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Alumni Spotlight

The MEC Alumni Spotlight highlights and recognizes, on a monthly basis, outstanding MEC alumni for their success as leaders in their professional fields and for the impact they have had, and will continue to have on society and their profession. MEC alumni spotlight is a source of inspiration for today’s college students.

Nominate your fellow Cougar for the Alumni Spotlight series! Contact Marsha Escayg at 718-270-6984 or complete the form and email it to alumni@mec.cuny.edu.

Why did you choose to attend Medgar Evers College?

CUNY was not my first option. I was granted a partial scholarship to St. Peters College and decided not to attend because I could not afford the entire tuition. I attended Medgar Evers College after I became a student at CUNY John Jay College where I set out to pursue a degree in Forensic Psychology. I realized rather quickly that I did not want to further my studies in that discipline and decided to take the semester off to work, save money, and figure out my next move. During that time, I knew school was a huge priority and I happened to stumble upon Medgar Evers College one day while visiting a friend in the neighborhood. With a strong sense of urgency, I decided to enroll, and the rest is history.

What is one of your favorite memories, classes, professors, or activities while attending MEC?

My favorite memory at MEC was attending The New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus with The Student Government Association in 2016 when Frederick Howard was the President and Jonathan Maitre was a member. Maitre convinced me to attend the trip and to this day I appreciate that experience and the long-lasting relationships that came after.

How has your education at MEC influenced or helped you in your life and career?

MEC taught me the academic skills, as well as the soft skills needed to succeed in both life and business. In graduate school, I was able to compete academically with students who attended much larger institutions. Never did I feel inadequate academically to my peers, in fact, I felt over-prepared in many ways. I also learned what it meant to be committed to a cause, and the benefits of teamwork, work ethic, and problem-solving.

What are one or two of your proudest professional or personal accomplishments that occurred after graduating from MEC in which your education played a role?

After graduating from Medgar Ever College, I attended Brooklyn College to pursue a master’s in political science with a concentration in political theory. I was extremely prepared for those experiences due to my undergraduate experiences. I was able to handle the academic rigor of graduate school and it was there I realized how much MEC prepared me to go further. Shortly thereafter, I went on to become an Executive Chamber Intern for Governor Cuomo which set the stage for me to get employment immediately after graduation with SUNY Global Center.

What piece of professional advice would you give your fellow MEC alumni and current students?

Get involved! The beauty of Medgar Evers College is its size. We have the unique ability to build intimate relationships with faculty, staff, and students. I have created long-lasting relationships at MEC that continue to have a positive impact on my future. Great people come out of Medgar Evers College and do amazing things in their communities and the world. Continue to build relationships through volunteering, joining and creating clubs, and getting involved with SGA. You will learn great skills through your experiences and build a SOLID Network.

Full Name: Hermelene Thomas
Graduation Year: 2015
Major: Social Work, Child Welfare
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Current Professional Title: Social Worker- Client Care Coordinator
Name of Employer: Urban Strategies Inc- Fannie Barnes Residence

What is one of your favorite memories, classes, professors, or activities while attending MEC?

Being a member of the Social Work Club, the professors were always prepared, available, and supportive of my needs.

How has your education at Medgar Evers College influenced or helped you in your life and career?

Social services have been a part of my life for a very long time, and I wanted it to continue on a professional level. I decided to pursue a career in social work because of my desire to see others succeed in fulfilling their potential and make a positive difference in people’s lives. The one thing I have always known I would do in my life is help people. My education from Medgar Evers College and the experiences I have gained are extremely transferable.

What are one or two of your proudest professional or personal accomplishments that occurred after graduating from MEC in which your education played a role?

My proudest moments are bringing a smile to my clients who have been through complex, traumatic, and stressful experiences. I serve vulnerable populations and people who are at risk in the Brooklyn, New York area. Helping that person or child to discover healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships with others, and know that they are safe is my proudest achievement. I have adopted the philosophy: “Where there is a broken child there is always a broken caregiver or a parent.”

What piece of professional advice would you give your fellow MEC alumni and current students?

Stay true to the profession you pursue and give it your best. The reward is bountiful when your client’s eyes light up because of your help. To current students, please be diligent with your studies and consider graduate school and beyond. “Life is like a camera. If you missed the first shot, continue and take another and another, until you get the perfect shot.” So too, is your education.

Full Name: Dr. Johnathan D. Culpepper
Graduation Year: Major(s): Environmental Science and Chemistry
Minor: Mathematics, English, and Art
Hometown: Trinidad and Tobago, and Brooklyn NYC
Current Professional Title: Materials Development Scientist
Name of Employer: Corning Incorporated

Why did you choose to attend Medgar Evers College?
I chose to attend Medgar Evers College for several reasons. I sought after a campus culture that I identified with since I am from the Caribbean and an institution with a standard for academic excellence. Furthermore, I chose MEC to explore interdisciplinary studies, play NCCA Basketball and grow as a visual artist.

What is one of your favorite memories, classes, professors, or activities while attending MEC?
Some of my favorite memories at MEC were playing every sport our college participated in Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, and Track and Field. Here, I competed regionally at a high level within each sport, while being able to have the freedom as a student to conduct research that was the inception of my confidence as an independent researcher. Moreover, I had the opportunity to design several fashion show set designs, illustrate the front cover of a Pearson publication limited edition art history textbook cover.

How has your education at Medgar Evers College influenced or helped you in your life and career?
Today, I am a practicing chemist and engineer. The training I received in Mathematics, Speech, English Writing, and the sciences, such as chemistry in research and laboratory safety and best practices, have all provided a foundation I built upon in graduate studies and currently in my professional career.

What are one or two of your proudest professional or personal accomplishments that occurred after graduating from MEC in which your education played a role?
Being awarded the prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, the National GEM Consortium Graduate Fellowship, achieving both a master’s degree with a thesis in Civil and Environmental Engineering and a Ph.D. degree with a focus in Inorganic Chemistry all within seven years while being a husband and a father.

What piece of professional advice would you give your fellow MEC alumni and current students?
Never hesitate to craft S.M.A.R.T (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based) short-term and long-term goals in your personal and professional lives. Don’t stop there. Always do your research to know exactly what it takes to get from one position to the next, and then as you strive towards your goals, reflect, and re-strategize. Make this an intentional yet iterative process. Moreover, never forget to help someone else along the way!

Full Name: Robert Tressler
Graduation Year: June 2018
Major: Major in Business
Hometown: Riverhead, NY
Current Professional Title: CX Quality Assurance Analyst
Name of Employer: Robinhood Markets

Why did you choose to attend Medgar Evers College?

I went to college at 25 and did not have the best high school track record. Medgar Evers College took me in and gave me the opportunity for an education. I chose Medgar Evers College for the practicality, as I lived just across Prospect Park in Windsor Terrace so it made my commute practical, especially via bicycle or car. I initially went to college to study Physical Therapy and with MEC having a relationship with SUNY Downstate College’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, firmed my decision to attend the College.

What is one of your favorite memories, classes, professors, or activities while attending Medgar Evers College as a student?

Reflecting on my time at MEC, I realize I had some incredible experiences that are now great memories. The four professors that stand out the most are Professor Simon Best, Professor Tobias Pinckney, Professor Norman Loftis, and Professor Dennis Hall. Between them all, I had thought-provoking discussions, challenges that improved me academically, sparking me to get involved in school club activities.

How has your education at Medgar Evers College influenced or helped you in your life and career?

It opened doors to opportunities and a promising future that before MEC, was not possible. It opened the door to my internship at Data Capital Management, along with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, where I was offered and accepted my first job out of college to begin my career in Finance. The education itself, specifically, taught me how to think critically and make thoughtful decisions in each aspect of my life.

What are one or two of your proudest professional or personal accomplishments that occurred after graduating from MEC in which your education played a role?

There have been many professional moments that stand out, with the first being offered a job at J.P. Morgan Securities. Before having a college education, I would apply for many roles with little success in landing interviews, and these were for roles that did not require a college education. In addition to that, Morgan Stanley had contacted me about a position with their company as well. The proud moment comes from the feeling of being considered by historically prestigious firms such as these. I’m proud to have achieved my current role with Robinhood, which was a startup when I first joined in April of 2020 and is a very different experience from J.P. Morgan. I realized I can operate successfully in a fast-paced ever-changing work environment.

What piece of professional advice would you give your fellow MEC alumni?

While at college, take advantage of the resources available to you. For example, if you’re in the School of Business, take advantage of the opportunities available in the Business Office in the S-building. Regarding professional advice, I have three things to share: 1) Show up, 2) Put your best foot forward, and 3) Respect your boundaries. Here is what those three things mean- Show up and be present every day at work. While you’re there, put your best foot forward every day. Respect your boundaries with any employer and what I mean by that is that burnout is real; be mindful of the value of your time and energy. There will always be more work to be done, regardless of your level of effort given on a task, so be mindful of your time and energy.

Full Name: Franzeska Sampson
Graduation Year: 2014
Major(s) & Minor(s): Social Work
Hometown: Born in Guyana; Currently live in Queens, NY
Current Professional Title: Social Work Professor
Name of Employer: Medgar Evers College (Social Work Department) & Grand Canyon University (College of Humanities)

Why did you choose to attend Medgar Evers College?

I chose Medgar Evers College because it was where I felt I belonged. I embraced the diversity of the student population and the professors who nurtured my growth and development in my educational journey. Before attending Medgar, I enrolled at another University, and I felt lost; I was disengaged with my peers and professors and did not do my best work.

What is one of your favorite memories, classes, professors, or activities while attending Medgar Evers College as a student?

Some of my favorite memories include serving on the Social Work Club as the vice president. The club provided student advocacy opportunities, building connections with fellow social work students and professors, and networking. I enjoyed having lunch meetings with my colleagues in the different areas of the college. Most notably are the memories and lifelong relationships I’ve built with many. One of my favorite classes was Spirituality with Professor McQueen. This class put the focus on the student, working on the self, and doing internal work.

How has your education at Medgar Evers College influenced or helped you in your life and career?

In life, a strong foundation is everything. Medgar has a student population that faces many challenges, diversities and is at a disadvantage. Being a part of this population was my initial preparation for the social work field. The professors in the social work department exhibited empathy and a listening ear when needed. They went above and beyond the classroom. This action prepared me to work with populations such as youths in foster care and homeless families. Often, clients just need a listening ear. After they receive this, the work will come. Finally, being a former student of Social Work sparked my interest in returning to Medgar to demonstrate my positive experiences to current students.

What are one or two of your proudest professional or personal accomplishments that occurred after graduating from MEC in which your education played a role?

Being able to return to Medgar and work as a professor is a blessing, a joy, and a significant accomplishment. Also, I am currently a doctoral candidate at Grand Canyon University and anticipate graduating in 2022. I reflect on myself often as a young girl coming from the Caribbean and surpassing all expectations, even my own. There is still more work to be done, but I am blessed to have these significant accomplishments thus far.

What piece of professional advice would you give your fellow MEC alumni?

It is essential to stay connected, network, and collaborate. Staying connected does not mean you have to become an employee or faculty at the college. Staying connected can be doing a presentation for a selected class, starting a scholarship fund, volunteering, educating current students on different career paths, and many other areas. The educational and information component is relevant to students entering a field that an alumnus is currently employed in.

Full Name: Robert George Graves
Graduation Year: 1975
Major: Economics
Minor: Economics
Hometown: Born and raised in Brooklyn. Currently resides in Riverdale, Bronx, NY
Current Professional Title: Retired
Name of Employer: Last position, Special Events Planner City of New York in 2014

Why did you choose to attend Medgar Evers College?

The decision to attend Medgar Evers College was actually made for me. As a returning Vietnam Veteran, I went up to the Harlem State Office Building to interview for a job as an NYC Transit Conductor. I was selected from 100 interviewees because I was the only one dressed in a suit and tie for success. The interviewer insisted that I fill out an application for Medgar Evers College, but I insisted that if he gave it to me, I would fill it out and mail it when I got home. He could tell I would have tossed the application in the first trash can I found, and he was correct. I don’t remember that gentleman’s name, but he saw something different about me that I didn’t see about myself. The rest, as they say, is history.

What is one of your favorite memories, classes, professors, or activities while attending Medgar Evers College as a student?

My favorite memory was meeting Dr. Levy Elzy, Jr., in core 101 in the English Prep class required for all incoming freshmen. He was just dynamic, and he made an entrance that you couldn’t forget. I knew that I would learn a lot from Dr. Elzy. He became my mentor and a lifelong friend. When he retired, I was the keynote speaker at his ceremony.

My favorite classes were creative writing and business writing. I love to write and have always been a good writer.

My favorite activities were going to the school basketball games and school dances. We had a good team, and I had a fantastic group of friends that bonded for life. Many of us have lost touch by moving out of state and just life in general. However, I am still in touch with my best friend, Les; we talk on our cell phone every night. Another friend James, I lost touch with, but he heard about my retirement party and was there. We hadn’t seen each other or talked with each other in 41 years. Now we connect on Facebook and at Alvin Ailey concerts.

How has your education at Medgar Evers College influenced or helped you in your life and career?

My education at MEC exposed me to many things that I would never have been exposed to at another college. Dr. Elzy took our class to the Harlem Securities Company, and we met and heard from Black Stock Brokers. Most of us didn’t know there were any. Also, we visited the Federal Reserve Bank in Lower Manhattan and got to see some of our gold reserves up close and personal. I graduated Cum Laude, which helped me to get into graduate school at the New School for Social Research.

What are one or two of your proudest professional or personal accomplishments that occurred after graduating from MEC in which your education played a role?

I was asked to participate in several career days at MEC and speak to graduating seniors by Dr. Levy Elzy Jr. I was also asked to speak before several classes taught by Dr. Levy Elzy Jr. and Dr. Margaret Baird Baker- Green. The students were very interested in what the real world of work was like.

I served on the Board of Directors for the New York Personnel Managers Association for many years. I also shared the Employee Benefits Discussion Group for the NYPMA.

I also served on the Alumni Board of Directors of Medgar Evers College. We raised money for academic scholarships for students. They had to meet three criteria, good grades, community service, and letters of recommendation from two professors.

I began working for the City of New York in 1991, after working at Black Enterprise for 19 years. My last position at Black Enterprise was that of Human Resources Director and I was the first HR Director for the company. My undergraduate and graduate degrees played a pivotal role in my starting out at the managerial level for the city of New York.

What piece of professional advice would you give your fellow MEC alumni?

Learn as much as you can about your chosen profession. Obtain as many professional degrees as are necessary for you to be the best and brightest. Look at every opportunity, good or not, as an experience and learn from it. Know your worth. Never settle if you don’t have to.

Full Name: Ovid S. Barrow
Graduation Year: 1995
Major: Biology
Hometown: Georgetown Guyana adopted hometown Brooklyn USA
Current Professional Title: Site Medical Director
Name of Employer: Emory Hillandale Hospital

Why did you choose to attend Medgar Evers College?

I was fortunate that Medgar Evers College choose me. MEC was the closest local college and I walked into the school with no intentions of attending College and the rest is history.

What is one of your favorite memories, classes, professors, or activities while attending Medgar Evers College as a student?

My favorite memories are rejuvenating the Medgar Evers Science Association and creating Island Brothers & Sisters Inc. My favorite teachers were Professor Nana Hagan ( Biology) and Dr. John A. Gibbs (Chemistry).

How has your education at Medgar Evers College influenced or helped you in your life and career?

Most definitely! I took the gamble of returning to college and it paid off.

What are one or two of your proudest professional or personal accomplishments that occurred after graduating from MEC in which your education played a role?

Being Board Certified in Internal Medicine and becoming the Medical Director at Emory Hillandale Hospital.

What piece of professional advice would you give your fellow MEC alumni?

Pay now, fly later.

Full Name: Elease A. Wiggins
Graduation Year: 2008 (AA) 2009 (BPS)
Major: Applied Management
Minor: Public Administration
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Current Professional: CEO and Doctoral Student at Felician University
Self-Employed: EAW Enterprises

Why did you choose to attend Medgar Evers College?

I chose to attend Medgar Evers College because I was at a crossroad. I knew I needed to do more with my life. However, at the time I did not know how. The location was convenient. It just divinely worked out because attending Medgar Evers College saved and improved the quality of my life.

What is one of your favorite memories, classes, professors, or activities while attending Medgar Evers College as a student?

One of my favorite memories is working with all the members of Student Government Association. In those relationships, I learned that when students unite and organize, they can make progressive changes not just in the college but in the surrounding community alike.

I remember taking a summer economics course with professor Dr. U. She not only taught us about economics, but she also shared her sacrifices and success as a mother. This showed me that it is possible for me to be successful in my career and as a mother.

As a SEEK student, I loved working with students, faculty, staff, administrators, and community organizations in hosting coat and food drives during the holidays. Also, the SEEK program provided me with my first position in higher education.

How has your education at Medgar Evers College influenced or helped you in your life and career?

Since graduating from Medgar, I have accumulated titles such as, Speaker, Author, College Professor, Consultant, Personal Development Coach, Trainer, Entrepreneur, Chaplain, and Philanthropist in my career. My Medgar education has ignited a spirit of social justice within me. In my Public Administration course, Professor Pursoo said to us on the last day of class: “Now that you know, you can’t not know, so what are you going to do about it?” So, with the support and resources I received from the COPE program in 2015, I self-published a personal development book entitled, A Farewell to Welfare: 25 Strategies to Freedom, Independence and Prosperity. This book provides strategies for individuals transitioning from being dependent on welfare and discouraged to being empowered, and independent. Then in August of 2018, I founded Communities Promoting Reading (CPR). CPR is a non-profit organization that supports intergenerational family literacy by providing resources to low-income student parents in GED & ESL programs. I am currently a doctoral student at Felician University studying counseling psychology. My research interest is the administration of mental health services to underrepresented and marginalized populations.

What are one or two of your proudest professional or personal accomplishments that occurred after graduating from MEC in which your education played a role?

Personally, being the mother of two amazing human beings who are full of love, creativity, curiosity, and energy. Taking sociology and psychology courses at Medgar taught me to heal from my trauma instead of passing it on to my children. As a parent I can admit when I am wrong or when I make mistakes and I apologize to my children because they deserve my love and respect. Therefore, my children and I learn and grow from one another.

As a counselor for the workforce New Jersey (WFNJ) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF/Welfare) program, I created an administrative manual to facilitate a virtual group job-search program for the clients in response to COVID-19. The manual was based on strategies I shared in my book and theories I learned from my courses at Felician University. Shortly thereafter, the virtual program was recognized by the Assistant Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor as a “Best Practices” for its effectiveness in increasing client participation rates amidst a global pandemic.

What piece of professional advice would you give your fellow MEC alumni?

Please do not forget why Medgar was founded: To support, serve and improve the community and to embody the spirit of social justice in your career and daily life.

Name: Chad K. Hannibal
Graduation Year: Spring 2015
Major: Environmental Science
Graduate School: Meharry Medical College of Dentistry
Hometown: Grenada, West Indies
Current Professional Title: General Dentist
Name of Employer: One Brooklyn Health, Pediatric Dental Resident

Why did you choose to attend Medgar Evers College?

My journey to Medgar Evers College was by the guidance of God. I ﬁrst enrolled at Brooklyn College but because Medgar Evers College was closer to my home, I chose to attend the school closer to me due to ﬁnancial reasons.

What is one of your favorite memories, classes, professors, or activities while attending MEC as a student?

My favorite memories at MEC were the random motivational speeches from Dr. Skeete. Those words inspired me to pursue my dreams no matter my background, ﬁnancial situation, or ethnicity.

How has your education at MEC influenced or helped you in your life and career?

My education at MEC played a huge roll in my accomplishments. My professors not only taught me science courses but they also showed me that they came from communities similar to mine.

What are one or two of your proudest professional or personal accomplishments that occurred after graduating from MEC in which your education played a role?

My proudest professional accomplishments are becoming the ﬁrst Dentist in my family and being able to march into a pediatric residency program two blocks away from MEC. I can inspire other students to achieve their goals.

What piece of professional advice would you give your fellow MEC alumni?

You can achieve whatever you put your mind to, the only person who can prevent you from achieving your goals is YOU.

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