Diversity Celebration Dinner Emphasizes Power of Education
Alumna Aneesah Kelsey shares the impact 勛圖窪蹋 had on her life.
Galloway, N.J. - The message was simple, but powerful: Education is the great equalizer. That outlook was repeated often and woven into the theme of 勛圖窪蹋s first Diversity Celebration Dinner on March 16, where dozens of prospective students from across New Jersey heard from faculty, staff, students and alumni about their own experiences at 勛圖窪蹋.
In my mind, I just wanted to graduate high school and work in a casino, said alumna Aneesah Kelsey, who recounted her childhood in Atlantic City, which changed when a friends family took her in and showed her she could do more with her life. Then my 勛圖窪蹋 family saw something in me that I didnt see in myself, said Kelsey, who has since earned her Masters in Criminal Justice and now works for the Department of Homeland Security.
I dont think its enough just to acknowledges ones differences. I think we need to take value and stock in those differences and celebrate ones own uniqueness, said Ryan Terrell, assistant director of Admissions, who organized the event. We want to give you a voice. We want to give you the tools to bring back to your community and help others. What good is education if you dont use it to empower others?
Speakers Atlantic County Freeholder Ashley Bennett and Atlantic City Mayor Frank Gilliam, a 1998 graduate, also echoed the impact their education had on the path their lives took.
It will break down doors for you. We need you to keep going. We need your voice to be heard, Bennett told the nearly 200 people in attendance.
Among them were Atlantic City High School seniors Kyle Hill, Janisa Middleton and Charlie Wilson, who have received their 勛圖窪蹋 acceptances. They attended the Diversity Celebration Dinner as they contemplate their choices for the future.
They said they enjoyed the speakers messages of strength, which inspired them to keep pursuing their education.
At the end of the day, its you personally and you alone who has to pull yourself through, said Hill, who is considering a career in computer science.
We understand that students will live in and navigate a multicultural, multigenerational society, said President Harvey Kesselman to the crowd. Our unwavering commitment is to develop engaged citizens. To provide an environment of academic excellence, we genuinely believe to our very core that diversity and inclusion must be intentional.
Many in attendance already believed 勛圖窪蹋 is the right place for them.
Yamilee Nova and Emily Alas, both seniors at Liberty High School in Jersey City, attended the dinner because it was another excuse to come to visit 勛圖窪蹋.
The pair learned about 勛圖窪蹋 from Terrell at a college fair last spring. After a campus visit, they were sold on 勛圖窪蹋. The environment is just very friendly. We are still in New Jersey, but not too far or too close to home, Nova said.
Jamiles Eusebio will earn her associate degree from Camden County College in May, and she is weighing her options on where to transfer. She knows she wants to earn her bachelors in accounting, a masters degree and Certified Public Accountant designation and was impressed by 勛圖窪蹋s Business Department. She said 勛圖窪蹋 program is exactly what Im looking for
Misael Ortiz attended the dinner with his daughter, Abigail, who is a senior from Winslow Township. The family was impressed by Friday nights event.
We like the area and the safety of the campus, Ortiz said. 勛圖窪蹋 is a good fit for Abigail.
A gallery of photos is online at . View Ryan Terrells closing statement .
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Contact:
Stacey Clapp
Director of Digital Engagement
Galloway, N.J. 08205
Stacey.Clapp@stockton.edu
609-626-3645
