WELCOME! The Black Commencement graduating class of 2015 would like to welcome and thank you for your support on this special occasion. Not only is this day a celebration for the graduates, but for you as well. Without your guidance, love, and support, this day would never have been possible.
THANK YOU! For over two decades, the African-American community of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo has relished in its own ceremony of achievement. The Black Commencement Ceremony has provided a haven for our students to be recognized in an intimate setting with friends, family and supporting academicians. We find solace in being together during this graduation celebration, which is far more personal than other ceremonies. On this day, we celebrate the students and honor them in a ceremony of praise. To the graduates, find peace in the gathering of your community; it swells with pride for your achievements. Well done!
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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS PRE-COMMENCEMENT ENTERTAINMENT
sitokoto drummers
PROCESSIONAL MUSIC: “POMP & CIRCUMSTANCE”
Administration, Faculty & Staff
PROCESSIONAL MUSIC: “LIFESTYLE” (INSTRUMENTAL) – YOUNG THUG
The Class of 2015
MASTER OF CEREMONIES WELCOME
Terrance Harris
DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS & OPERATIONS OPENING PRAYER
Bukky Babalola Class of 2015 BLACK NATIONAL ANTHEM
Brianti Williams Biology Major/3rd year WORDS OF WISDOM
Ifunanya Akametalu Class of 2015 INTRODUCTION OF KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Mariah Matovu Class of 2015 KEYNOTE ADDRESS
John Shoals - Mayor of Grover Beach PRESENTATION OF GRADUATES & KENTE STOLES
Dr. Phil Bailey, Interim Provost and Dean of the College of Science & Math Dr. Jeffrey Armstrong, President RITES OF PASSAGE
Everette Brooks Assistant Director of Clubs & Organizations GRADUATE VIDEO PRESENTATIONS
Kiera Hebert - Class of 2015 SPECIAL THANKS
Xiomara Chavez & Bukky Babalola Class of 2015 CLOSING
Terrance Harris RECESSIONAL MUSIC: “GOOD LIFE” (INSTRUMENTAL) BY KANYE WEST
Class of 2015
Reception immediately following featuring sitokoto drummers in the Alex & Faye Spanos Theatre outdoor patio 2 2
BLACK NATIONAL ANTHEM Lift every voice and sing Till earth and heaven ring Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; let our rejoicing rise, high as the list’ning skies, let it resound loud as the rolling sea Sing a song full of faith that the dark past has taught us, sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; facing the rising sun of our new day begun, let us march on till victory is won. Stony the road we trod, bitter the chast’ning rod, felt in the day that hope unborn had died; yet with a steady beat, have not our weary feet, come to the place on witch our fathers sighed? we have come over a way that with tears has been watered, we have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered, out from the gloomy past, till now we stand at last where the white gleam of our star is cast. God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, thou who has brought us thus far on the way; thou who has by thy might, led us into the light, keep us forever in the path, we pray lest our feet stray frm the places, our God, where we met thee, least our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget thee, shadowed beneath the hand, may we forever stand, true to our God, True to our native land. 3
RITES OF PASSAGE SPEAKER: GRADUATES: SPEAKER: GRADUATES:
“Who is it that comes in the Ritual of Crossroads?” “It is I, in the person of [say full name]” “Why do you come?” “I come because I am of the age of reason and have accepted the challenge of wisdom. I come out of honor for myself, my family and my ancestors. I come in the African tradition to receive the blessings of God and the permission of this community to be recognized and respected as a woman/man, graduate and educator.”
SPEAKER:
[address the audience] “What do you say to this request?”
AUDIENCE:
“Yebo! Yebo! Yebo!” [Zulu word meaning: Yes, it is done.]
SPEAKER: AUDIENCE: SPEAKER: AUDIENCE:
“I call upon God and our ancestors to witness what we have done.” “And who we are!” “I call upon the community here present to recognize anew the individuals before you.” “We recognize and respect them as women/men, graduates and educators.”
SPEAKER:
“I call upon you young men and women to accept the challenge as educators and to move forward in your lives with purpose, honor, dignity and determination.”
GRADUATES:
“We pledge our lives and souls to assist our communities, to be an advocate of our people, and devote our lives to the betterment of all African people. We will never break this promise. Our ancestors have heard this pledge. They will hold us to this pledge. This is final and there is no compromise. Yebo!”
SPEAKER:
“Come forth for you have been recognized.” 4
JOHN SHOALS,
MAYOR OF GROVER BEACH • KEY NOTE SPEAKER
John Shoals was born in Fresno, California and raised in the small town of Riverdale in Fresno County. He learned hard work and patience working summers with his family in the agricultural fields of the Central San Joaquin Valley. After graduating from Riverdale Joint Union High School with honors, he enrolled at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo to study architecture and to play for the Cal Poly men’s basketball team. In 1987, John earned a Bachelor of Science degree in City and Regional Planning from the College of Architecture and Environmental Design. In 2002, John was elected to the Grover Beach City Council serving his community for 10 years. In 2008, he became the city’s first mayor directly elected by Grover Beach voters. He was elected mayor again in 2014. While at Cal Poly, John met his wife Staci Roseboro-Shoals. They have been married for 29 years, have two adult daughters and live in Grover Beach.
TERRANCE HARRIS,
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Terrance Harris was born and raised in San Luis Obispo. He is the third son of two Cal Poly alumni Walter and Sandra Harris; who worked at Cal Poly for 38 and 25 years respectively. Terrance graduated from Cal Poly in 2003 with a degree in Psychology. While at Cal Poly, he had the opportunity to serve as a university ambassador as well as working with the admissions office. In 2004, Terrance accepted a position in the admissions office as a recruitment officer. While working in recruitment, Terrance earned his master’s degree at Cal Poly in Educational Leadership and Administration. In 2008, he received the prestigious Top 20 under 40 award. In 2011, Terrance accepted a promotion as the Associate Director of Admissions and was again promoted in 2014 to Director of Admissions and Operations. In his life away from Cal Poly, Terrance enjoys coaching high school basketball at his Alma Mater. He has served as the varsity boys basketball coach since 2006 receiving CIF Coach of the Year in 2011. He has been a lifelong member of the House of Prayer Church of God in Christ. Terrance is married to LeBren Harris (Cal Poly alum) and is the father of twin daughters Jolee and Mikayla Harris. 5
CLASS OF 2015
Ifunanyachuckwu Chidinma Akametalu MAJOR: ECONOMICS, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE CONCENTRATION: ACCOUNTING ORFALEA COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
Ibipo Bukky Babalola
MAJOR: JOURNALISM, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS
Kevin Caesar Britt
MAJOR: SOCIOLOGY, BACHELOR OF ARTS CONCENTRATION: CRIMINAL JUSTICE MINOR: LAW & SOCIETY COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS
Erica Nicole Burns
MAJOR: PSYCHOLOGY, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE CONCENTRATION: COUNSELING & FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS
Xiomara Chavez
MAJOR: EARTH SCIENCES, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE CONCENTRATION: INDIVIDUALIZED COURSE OF STUDY MINOR: SOIL SCIENCE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Kiah Stacey Hauser
MAJOR: BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Kiera Marie Hebert
MAJOR: ANIMAL SCIENCE, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
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CLASS OF 2015
Alexander John Horncliff
MAJOR: KINESIOLOGY, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & MATH
Lorenzo Karon Keeler
MAJOR: COMPARATIVE ETHNIC STUDIES, BACHELOR OF ARTS COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS
Maliik M. Love
MAJOR: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE MINOR: PACKAGING ORFALEA COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
Aspen Demeress Jones Makkar MAJOR: PSYCHOLOGY, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE CONCENTRATION: INDIVIDUALIZED COURSE OF STUDY COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS
Maria Matovu
MAJOR: HISTORY, BACHELOR OF ARTS COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS
Omar Adeniyi Omilabu
MAJOR: KINESIOLOGY, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE CONCENTRATION: INDIVIDUALIZED COURSE OF STUDY MINORS: PSYCHOLOGY & SOCIOLOGY COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & MATH
Sarah Elizabeth Roy
MAJOR: MATHEMATICS, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE CONCENTRATION: MATHEMATICS TEACHING MINOR: COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & MATH
Matthew D. Truss
MAJOR: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE & ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN 7
IFUNANYA AKAMETALU
Economics, Bachelor of Science
When I first arrived to Cal Poly I didn’t know what to expect. All I knew is that I would have to figure out a way to make sure that when I graduated—hopefully in four years—that my parents would be proud of me. My four years here at Poly were very interesting. There were times when I really enjoyed my experience, and there were times when I just hoped for a new day. Going through the motions of college taught me a lot about myself and the people around me. Being at Cal Poly especially opened me up to a wide range of people and personalities. For most of my life, I thought going to college was about getting an education that can lead to a promising future. But being here for four years, I realized that this was only a fraction of what college actually is. College is about the experiences you have and how you grow as a person. I started off as the girl who thought as long as I got good grades then I would be successful in life. Now I am a woman who knows although grades are important, they aren’t everything. I am a woman that knows it takes more than the things you learn in class to make sure you’ll be successful in life. I am a woman that knows the people you meet and surround yourself with in college can have a huge impact on your future. And last, I am a woman that knows there is so much more in life that I don’t know. I want to take this moment to thank the people and organizations that helped shape me into the person I am today. First to my parents who encouraged me to apply to this school, a school I didn’t even know existed. Next I want to thank the friends I made, especially in my SBES family. Next I would like to thank Kris McKinlay on behalf of Orfalea College of Business for supporting me during my time at Cal Poly. I would also like to thank my professors for the role they played in preparing me for my journey post college. And for everyone else that I met during my time here at Cal Poly, I would like to thank you too for being a part of my journey. This is the end of a chapter in my very complex book of life. 8
BUKKY BABALOLA
Journalism, Bachelor of Science
Wow! Somebody pinch me! Is this really happening? My God is good, my God is great! These past four years have been quite the journey. Bitter sweet, but sweeter than bitter because I’ve accomplished so many things and the dedication was definitely worth it. I’d like to give the biggest shout out and thank you to the 4 pillars in my life God, My mommy, my god father , my god mother. You all have sacrificed so much to see me succeed, from the endless prayers, love, and support in all aspects. I did this for you and I owe you all so much. Another shout out to my sisters and brothers in Christ, big uncles and aunties, and my good friends who have been here for me in this journey in one way or the other. (you know who you are) - I love you all. Thank you Cal Poly for the memories made here with my peers. For the molding process of me in my young adulthood. For the opportunity to make a positive name for myself and the village that raised me. Thank you for teaching me to keep on pushing when things seemed impossible. Congratulations to all the graduates. I am blessed and highly favored! “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” Thank you, sincerely, 9
KEVIN BRITT
Sociology, Bachelor of Arts
First off I would like to thank God, without him none of this would be possible. I’m grateful for the two loving and supportive parents I have in my life Kevin and Esther Britt. They’ve always pushed me to excel in life and have raised me with the right work ethic in order to prosper. My parents would tell me everyday that I deserved nothing but the best, whether it came to relationships, jobs, or anything else, they stressed never settle. Attaining a college degree has not only been my biggest goal, but a family goal, my success is our success. Next off I would like to thank my professor for pushing me to think in different perspectives, to always ask questions, and to never give up in what you believe in. Lastly I have to give Cal Poly athletics and more specifically Coach Walsh and the football staff for giving me an opportunity to compete at a collegiate level. They believed I had the drive to not only be successful on the field, but also in the classroom as well. I am truly honored and blessed to be graduating from one of the best Universities in the world, thank you to all who have made this dream possible.
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ERICA BURNS
Psychology, Bachelor of Science
Two years ago when I transferred to Cal Poly two weeks before school started my grandfather died he was my greatest example in Life. He was great a man, and not just a great man but an excellent human being he was an example of love, kindness, hard work, perseverance, dedication commitment, and humbleness. So his passing was a great loss for me I was dealing with housing issues, and had the everyday stresses of being single mother. It was a very stressful time for me I wondered if I should continue with school. I decided to commit myself to my education and be that example for my daughter, and the rest of my family. I’m not going to say it was easy. There were many challenges along the way. Many times I felt isolated because I was a minority on many levels; Black, female, single mother, and older than most. My time here has taught me many lessons, skills, and one thing for sure it has shown me that I am an Overcomer. To all graduates I salute you because you have overcome and made it and I know you will all continue to be overcomers through life’s journey. As Malcom X said “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today”. So let us take this education and be that change we want to see for the future because tomorrow will soon be today. I give honor to God and all glory belongs to Him as Philippians 4:13 says “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me. “I know that it was by His strength that I made it not of my own. I’m forever grateful that He carried me through this. This accomplishment is dedicated to my grandfather Herman Burns, Mama Lily, and Terence Richardson I’m thankful for all they have been to me in my life. I’m thankful for my daughter for always inspiring me and pushing me to be my best. I thank my mother Rachel Roberts and grandmother Lady Burns who have helped me through this journey, and for playing such a crucial role in my baby’s life. I’m thankful to my spiritual mother Sharon Matthews for being there for me always encouraging me to keep on pressing on. I’m thankful to my siblings Joshua and Jessica for their love and support, and all my aunts, uncles, cousins. I’m thankful to Pastor Phillip Reyes Jr. and Pastor Joette Reyes and their entire family for all of their unconditional love for my family and me. I’m grateful for the counselors, professors, and students who have helped me on the way. Shout out to Aspen Makkar we did it girl!!! Thankful to everybody!!! In closing Maya Angelou says” Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.” Congrats and God Bless to all graduates we did it!!!! 11
XIOMARA CHAVEZ
Earth Sciences, Bachelor of Science
I am defiant, I am fearless, I am here, but I cannot forget that without the love and support of my family, friends, and mentors that I would not be here. It has been a long journey but with the grace of God, it has all come to be a wonderful experience to now be called a Cal Poly graduate. Thank you for being there when it counted the most and being a refuge. We did it!
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KIAH HAUSER
Biomedical Engineering, Bachelor of Science
After five long years of hard work and dedication, I can finally say that I am now a college graduate! Words cannot describe how proud I am of myself and all that I have accomplished. Pursuing a degree in Biomedical Engineering has been challenging for me, and although stressful at times, I never stopped telling myself that I am capable of accomplishing anything. I would like to thank all of my friends and family for the support they have always given me. Without your continuous motivation and encouragement I would not have maintained the confidence and drive necessary to get me to where I am today. I love and appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you to all of my siblings for loving me and standing by my side. Thank you for always making me feel important and challenging me to be the best role model I could possibly be. Most importantly I would like to thank my number one supporter, my Mother. Thank you for teaching me by example that success is always possible as long as I continue to strive for what I want. Thank you for reminding me to never let anyone deter me from pursuing my dreams. I have grown so much during these years here at Cal Poly and I have learned so much more about myself. I will never forget the new friends that I have made and the memories and experiences we have made together, for they will always be a part of my amazing journey. Congratulations to all the Cal Poly Graduates. May we all continue to strive for what we want in life. 13
KIERA HEBERT
Animal Science, Bachelor of Science
Thank you, everyone. I really feel like that’s the most important thing I can say: thank you. If not for so many opportunities and so many hands held out, I would have ever become the person I am today. If not for my family’s support, I would have faltered, if not for my friends, I would never have become the person I am today. Cal Poly has been a roller coaster ride of an experience, full of twists and turns and changes in course I never could have foreseen! Four years ago, I thought for sure I knew what I wanted: I was going to be a vet. Today, I’ve realized that my passion lies with helping people, helping students, and that I want to get a degree in counseling. I would have never realized this without the Pride Center, without the MultiCultural Center, without all the friends I’ve made and the challenges I’ve faced here. From a shy and nervous freshman, I’ve become a senior who can stand in front of an audience and give a speech, or run an event, or share news. I am who I am today because of the people who have surrounded me, who have given me a home and arms to shelter me. There is a quote I carry with me these days, as I prepare for life after undergrad and graduate school, one that keeps me going. ‘Good is a thing you do, not a thing you are.’ This place, and all of the people who have made these safe spaces possible, have done good. It’s my honor to step up and take what I’ve learned to do good as well. 14
ALEXANDER HORNCLIFF
Kinesiology, Bachelor of Science
I am a 3rd generation CSU student from Berkeley, CA. As a college student I have been involved with the InterHousing Council, the Cal Poly Track and Field Team, ASI Student Government, the California State Student Association, the InterFraternity Council, my fraternity Lambda Chi Alpha, and many more organizations. I have a large family with 3 siblings and of my siblings am the first to graduate from college. I am incredibly excited to graduate and begin my life with the skills I have learned at Cal Poly!
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LORENZO KEELER
Comparative Ethnic Studies, Bachelor of Arts
My name is Lorenzo Karon Keeler. I was born 11/05/85 in Dallas, Texas. I moved to California soon after and was raised in Escondido, a small city, 30 miles north of San Diego. I attended Escondido High school where I was all state basketball player and MVP of a pair of city championships in 2003 and 2004. I signed a full athletic scholarship to attend Cal Poly in the fall of 2007. My three years at Poly were amazing and full of many memories that will forever remain with me. I was blessed to be able to learn from some of the best professors and build relationships with many awesome people. I received First Team All-Big West honors my senior year and decided to look into the professional basketball options coming my way at that time. I decided to stay close to home and sign with the Cancun Bombers of Cancun, Mexico. Since then, I have spent the last 5 seasons playing all over the Country of Mexico, including: Leon, Guanajuato, Victoria, and Saucillo, Chihuahua, Mexico. I recently returned in March and next up is graduation in June. I look forward to the next chapter of my life! God Bless ya!
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MALIIK LOVE
Industrial Technology, Bachelor of Science
First of all, I would like to take the opportunity to thank God for making all of this possible. It seems like only yesterday that I was moving into the dorms and now I am a graduating fifth year senior. However, I did not get to where I am today without many influential people in my life. From day one, my family has supported me with every decision I have made whether it be good or bad. Thank you for sticking with me! I realize a lot of people are not fortunate enough to have their family’s support so I just want to make sure you know that I have never took your love for granted. To all my collegiate basketball coaches, I also would like to thank you for making that transition from a seventeen year old freshman into a twenty –two year old senior that much easier. One thing that I have realized taking a step back and looking at the larger picture, is that college is what truly molded me. Entering college at such a young age, I had no clue what type of career path I wanted to pursue or how to fully take care of myself being away from home. College is now what has established my connections and networks in order to use in the future. “Success is never accidental”, says Coach Callero (Cal Poly’s very own head basketball coach). In order to reach success, the work must be executed beforehand. My future success will take place because of my college foundation and I am grateful once again
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ASPEN JONES MAKKAR
Psychology, Bachelor of Science
“I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.� – Philippians 4:13
This quote is the reason why I am able to graduate after 5 years of hard work at Cal Poly. My Cal Poly experience has been an interesting one, filled with many ups as wells as downs. I am proud today that I did not give up due to the adversity. My experiences, good as well as bad, have taught me many things and has molded me into the person I am today and me graduating today is one of the many things that I have done with the assistance of Christ, and I must thank him for that. I want to thank my family for supporting me and helping me when I needed it. I especially would like to thank my mother, Ronda Jones. Her knowledge and wisdom has helped me through so many pleasant and not so pleasant times. The decisions she made, I thank you for those self-less acts because I am now able to graduate on time because of them. I would like to thank my best friend, Lanell Lee; the Lord has truly blessed me with one of the most amazing friends anyone could ask for. You were always there for me, to talk whenever I needed and when no one else was there; I am forever grateful for that. I would like to thank Cal Poly Athletics for letting me compete for the years that I did and for teaching me so many life lessons while being a Mustang. I would like to thank one of my Professors, Dr. Pedrotti for all the help and assistance given during class and office hours. You were always so supportive and always actively listened whenever I dropped by. Thank you to everyone who had any part in assisting me while I stand here today. Congratulations to everyone graduating today and much success with your future. 18
MARIA MATOVU
History, Bachelor of Arts
First and foremost I would like thank God for giving me favor, strength and determination throughout my life. I believe it is because of God that I’m here today. I also want to thank my family especially my mother who is my rock and solid foundation. Mom thank you for showing me through actions that there is nothing impossible under the sun and that I can do everything that I need to do to achieve my goals and dreams. Mom your motto “Life is what you make it-if you want to be a queen, build your kingdom”. This motto has helped me break through many barriers and obstacles; it has given confidence and filled me with a zeal for life, and passion for knowledge. I want to thank my brothers Alex and Razaque whose dedication, hard work and passion for knowledge inspired me to do better. Last but not least I want to thank this amazing exceptional institution Cal-Poly whose motto “Learn By Doing” has opened up so many doors for me. I want to thank all professors from the College of Liberal Arts especially the Political Science and History departments who encouraged me to have a critical and analytical mind, especially Dr. John Oriji who inspired me to push above limitations. Ms. Renoda I want to thank you for your passion, patience and compassion. Thank you for creating a place where all Black students can feel at home away from home.
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OMAR OMILABU
Kinesiology, Bachelor of Science
The opportunity to study at this prestigious university is nothing short of a blessing. In my time here I have made a great deal of accomplishments both athletically and academically. I without a doubt have grown from my experiences here at Cal Poly. I have gotten out of my comfort zone became wiser and above all else I have made great connections and friendships that will last a lifetime. I have a long list of people to thank for my success for my success here at Cal Poly. I would like to first and foremost thank my family for my unique upbringing. They made me aware of the all the opportunities that life entails as well as the harsh realities. This balance has given me the strength and determination to be successful in all that I can. I thank my mother Dionne for her unquestionable love for me. I thank my father Michael for having only the highest aspirations for me. I thank my big sister Dana and brother Lateef for their wise ways and unrivaled knowledge. They are my confidants, best friends and are there for me always. To my grandmother and grandfather thank you for laying the frame work for my family and watching over me from above. I would like to extend a thank you to all the friends I have made here at poly as well as the staff. There is such a long list of people that have had a positive effect on me here at poly that I cannot possibly name everyone but with that said I would like to thank Dr. Camille O’Bryant, Renoda Campbell, and Theressa Fagouri for all playing instrumental roles in my success. As this undergraduate journey concludes I want to congratulate my peers for their success and wish them a prosperous life that without a doubt entails greatness. 20
SARAH ROY
Mathematics, Bachelor of Science
On June 13, 2011, I graduated from high school, and on June 13, 2015, exactly four years later, I will be graduating from college. It’s amazing to me how quickly these last four years have gone by. I visited San Luis Obispo the summer before my senior year of high school having never heard of Cal Poly. However, when I got here I felt like this was where I belonged. Attending PolyCultural Weekend and seeing that a cultural community existed in Cal Poly really sealed the deal, and I knew that I could feel at home here. When people would ask me why I chose Cal Poly I told them it just felt right although I didn’t know why. Now I know that it was God calling me here to communities of like-minded believers, approachable faculty, and equally motivated peers that could give me the support necessary for me to successfully get to this point. I want to thank my parents for always being there for me and teaching me that hard work and motivation is imperative to success. They were there to comfort me and encourage me when I called home crying over my first failed test and they were there to celebrate with me every time I made the dean’s list. Really, I think they were more excited about it than I was. I also want to thank all those who prayed me through these past four years. I made it here largely thanks to you. I am so grateful for the opportunities that have been made available in my time here at Cal Poly. I have been allowed to share my love for singing with others through participating in Cal Poly choirs each quarter and leading worship at SLO Cru for the past two years. I’ve been able to see other parts of the world through the Cal Poly in London study abroad experience. I have made lifelong friends and I am excited to see what the future holds. Finally I want to share with you the scripture that helped me through many times of difficulty in my time here. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. –Philippians 4:6-7 Here’s to you Cal Poly, you will always be in my heart!
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MATTHEW TRUSS
Construction Management, Bachelor of Science
Matthew Truss came from Chicago, IL as a Freshmen to Cal Poly, majoring in architecture which would later extend to a minor in construction management, and then eventually transition to a construction management major. During his freshmen year he became involved SBES as an active member and would later serve as the Secretary, and then Programs Chair. In his second year, he joined a team of Student Assistants for the MultiCultural Center and helped plan events and discussions such as Dia De Los Muertos and Cross Cultural Meetings for the campus community. From those endeavors, he was chosen to speak as a student perspective on a panel for a past Diversity Colloquium to the San Luis Obispo community. He has also served as a student representative in the Inclusive Excellence Council, is a brother of Theta Chi fraternity, and currently finished a two year term as the Liaison for the College of Architecture and Environmental Design Ambassadors after three years of service. Work experience includes an internship in Chicago for architecture firm Perkins and Will, a couple years working for his State Representative in the same city, an internship in San Jose for Cupertino Electric, and is currently exploring a couple options for the upcoming summer.
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A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE 2015 BLACK COMMENCEMENT SPONSORS & DONORS The Cultural Commencement Funding has been established to compliment the funding for Cultural Commencement programs (LGBTQIA, Chicano/Latina, Asian Pacific Islander, American Indian and Black Commencements) sponsored by student clubs and Cultural Associations recognized by Cal Poly during the academic year, with the expectation that the balance of funding for the commencement events will come from the students, their respective Associations or supportive departments. The funding is sponsored by Cal Poly Academic Leadership: Office of the President Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Vice President for Administration and Finance Vice President for University Advancement Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs 23
SPECIAL THANKS TO Cultural Commencement Committee
Office of University Diversity & Inclusivity
Student Academic Services
Interim Provost & Dean Philip & Dr. Christina Bailey
College of Science & Math
Cal Poly Black Alumni Association
Black Faculty & Staff Association
Scott Cutler Designs (?)
Renoda Campbell Photography
Conference & Event Planning
Connections for Academic Success
Robert E. Kennedy Library
Juliette Duke
Renoda Campbell 24
BLACK COMMENCEMENT COMMITTEE
This event would not have taken place without the dedication from the Black Commencement committee members. We would like to acknowledge the following graduating class members: Ifunanya Akametalu
Kiera Hebert
Bukky Babalola
Maria Matovu
Xiomara Chavez
Renoda Campbell (advisor)
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We are very proud of you! 26
Class of 2015
Congratulations on your achievements!
We are very proud of you and wish you the best of success and happiness.
CClege of Science and Mathematics 27
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Class of 2015
Congratulations on your accomplishments. Pioneer. Pride. Power.
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Black Graduates Class of 2015 Congratulations!
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PIONEER • PRIDE • POWER 33
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