African Student Programs

Fatimah Bint Sadiq Abdulmateen

B.A. in political science/administration studies

“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I intended to be.” — Douglas Adams

Destinee Adams

B.A. in dance

“Learning is never done without errors and defeat.” — Vladimir Lenin

“Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” — Christian D. Larson

Oladunni Semande Agbaosi

B.A. in psychology

Through it all, God came through.

Mmiliaku Agu

B.A. in global studies; minor in marketing

I would not be here without my parents, siblings, and friends’ continuous support and love. You all are my motivation. Thank you! UCR, it’s been real.

Omoshalewa Alabi

B.S. in environmental sciences

Thank you to all of my family and friends who supported me throughout this journey. Here’s to a new chapter!

Eric Christian Atkinson

Ph.D. in english

“Without struggle there is no progress.” — Frederick Douglass

Tiana Leslie Catchings

B.S. in biology

To my friends and family that support me, make me smile, and bring me joy — a big THANK YOU! I am forever grateful for your love and encouragement.

Pierre CéArc

B.A. in global studies

The funny thing is, it was seeing everyone else's success that drove me forward. So, here's to YOUR success!!!

Maya Currie

B.S. in biology

I’m so grateful for the love and support that I’ve received these past 4 years from my family and friends. You’ve helped get me to this point. I made it!

Yssis Davis

B.S. in psychology

Congratulations to my fellow Black scholars. Let us all move forward with grace and power.

Edidiong Etokudo

B.S. in chemical engineering

“Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” — Malcolm X

Demetrius Eulingbourgh

B.A. in African American studies

I will forever hold you near and dear to my heart. You brought me the most sincere friends I've ever had. Each day I thank God for these people who have supported me through university life!

Tonia Falowo

M.A. in education; multiple subject credential

With hard work, resilience, and focus, I have finally accomplished my dreams. Thank you to my mom and dad for the endless support. I love you!

Precious Fasakin

B.A. in economics; B.A. in anthropology (double major)

“Human compassion is equal to human cruelty, and it is up to each of us to tip the balance.” — Alice Walker

Isaiah Grant

B.S. in biochemistry

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” — Arthur Ashe

I strived to be better than yesterday and now I made it!

Kaitylyn Hall

B.A. in history; B.A. in education (double major)

To God be the glory! Congratulations class of 2021, we made it despite every odd! I'm beyond grateful for the love I have received in my short time at UCR.

Kourtney Hardy

B.S. in biology

Remember to enjoy the present while you plan for the future!

Candice Hayes

B.A. in psychology

Thank you to everyone who supported me on the journey to get my degree!

Mar Helire

B.A. in political science; minor in African American studies

I worked & prayed & got the GPA! Oooo-oop

Melat Hunegnaw

B.S. in biology

I am forever grateful to my family who has been my rock while on this journey. Also thankful for my friends and everyone who has supported me along the way. ❤️

Sheila Irungu

B.A. political science/international affairs

“The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you’re very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all be humble.” — Serena Williams

Mariam Jenkins

B.A. media and cultural studies; minor in international relations

Thank you ASP and the entire Black community at UCR for enriching my college experience. The memories I've made with you all are ones I will always cherish <3.

William Jahi Jenkins

B.A. in political science

“For there is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it. If only we're brave enough to be it.” — Amanda Gorman

Zurie Joseph

B.S. in business administration (cum laude)

“I stand for girls wanting to be sexy but also having a strong sense of themselves. Shake it! Who cares? That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be graduating from college.” — Nicki Minaj

Brandon King

B.S. in business administration

This degree almost killed me, but I made it.

Akciree Knight

B.A. in psychology

Thank you to my mom for always supporting me in every decision. My sisters Ericka, Heather, and Tiffany for being my backbone. You are my village.

Ericka Knight

B.A. in psychology

Thank you to my loved ones for constantly supporting me. Without you all, I wouldn't have been able to be here today. Cheers to becoming history makers!

Hanna Leka

B.S. in anthropology; minor in media and cultural studies

Thankful to God, my family, and all the connections I've made in this space. Black leaders are the future!

Shalae Lewis

B.A. in public policy

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” — Malcolm X

Brandon Lukwago

B.S. in biology

“He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.” — Friedrich Nietzsche

Kaleigh Morgan

B.A. in psychology

“She's your Queen-to-be. A vision of perfection. An object of affection. To quench your royal fire.” — Oha (“Coming to America”)

Glaydah Namukasa

M.F.A. in creative writing/fiction

As a writer, you are in constant competition with yourself — the writer in you who keeps writing, and the one who doesn't write.

Gisele Njoh Njoh

B.A. in music/performance

Always live authentically.

Chris Page

B.S. in business administration

You don’t get any do-overs in life, and tomorrow isn’t guaranteed — so make the most out of every opportunity in front of you.

Simone Palmer

B.A in liberal studies

I finished by the Grace of God!

Marivel Palone

B.A. in history/law and society

“I am America. I am the part you won’t recognize. But get used to me. Black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own; get used to me.” — Muhammad Ali

Michael Paster

B.A. in education; B.A. in sociology (double major)

Congratulations past self, you kept at it! Believe in yourself in the future, too. Thanks everyone who had my back. Let's go!!!! #AbolishThePolice #BlackLivesMatter #FreePalestine

Violetta Price

B.A. African American studies

Most of all, I want my daughter Aja to be proud of me. I hope that I continue to make you proud.

Nicole Margaret Radden

B.A. in public policy

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans: Proverbs 16:3

It was a long journey but we made it, together! #GAMF! I love you, Mom!

Azmir Ransom

B.A. in political science; minor in sociology

“There is no such thing as failure. Failure is just life trying to move us in another direction.” — Oprah Winfrey

Deidre Reyes

B.A. in public policy

Thank you family and friends for holding me down. Thank you UCR Staff, Faculty, ASP, SPP, CSP, Alumni Center, Basic Needs, The Well, and UCR Honors for believing in me and supporting me.

Chiree Rice-Coplin

B.S. in business administration/marketing

I want to thank my mom and my family for always believing in me and for pushing me to never give up! I love you all! The marathon continues!

Alaysia Roberson

B.A. in psychology

I just want to thank God and all my family and friends who helped me get through these four years! I did it! ??

Halle Sam-Boudreau

B.A. in economic administration; concentration in marketing; minor in french literature and language

“There’s beauty in the struggle, ugly in the success.” — J. Cole

Robin Sanford

B.A. in African American studies

To my Dad (who is in the background on the left) — Thank you for always expressing how proud of me you were and believing in me. This one is for you.

Nathan Sapong

B.S. in mechanical engineering

“Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.” – Kofi Annan

Keemia Savage

B.A. in psychology

My time at UCR has been filled with memories. Thank you to my friends and family for making it special.

Christina Scott

B.A. in anthropology

Are you living or just existing? We living ya'll; we DID IT!

Ibrahima Sene

B.S. in business administration/finance

I am grateful to everyone who helped me achieve this goal.

Rita F. Tesfai

We stand on the shoulders of giants. I've had many people shape my thinking. Although I can't pay them back, I will pay it forward. I'm grateful for the support, learning, mentorship, and community.

Ariana Turner

B.A. in theater, film, and digital production; minor in Spanish; B.A. in media and cultural studies

Andrea Waring-Gaines

B.A. in art history

I couldn't have done any of this without the love and support of my family.

Coranae Washington

B.A. in music

Favor ain’t fair, but it feels good! I love you mom. I recognize you daddy. Power and love to you.

Cameron Westmoreland

B.A. in music; concentration in composition

Thank you mom and dad for fully supporting me throughout college and even to grad school. I would not be here without you.

Kaitlyn Ania Wiltshire

B.A. in linguistics

“We may live in an age of instant messaging, instant gratification, and Instagram, but there is no way to short circuit the path to success.” — Tory Burch

Charles Woods

B.S. in applied science and engineering

“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein