2011 Massachusetts State University Student Achievers

Stephanie Alves Stephanie Alves is a criminal justice major at Bridgewater State University. Her undergraduate research focuses on the Cape Verdean community in Brockton. She is committed to helping neglected populations, including the prison community. She is a volunteer with the department of corrections on weekends and during the academic year. After graduation, Stephanie plans to attend law school to become an immigration lawyer.

Augusto Goncalves Augusto Goncalves studies political science/international affairs at Bridgewater State University, where he is committed to issues of social justice. He is active in the university community; a member of CVSA since freshman year; involved with several campus organizations including STAND, MECCA and FAM for Change; a member of Afro-Am, SGA and the Commuter Student Association, among others. Augusto has participated in the Honor Program, was inducted into the Political Science Honors Society, studied abroad in Jordan, has made the dean’s list on several occasions, and makes time to volunteer at his local church in Brockton. After graduation, Augusto plans to attend graduate school or law school; he aspires to work in the United States intelligence community.

Muania Henry Muania Henry is a psychology major at Bridgewater State University, where she has participated in numerous group projects that have raised awareness on topics such as abnormal personality disorders, human trafficking and women’s rights in the Middle East. She is co-founder of the Bible Truth Children’s Church at Bible Truth Lifeline Church Ministries in Dorchester. In addition to caring for her home and her children, she volunteers at the Margaret M. Shea Adult Day Health program in Mattapan.

Tisha Hughes Tisha Hughes transferred to Bridgewater State University from Eastern Nazarene College where she was a dean’s list student. Her major is elementary education and mathematics with a minor in Spanish. Tisha credits her involvement in co-curricular activities as critical to her gaining in confidence in public speaking and improving her leadership skills. After graduation, Tisha plans to pursue her master’s degree in education.

Mario A. Lopes-DeBarros Mario A. Lopes-DeBarros transferred to Bridgewater State University from Massasoit Community College. He is a criminal justice major and a member of the Criminal Justice Club, where he helped the club president create a leadership structure. Mario is committed to promoting moral values, leadership skills and fair and equitable treatment of all people. He is a mentor in the LINKS program with an emphasis on nurturing an honest, trusting relationship with his mentee.

Valdemiro Monteiro Valdemiro Monteiro, ’11, is a business management major at Bridgewater State University, with a GPA of 3.25. He transferred from Massasoit Community College where he received an associate’s degree in liberal arts studies. A singer, Valdemiro has recorded two singles and has participated in four band projects, using his talents to enrich the culture of Cape Verde. To that end, he has participated in fundraisers and community celebrations in Brockton. After graduation, he intends to start his own business focused on the tax industry.

Aisha Munir Aisha Munir, a dean’s list student, is a business management major at Bridgewater State University. She is a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society and the Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society. In 2007, she was a intern at Instron; and she was nominated in 2010 for the Who’s Who Among Students. Aisha’s co-curricular activities include membership in the Society for Advancement of Management. She is very active in her community and has spoken to the younger generations about developing a sense of spiritualistic and mental progressiveness.

Cynthia Odiah Cynthia Odiah is a global management major at Bridgewater State University with a minor in public relations. She has a GPA of 3.24, was on the dean’s list for two semesters, and, in 2009, was awarded an Adrian Tinsley Program grant for undergraduate research. In 2010, Cynthia interned with the Pyramid Management Group. This past January, she studied in India. On campus, Cynthia has been involved with numerous organizations and community service projects including LINKS, Afro-Am and the dance club. After graduation, Cynthia hopes to pursue a master’s degree in international business.

MaryAnn Roderiques MaryAnn Roderiques is a nontraditional student at Bridgewater State University, having retired early and decided to pursue her bachelor’s degree in communications. She thoroughly enjoys her academics and finds the professors challenging, caring and fair. MaryAnn has been substitute teaching in the Brockton school system for the past two years.

Corday Silva Corday Silva is a psychology major at Bridgewater State University and has a minor in social welfare. She is involved in numerous programs and organizations on- and off- campus, including LINKS, Upward Bound at UMASS Dartmouth, and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater New Bedford. She has volunteered for the Young Parent Support Program at the Family and Child Services of Greater New Bedford and the Cape Verdean Association of Brockton. After graduation, she plans to pursue her master’s degree in social work at Bridgewater State University.

Raul Vazquez Jr. Raul Vazquez Jr., ’11, is double majoring in business management and economics at Bridgewater State University. He was elected by the student body to serve as student trustee on the university’s board of trustees for the 2010-2011 academic year. Raul has served as resident assistant in Woodward Hall; a student and family orientation leader; and a member on many campus committees such as food service, commencement and student leadership council. Raul has participated in study tours to China, France and Nicaragua. He is vice president of Sigma Pi, a member of Fraternity International, and has participated in the Student Government Association as senator, senate chairperson and student body president. Raul plans to pursue a master’s degree in international affairs. (Hometown: Springfield; Bridgewater)

Mirlesna Azor Mirlesna Azor, a dean’s list student, attends Framingham State University, where she has been an active member of the Black Student Union since her freshmen year. She rose from member to vice president to president in 2010. Her on-campus activities include serving as resident assistant, peer mentor and admissions representative. Mirlesna also participated in an internship with mass211.

Samuel DePina Samuel DePina, a dean’s list student, is a communications major at Framingham State University. His on-campus activities include membership in the Black Student Union and the Active Sociologies. He is a writer for the student newspaper and a choreographer for the institution’s dance club, infusing energy into their productions each semester. Samuel

Ashton Darrett Ashton Darrett, a dean’s list student, is a business administration major at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, where he has received many academic excellence awards and scholarships. He co-founded Voices of Unity Choir; served as the Black Student Union president; is co-facilitator for Campus Conversations on Race; serves as an orientation leader, peer adviser and volunteer in the Office of Admissions; and has been an active member in MCLA’s Dance Company and STEP team, Nexxus. Ashton is an assistant in the president’s office and supports judicial affairs in the office of the associate dean of students.

Xhirley Gonzalez, a dean’s list student, is an athletic training major at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts with a minor in biology. She is in the honors program and has won academic achievement and excellence awards for athletic training as well as earned several scholarships including one for medical technology. As a member of the MCLA cross-country team, she won MVP two years in a row, memberships on the Academic Blue and Gold team and the MASCA Honor Roll. Xhirley is a member of the student Athletic Advisory Council, the Biology Club and the Multicultural Student Society. She volunteers for many causes on-campus and within the community.

Michael Obasohan Michael Obasohan is an arts management major at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, with a minor in business. He is the recipient of the Thomas Herman Scholarship for excellence in the performing arts; has worked in student development for three years as an orientation leader and peer adviser; and is the publisher of the “What’s Happening,” a weekly newsletter on campus. Michael is the captain of the Nexxus Step Squad and has been an active member of Dance Company for three years. He has choreographed two of his own pieces and is a curator of two art shows at MCLA’s Gallery 51. Michael is the Youth Step Outreach Coordinator for The Northern Berkshire Coalition and is a co-facilitator for Campus Conversations on Race.

Anita Parker Anita Parker, a dean’s list student, is a biology major at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts with a concentration in pre-professional medicine. Anita has been president of the biology club for three years, is co-founder of the BioBuddies Mentor Program, and has received many academic achievement and excellence awards. Anita is a student ambassador in the Office of Admissions and a tutor in Learning Services. She has served as vice president for both the Multicultural Student Society and for Colleges Against Cancer; she has volunteered at North Adams Regional Hospital and is volunteering at the Sweet Brook Nursing Home. Anita was born in Tarma, Peru.

Shataya Pride Shataya Pride, a dean’s list student, is an English/communications major at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, with concentrations in professional writing and journalism. She is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society for First Year Students, the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society and the Lambda Iota Tau National Honor Society for literature of all languages. She has studied abroad at Edge Hill University in England and has been nominated for “Who’s Who Among Students” in American Universities. She is a student assistant in the MCLA television studio, a writing associate, head copy editor for the institution’s newspaper, a math teaching assistant, a resident assistant and tutor/counselor for the Summer Individual Enrichment Program.

Natasha Robinson Natasha Robinson, a dean’s list student, is an English/communications major at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts with a concentration in corporate communications and minors in anthropology and health, aging and society. She is a member of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society (MASS Beta Chapter), Lambda Iota Tau (International literary honor society), and the American Anthropological Association. She has received many academic achievement and excellence awards; has presented at the undergraduate research conference; participated in a summer program on disability studies in Guatemala, and this past fall studied abroad at the Danish Institute in Copenhagen. Active in the Multicultural Student Society, Natasha has served as public relations chair, vice president, and, for two years, president. She also is a tutor, peer adviser, and a volunteer in support of multicultural admissions.

Monique Symes Monique Symes is an English major at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts with a minor in broadcast media. She is in a dual internship with the MCLA Office of Admissions and the North Adams City Hall Veteran Services. She is a member of Lamda Iota Tao Literary Society, serves as a writing tutor, the senior academic tutor for the Individual Enrichment Program, served as an editor for the Mosaic newsletter for three years and co-hosted a college radio show called Relevant Radio. Monique has received several scholarships and leadership awards including Executive Board Member of the Year for her accomplishments and community contributions as the Nexxus STEP Team president.

Michelle Webb, a dean’s list student in the honors program, is an English/communications major at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts with a concentration in broadcast media and a minor in business administration. She is a member of the Alpha Chi and Lambda Iota Tau honor societies; has received many academic achievement awards; has served as secretary of the Multicultural Student Society and vice president for Christian Fellowship as well as a resident assistant and as a member of the resident advisory board. Michele has participated in a significant amount of volunteer work and fundraising for community causes.

Melissa Lawson Melissa Lawson, ’11, a student in the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, will present her senior thesis collection in May. For her senior collection, Melissa has explored the message of trend-forward fashions for the plus-size customer. She has jumped into the fashion-industry void to design appealing fashions for young women who are not the industry standard runway model. Her fresh approach to the challenge makes her collection a strong statement on body image and lifestyle. While at MassArt, she has excelled in combining her talents in ceramics, drawing and photography with her fashion design portfolio. Along with participating in internships and department committees for show planning and exhibition, Melissa is a nanny to five home-schooled children from ages six months to nine. After graduation, she will actively seek a job designing plus-size women’s wear. department.

Guarionex Rodriguez Guarionex Rodriguez, ’11, an exemplary student at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, is a lab monitor and has been involved in SGA projects for photography. He is one of the student leaders for his senior class and finished a study abroad program in Spain during his junior year. He has volunteered in his community at a Latino after school program.

Marcos Quintana Marcos Quintana, a dean’s list student, is a senior marine engineering major at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. He holds a 3.23 grade point average. His academic success and decorum has aided him in leadership in the Regiment of Cadets. Marcos has served as an orientation indoctrination squadron leader specializing in training and retention, a position focusing on mentoring the underclassmen at the academy. He holds the Second Company’s executive officer post, a senior position focusing on leading and managing a company of more than 125 cadets with a staff of 18. He is a recipient of the “Cadet of the Month” award and the Commandant’s Award for coordinating efforts to collect more than $6,000 for the Department of Children and Families.

Sarah Moutairou Sarah Moutairou is an economics major at Salem State University and has a minor in business administration. She holds a 3.7 GPA. She is president of the Salem State University Economics Club, vice president of planning for the international student association, and public relations officer for the newly created African student union. In addition to her on-campus activities, Sarah’s volunteer work is extensive. She has served as a French tutor at the Saltonstall School in Salem; donated time to the soup kitchen at My Brother’s Table; organized a three-mile charity walk on behalf of the Sudan Reach Women’s Foundation to raise awareness of the Darfur conflict. Sarah was born and raised in Benin, a French-speaking country in West Africa.

Herve Mukuna Herve Mukuna, a dean’s list student, is an economics major at Salem State University and has a double minor in business administration and political science. He holds a 3.39 GPA. During his tenure at Salem State, he has participated in the Harvard National Model United Nations Conference, was a member of the university’s economics team, successfully completed the university’s leadership institute, and served twice as student panelist at the Massachusetts Council of International Education’s annual conference. His volunteer work includes serving as president of the international student association, senator in the student government association, and resident assistant at Bates Complex. He also founded the African student union on campus. After graduation, he plans to pursue a PhD in political science. Herve was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mohamed “Kossim” Osseni Mohamed “Kossim” Osseni, a dean’s list student, is an economics major at Salem State University and has a double minor in mathematics and business administration. He holds a 3.8 GPA. Kossim serves as president of the African student Union and vice president of the economics club. His volunteer work includes co-organizing a walk to raise funds for Darfur, the promotion of African culture on campus, participation in the annual Walk for HAWC, working at My Brother’s Table. He is involved with the National Association of Black Accountants, and won the association’s case competition. After graduation, he plans to earn his MBA in finance at Harvard University with the goal of pursuing a career as an investment banker or in the area of hedge funds.

Idaliz Alicea Idaliz Alicea, a dean’s list student, is a criminal justice major at Westfield State University with a minor in Spanish. A student leader, she is a resident assistant, has participated in the Disney Experience and served as a peer mentor. She is a member of the WSU Step Team, Boxing Club and Competitive Dance Team, has served as a volunteer for the “Make a Wish Foundation, and is a church youth group leader. She has been nominated as a Westfield State 2011 Sankofa Scholar. After graduation she plans to work with youth within the criminal justice area.

Jasmine Amegan Jasmine Amegan, a dean’s list student, is an English major at Westfield State University, with a minor in Spanish and fine art. She holds a 3.70 GPA. She is a member of Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society. She serves as director of the Westfield State’s Urban Education Program Gospel Choir, is an English tutor and a contributing member of the university’s Poetry Slam Club, where she has placed 3rd in past competitions. Jasmine has served as a volunteer for her church and the community and was nominated as a WSU 2011 Sankofa Scholar.

Zully Dinc Zully Dinc, a dean’s list student, is a dual major in elementary education and liberal studies at Westfield State University. She came to WSU with an associate’s degree from Holyoke Community College. She holds a 3.70 GPA. Along with her parents, she is a founding member of the Hampden Charter School of Science for grades 6-10 and serves as the secretary for the charter school board. In addition, she works as a peer adviser in the university’s Academic Advising Center. After graduation, she plans to pursue an advanced degree in the field of education. She has been nominated as a WSU 2011 Sankofa Scholar.

Emely Rossario Emely Rossario, a dean’s list student, is a criminal justice major at Westfield State University. She started at WSU as a participant in the Urban Education Program. She participated in study abroad program in Italy, was selected to participate in The Washington Center Internship Program for spring 2011, and has served as the student assistant to the vice president of Advancement and University Relations. She is a member of Latino Association for Empowerment and was a columnist for the student magazine “Prism.” After graduation, she plans to obtain a position with a federal law enforcement agency. She has been nominated as a WSU 2011Sankofa Scholar.

Arleni Sanchez Arleni Sanchez, a dean’s list student, is an art major at Westfield State University, and has a concentration in fine arts. She started at WSU as a participant in the Urban Education Program. She is a member of the Art Club, Asian Appreciation Club, Third World and LAFE (Latino Association for Empowerment) and has served as a contributing artist for the Prism magazine. She has been a volunteer for Springfield Schools, an art tutor and participated in her church youth group as the resident artist. After graduation, she plans to become an illustrator. She has been nominated as a WSU 2011 Sankofa Scholar.

Simukai Murungu Simukai Murungu is a business administration major at Worcester State University. She is the recipient of the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship and the ALANA Rising Star Award and is a member of the Third World Alliance, where she held the executive position of public relations liaison. She has also performed community service work, researching community resources and assembling criteria for microloan financing with a college adviser for Abby’s House, a women’s shelter in Worcester. After graduation, she plans to begin her career in the business field and hopes to attend graduate school within the next few years.

Last Modified: March 23, 2011