Graduating the Generations
6/1/2007One testament to Brooklyn College's impact on its graduates is the increase in multigenerational alumni that each commencement brings. This year is no exception. Ryan Merola, one of two students who will speak at the eighty-second Commencement Exercises on May 31, is the second generation of his family to graduate from Brooklyn College. By any measure, he is also one of BC's most successful students.
Last year Ryan was the recipient of a Truman Scholarship-one of only two New Yorkers to receive this prestigious award, which recognizes college juniors nationally who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and a commitment to a career in public service. Last February, Ryan was chosen to participate in the New York City Fellows Program, which since 1969 has introduced a select group of the nation's finest college graduates to the public sector through a nine-month program of full-time employment in various areas of city government. Graduating with a double major in political science and philosophy, Ryan says he wants to get involved in either budget, technology, or city planning issues. He hopes eventually to attend law school.
Ryan's love of politics in particular has led him to take graduate-level courses in urban policy and policy analysis. On campus, Ryan takes part in student government and has served as Brooklyn College's representative in the University Student Senate. Off campus, he has worked as an intern for Senator Charles E. Schumer and as a staff member for New York City Congressman Edolphus Towns. He is also active in the Brooklyn Independent Neighborhood Democrats.
Ryan's mother received both her bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Brooklyn College. His father attended the College too, from 1974 to 1976, completing his studies in computer programming at NYU. Ryan's paternal grandmother, a mother of eleven, decided to go back to school in the 70s and came to BC to take education courses. She also taught graphology, a continuing career interest, in BC's School of Continuing Education. At around the same time, two more of her children were attending the College-Ryan's uncle Kevin was a computer science major, was very active in Greek life (serving as president of Alpha Phi Delta in his senior year), and even founded a column in the campus newspaper, the Kingsman, called "Kingsman Asks." Ryan's aunt Patricia, meanwhile, his father's older sister, took adult education courses here before transferring to NYUs School of Social Work. In view of their connections to Brooklyn College, Ryan's family is undoubtedly as proud of him as we at the College are.
Joseph Awadjie is the other student chosen to represent the Class of 2007 at this year's Commencement Exercises. He is the first generation of his family to emigrate to the U.S. and to attend college here-another longstanding Brooklyn College tradition. Born in Liberia and raised in Ghana in West Africa, Joseph experienced first-hand the effects of political and social turmoil-his grandfather, a physician, was murdered during warfare in Liberia. His family's experiences helped motivate Joseph's decision, at an early age, to pursue education to be able to contribute to society and to help others in difficult situations. Toward achieving this goal, Joseph emigrated to the United States when he was twenty and enrolled in Brooklyn College. Graduating with a bachelor of science degree, Joseph plans to attend graduate school to pursue a doctorate and, eventually, a career as a physical therapist.
At Brooklyn College, Joseph has excelled not only academically but also as an active campus citizen. His interests are wide-ranging-he is currently president of the Student Forensics Society, which he describes as his most fulfilling and challenging role. He has also held leadership positions in the West African Student Association and the Biology Society. Soccer, meanwhile, has provided Joseph with what he calls his "greatest" honor: for the past two years he has served as captain of the Brooklyn College men's team and has been selected to play on CUNY's All-Star team.
Joseph attributes much of his success at Brooklyn College to faculty and staff members, who, he says, have guided not only his academic career but also helped him in his personal journey. We sincerely hope the fulfillment of Joseph's ambitions will establish him as the first of many generations of his family to graduate from Brooklyn College.
Please visit the Web site for this year's Commencement Exercises.
