NJCU 2023 BAAFSSO Salute to Grads

2023 BAAFSSO Salute to Grads

Ceremony Program

Processional

Salute Graduates 2023; Led in Dance by Pablo Osanya

The Occasion & Introduction of Ceremony Host

Venida C. Rodman Jenkins, President, Black Alumni, Administrator, Faculty, Student and Staff Organization (BAAFSSO)

Ceremony Host

Jeff Dessources, Director, Center for Leadership and Engagement

Black National Anthem – SarahKay Russell

“Lift Every Voice and Sing”

Greetings

Andrés Acebo, NJCU Interim President

Thyquel M. Halley, President, Student Government Association; B.A. Political Science

Dance Tribute

Mason Lee Dance Theatre

Graduate Reflections

Faith Ayoola, B.A. Criminal Justice/Minor – Women’s and Gender Studies

Honoring the Past

Ms. Queen Gibson, Advisor, School of Business

Dr. Ansley Lamar, Professor of Psychology

Dr. Gloria Boseman, Professor of Nursing

Guest Speaker Introduction

Kalel Redd, Black Student Union Executive Board President; B.A. Criminal Justice

Guest Speaker

Dr. Jermaine McCalpin, Chair of the African and African-American Studies Department

Musical Tribute

SarahKay Russell, “Respect”

Recognition of Graduates

Courtney Chambers, Academic Advisor and Program Assistant, Art Department

Jeff Dessources, Director, Center for Leadership and Engagement

Dr. Mary McGriff, Professor, Literacy Education Department

Venida Rodman Jenkins, President, Black Alumni, Administrator, Faculty, Student and Staff Organization (BAAFSSO)

Graduate Poetry Tribute

Ameelah Carvin, Black Student Union Executive Board Vice President; B.A. Psychology

Final Remarks

Venida C. Rodman Jenkins, President, Black Alumni, Administrator, Faculty, Student, and Staff Organization (BAAFSSO)

Who We Are

The Black Alumni, Administrators, Faculty, Students & Staff Organization (BAAFSSO) arose out of an expressed need for a more comprehensive representation of Blacks at New Jersey City University. Organizational meetings were held in the Fall of 1975 and the following goals were established:

1. To create a viable vehicle through which the campus’ Black community could come together.

2. To communicate ideas emanating from diverse areas and disciplines.

3. To act on specific issues to improve the conditions of Blacks on campus.

4. To eradicate inequities based upon racial and sexual discrimination.

5. To facilitate networking.

The principal founders of BAAFSSO were the late Dr. Lee Hagan, Phil Little john, the late Samuel McGhee, the late John Raines, Rosetta Rutledge, Sandra Stohoff, and Ann Tisdale. Diverse leadership has characterized the organization’s strength, providing a rich cross-fertilization of ideas, opinions and perceptions. Sandra Stothoff, former secretary for the Dean of Arts and Sciences, and Melvin Gregory, former counselor in the Opportunity Scholarship Program, have the distinction of serving as first leaders.

Dr. Jennifer Jones, former Director of Academic Career Planning & Placement; Dr. Lee Hagan, former Chairperson of the African/Afro-American Studies Program; Louis Diaz, former Director of College Bound Program; Gayle

R. Ford, former Assistant to the President; Dr. Shirley Williams, Professor of Criminal Justice; Gloria Boseman, Professor of Nursing; Carl B. Dixon, former Associate Registrar; Dan Wiley, former Director of the Lee Hagan

Africana Studies Center; Dr. Pargellan McCall, former Director of Multicultural Center; Adele Douglas, former Associate Director of Human Resources; Naomi Wright, former Assistant Director of the University Advisement Center; Karen Morgan, former Professor of Mathematics; Amani Jennings, former Assistant Dean of Students; Dr. Antoinette Ellis-Williams, Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies and former Director of the Lee Hagan

Africana Studies Center, Leah Jackson, Academic Advisor, and Carla Denny-Johnson, also served as facilitators.

Why have a Salute to Grads?

BAAFSSO’s Salute to Graduates is a rite of passage that both recognizes and emphasizes the importance of community in the educational achievement of students of African descent. The reality of adversity faced by students of African descent as the progeny of those who suffered the indignity and inhumanity of enslavement requires a pause to celebrate and commemorate the completion of this educational journey. The Salute to Graduates is celebrated within the context of the Zulu ethos of Ubuntu — simply translated: I am because we are! In other words, our collective humanity is a reflection of our connection.

We celebrate graduates of African descent as a reminder that their success rests on the sacrifices of their ancestors and our graduates’ contributions will pave the way for others who will follow them. This celebration therefore honors the past while preparing for the future.

Congratulations Graduates!

Written by Dr. Jermaine McCalpin, Chair African and African American Studies

Acknowledgements & Gratitude

We are so grateful for your presence at this year’s Salute to Grads 2023. We would like to thank all the program participants, and everyone who was responsible in helping us organize this joyous occasion. We wish our graduates continued success in all their future endeavors. Keep rising to the top!

BAAFSSO Officers

Venida C. Rodman Jenkins, President

Dominque Smith, Vice President

Special Thanks

• Executive Board, Student Government Association (SGA)

• Maria Perez, Student

• Student Staff, Speicher-Rubin Women’s Center for Equity and Diversity

• Ira Thor, Ella Rue, Renee Ramos, Office of Marketing and Communications

• Ivelisse Cruz, Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management

• Center for Leadership and Engagement

• Dean August, DJ

• Ronald Lynch, PIC A PHOTOBOOTH LLC

• Gourmet Dining

• House keeping

BAAFSSO