Making a Difference

All NDSCS Alumni have unique stories, some continue to inspire us all. One alumnus, Jamil Stamschror-Lot (2005), has gone on to make exceptional positive impacts on his community, while influencing those around him to follow his path to success. Jamil came to NDSCS after spending many of his early years moving frequently with his family. After graduating from Como Park High School in St. Paul, Minn., he chose to attend NDSCS to further his education and continue his basketball career. As Jamil reflects on his time at NDSCS, he recognizes his success was impacted by the faculty, staff, and coaches that supported him. Former NDSCS Coach Craig Irwin, remembers Jamil as “an athlete with a positive attitude and work ethic that was absolutely incredible.” Jamil also credits being a part of a team that valued dedication, work, and commitment as contributing to his success. While at NDSCS he became involved in the ‘Hometown Heroes’ Community Outreach Project, which was a precursor to what Jamil’s future would hold.

After graduating from NDSCS, Jamil continued his basketball and academic career at Marquette University (Milwaukee, Wisc.), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. His path eventually led him back to the St. Paul Public School system where he worked in behavioral intervention – it was that experience that inspired him to further his education with the ultimate goal of eradicating the racial disparities he observed. Jamil received his master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Augsburg College – his educational background, experience, and dedication enabled him to partner with numerous organizations within the Minneapolis-St. Paul area to bring equity, social justice, and mental health awareness to the forefront.

Jamil and his wife, Sara, founded their innovative company, Creative Kuponya, in 2017. The word, Kuponya, is a Swahili term that means ‘to heal’. Their unique practice is designed to provide therapy using an innovative approach derived from art, body movement, and the celebration of culture. After years practicing in numerous therapeutic settings, both Sara and Jamil recognized traditional talk therapy was an excellent healing modality for some, but not all. They learned that to assist in the healing process of some individuals and families, new and exciting work was needed to encourage the brain to shift and make change. Both Jamil and Sara are systemic thinkers and doers, meaning that they do not just focus simply on the individual, but all the components that surround the clients’ lives. They understand and have a unique skillset for systems that “live within” each client.

They also give back to the community through various ways. They partner with All Square, a civil rights organization working to bring people

impacted by the justice system to the table to provide mental health services.

Jamil and Sarah collaborate with the Minnesota Private College Council, serving as a mentor to male, African American students. Nationally, only 16% of African American men graduate within 4 years of enrolling in college; however, 90% of those involved with this program and being connected with mentors like Jamil are graduating within 4 years. Jamil credits his time at NDSCS with providing him a solid foundation to help make the impact he is making today through his daily work and service. When we asked Jamil to provide our incoming students with advice, he simply said “show others and yourself grace.” Simple, yet inspiring, words we can all live by.

Jamil (‘05) and his spouse, Sarah, live in South Minneapolis with this daughter, Zola.

Are you an Electrical Technology Alumni or graduate of one of the many programs housed in Barnard Hall? Are you a Nursing alumni, LPN or RN?

If so, you will be receiving a call from PCI (Publishing Concepts, Inc), a company assisting us in contacting specific groups of alumni as well as gathering stories of time spent at NDSCS/NDSSS. They will be helping us develop a book of your stories. We will feature two programs this time around. Information gathered will help us commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Electrical Technology Program. The anniversary and reunion celebration will be held May 12-13, 2023. All Electrical Technology Alumni, Faculty, and friends are invited to attend the centennial celebration! Details will be shared in the coming months at NDSCSalumni.com. If you have a story, photo, or other piece of history you would like to share, contact us at NDSCS.Alumni@ndscs.edu or 701-671-2247.