship. She expects to graduate in May.

Karina Sanchez, a resident of Worcester, has a wide range of achievements which include five consecutive semesters on the dean's list at Worcester State College as well as the induction into two national honor societies.

She is involved with the "Latina Achievers in Search for Success" and a mentor for "Innovative Services for Latino Adolescents" through the Latino Education Institute at Worcester State.

She expects to graduate in May 2009.

Nicole R. Smith is a resident of Fitchburg who graduated from Worcester State College in December with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

She was the recipient of many honors including being a lifelong member of PsiChi, Omicron Delta Kappa, Student Activities Honor Roll and has been selected to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

She was a dean's list student Worcester State College.

Last Modified: April 8, 2008