Student Club Honors Black Graduates With First In-Person Celebration

For the third consecutive year—and for the first time in person—the Black Student Union (BSU) at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) celebrated the accomplishments of the School’s Black graduates in a moving and joyous graduation event.

The festivities, which featured speeches, food, and music, took place on May 24 at the CUNY SPS campus and recognized the impressive achievements of the School’s Black graduates, many of whom are first-generation college students.

Since the BSU gatherings in previous years were entirely virtual, graduates were thrilled to have the option to celebrate in person. Approximately 45 people—including soon-to-be graduates and their families—attended the in-person ceremony, while an additional 42 participants joined the festivities via Zoom.

The evening opened with welcoming remarks from BSU’s Meetings and Programming Chair, Asantee Mitchell (BA Disability Studies). In her opening statement, Mitchell reflected on the various successes and growth of the BSU, including the group’s many community-building projects the past year, and shared her excitement for the group’s future.

After Mitchell, BSU Administration Co-Chair Gabriella Faddool (MA Disability Studies) introduced the evening’s keynote speaker, Dr. Claudia Schrader, president of CUNY’s Kingsborough Community College (KCC).

Dr. Schrader took to the podium and delivered uplifting remarks for the assembled guests. During her moving speech, she offered words of advice while reminding graduates of their social responsibility.

“As far as I'm concerned, the Black Student Union you belong to is a chapter of a much bigger movement. So your commitment, beyond being a student in the BSU, is to continue to learn, engage, and spread awareness of the issues affecting our community.” Dr. Schrader said. “Since the aim of the BSU is to create a platform for Black students to be able to achieve greatness for years to come, then you are charged with helping others beyond CUNY SPS and the spaces that you occupy to achieve greatness in the years ahead.”

In online remarks following the keynote speech, Interim Dean Jorge Silva-Puras echoed Dr. Schrader’s comments and challenged students to give back. “It is essential for you to keep in mind: what can you do in the future?” Silva-Puras continued, “A lot is going to be expected of you now. Think of ways in which you can give back. You have been given an opportunity for a great education. How can you pay it forward?”

Continuing with the online portion of the event, the BSU next offered a slide presentation of the over 60 graduates who chose to participate and their respective degrees.

Following this, Michael Gilbert, BSU club advisor and Black Male Initiative coordinator, offered congratulations and acknowledged the BSU executive team’s diligence and hard work in planning the evening’s festivities. Final closing remarks came from BSU Special Initiatives and Networking Chair, Kpana Kpoto (MA Disability Studies).

After the event, Mitchell reflected on the night and the profound impact of Dr. Schrader’s keynote address.

“The highlight of the Black graduation was hearing Dr. Claudia Schrader’s inspiring speech, telling the graduates that they can be whoever they desire to be. She is a living example of success,” Mitchell said.

She also noted approvingly of the support the BSU received from the School’s community. “Since this was our first of many hybrid graduations, it was also an honor to have the support of the Student Association, faculty, and staff in making sure this celebration was something to remember. It was my personal privilege to watch the Black Student Union graduates walk across the commencement graduation stage with our special BSU cords. I will forever be grateful to the BSU executive board team and the BSU committee.”

To see more photos of this and other commencement celebrations, please visit the CUNY SPS blog.

About the CUNY School of Professional Studies

As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.

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