2020 College Graduates

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences African American Graduates Spring/Summer 2020

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Deandre Hill-Stanton, a Milwaukee native, is graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree this spring.

Q: Describe your most rewarding
college experience.
A: I would say my most rewarding college experience has been becoming a brother in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Having built these relationships with African American men that encourage honorable achievement in every field of human endeavor and promote the spiritual, social, intellectual and moral welfare of its members is undoubtedly great. That same empowering energy is what I plan to take with me back to Milwaukee by providing the youth opportunities I did not know existed at their age.

Q: What is the hardest thing
you’ve ever had to do?
A: The hardest thing I’ve ever had to do was silence myself in an unjust situation. Last May, I was kicked out for “having my hoodie on,” which was not true. The exam facilitator, a person that had never met me before, told the professor that I disrespectful and disrupting others from taking their exam. In front of every nursing and pharmacy student, the professor physically pushed me out of the exam. While I begged to understand why this was happening, it was the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to me, and had I reacted or physically pushed him the way he pushed me, I would have been deemed every stereotypical characteristic they already associated with my race. That experience was a wake-up call, but I couldn’t let it stop me from earning my degree.

Q: Who inspires you?
A: My mom inspires me more than she knows it. The strength my mom has always possessed, as a single mother raising my brother and I, is incomparable to anything else. Any challenge she faced, we never knew as children because she felt it was never our place to know. She made the world perfect for us. Everything was not glitter and gold, but she equipped the both of us the tools we needed to survive. She emphasized stability and earning a degree that I’ll be able to utilize in this world, therefore I am a product of the sacrifices she has made for me. I am a first-generation college graduate.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: In 10 years, I see myself graduating from medical school, and starting my career as a pediatrician. I love children and the impact people can have in their lives. I aspire to show the young African American girls and boys of the world that there is no mountain too high or valley too low to reach their dreams, so reach for the stars!

Q: How will you change the world?
A: I will change the world by defying all odds set against me and helping others get to where they want to be. All my life I’ve seen many of my family members and friends fall victim to the streets or jail cells, but I’m here to change that, to change all of those stereotypes. Who said we can’t compete? Who said we can’t win?

Q: If you had to start a nonprofit,
what cause would it support?
A: If I had to start a nonprofit organization, it would support providing outreach programs and resources to the youth of low SES (socioeconomic status) communities. Like the Upward Bound for high school students and the PEOPLE program here at UW-Madison, I want to be able to show young adults different colleges and provide opportunities to prepare years in advance for the ACT/SAT. The funding to those programs is always being cut, which negatively impacts the potential of the experiences that students in these organizations could have. Therefore, starting my own project, or being able to financially support those that are already in place is what I would do.

Artist. Journalist. Scholar. Leader. Shiloah Symone Coley excelled at many things during her time at UW-Madison. Her achievements culminated in a Truman Scholarship, one of the most prestigious undergraduate honors in the country. One of just 62 national winners in 2019, Coley, of Olympia Fields, Illinois, will receive $30,000 toward graduate school. She is majoring in journalism, with certificates in studio art and Africa -American studies.

As a doctoral student in sociology, Coley plans to focus her research on the impact that arts programming, access to arts education, and public art practices have on low-income communities of color. First, though, she will begin a Master of Fine Arts degree this fall at American University.

Q: Describe your most rewarding
college experience.
A: One of the most rewarding college experiences I’ve had is reporting out of the Allied-Dunn’s Marsh neighborhood for my community journalism class. I did a series of stories on the shifting demographics of the neighborhood and the language barriers a lot of immigrants in that area face.

Q: What is the hardest thing
you’ve ever had to do?
A: The hardest thing I’ve ever had to do is transition from the environment I was surrounded by in the south suburbs of Chicago to the UW-Madison campus.

Q: Who inspires you?
A: Wanna, my grandmother, inspires me each and every single day. I think about everything she’s gone through and I always know I can keep going even if I don’t want to.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: I really try to take things day-by-day at this point, but hopefully in 10 years I’m just living my life purpose and have completed a Master of Fine Arts in Visual Art and a Ph.D. in Sociology by then.

Q: How will you change the world?
A: I think right now I just try to be a loving and kind person to every individual I meet. As a painter, I aim to make work that challenges my viewer to critically analyze how we construct and deconstruct identity specifically pertaining to Black people. If I can also make nontraditional artistic community practices more normalized in American culture and help make art education more accessible I’d like to do that too.

Q: If you had to start a nonprofit,
what cause would it support?
A: I’m really passionate about making the arts more accessible for low-income, inner-city youth so I would love to start a non-profit that finds a way to make the arts more accessible while also being able to support their families with meeting some of their basic needs if they’re low-income.

Devin Jones is a graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Science in 2018. After two years in the program, he is graduating this spring with a Doctor of Pharmacy.

Q: Describe your most rewarding
college experience.
A: My most rewarding college experience has been working as a mentor with the Posse Foundation. During my third year of pharmacy school, I was given the privilege of working with 10 incoming first-year scholars from New York, all majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). As a gay, student of color who completed undergraduate studies at UW, I am fully aware of existing as a minority on a predominately white institution and the issues that arise both in and outside of the classroom. As a first generation college student, I am aware of the variety of challenges that come with that label—including the feelings of imposter syndrome and the strains on relationships with friends and family that arise for individuals attending college, stepping away from their duties back at home and the relationships they’ve formed. These experiences have prepared me to be open about my own experiences on campus and pursuing a graduate level degree and use this as a connection with my own scholars who find themselves sharing similar feelings and emotions about their place here at UW. By navigating higher education, while also serving as a resource and support system for each of my scholars, I have been able to find ways to motivate them to succeed and find ways to advocate and challenge themselves academically, mentally, and physically. Out of my 7 years at the institution, I have enjoyed every moment that I have had working with New York 8 STEM Posse.

Q: What is the hardest thing
you’ve ever had to do?
A: My mother was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer when I was a junior in high school. At the time, my dad worked third shift and provided care to mother during the day and I would return home after school and work each night and take care of my mother throughout the night. Due to the prognosis of pancreatic cancer—especially in the later stages—end of life measures quickly became the daily routine, and I would sleep in a reclining chair at the end of her bed and wake up to an alarm pill-box to give my mother her medications throughout the night. The disease progression post chemotherapy and radiation happened very quickly, losing muscle mass and mental abilities, which required being carried to the bathroom and assistance with getting dressed and eating through the day and night. Five months after diagnosis, my mother passed away at home surrounded by family. I am always ready to admit that I am a momma’s boy through and through, and setting aside the emotions that I had to face coming to terms with watching the life slowly leave her body for the sake of ensuring she received proper care is still something I think about every day, especially since I was still a kid at the time. The experience itself put me in a position to feel very deeply and empathically for those around me that experience the loss of a loved one, especially a parent, and has opened my eyes to being able to provide support by connecting with feelings that I have had and continue to have, and allowing the other individual to talk and process through their own emotions.

Q: Who inspires you?
A: The person who inspires me the most is my dad. He is hands down the hardest working person I know, always finding ways to get the job done in the most efficient way possible without any complaints. I learned from my dad at a very young age that sometimes we have to do things we do not want to do to get to places we want to be, and I have continued to live by that statement. While we weren’t the closest growing up, my dad has definitely played an important role in creating a stronger relationship with me after my mother passed. Now, he’s my biggest advocate and supporter, reminding me how special I am and how capable I am of achieving my dreams, even in the most challenging times when I would rather quit. I remember when I first entered kindergarten, before I would leave the house to get on the bus, my dad asked me everyday, “who is smarter than you?”, in which the only proper response was, “no one.” From the very beginning, he instilled in my mind that we are all experts in our own areas—and no one person possesses all knowledge, but knowledge in their own areas. Looking back, I appreciate that mindset that I have received around education—I am always eager to learn new information or a different perspective, recognizing that it doesn’t take away from what I already know, but only adds to it. I admire my dad for rising from the cards he was dealt as a young teenager growing up in inner-city Los Angeles, California to be able to make it out, fight for our country for over 20 years, and still stand here to provide wisdom and knowledge from his life experiences so many years later. He will always have a special place in my heart!

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: That is a good question…. My overall long-term goal is to eventually be a Dean of Students for a Pharmacy or Medical school. After finishing the PharmD curriculum, I realized how thinking is justifiably narrow and linear, and the existing processes are prescriptive and calculated. But, this mindset doesn’t capture a holistic approach to the multitude of factors that contribute to the success as a student and clinician. My goal is to return to school to earn a Doctoral degree in Higher Education and Leadership to allow me to view the didactic coursework from a new perspective, and discover innovative ways to incorporate educational research into practice while developing more effective tools to assess, implement, and analyze broader, system-level changes. Truly, the educational system still is not designed to off-set some the systemic challenges minority students face while pursuing higher education, and my goal is to be in position where I can advocate for these scholars—especially after completing the degree and have experienced some of the challenges students face which ultimately results in students dropping programs and degrees. To be honest, the academic coursework is rigorous but doable. It’s the environment in which you learn that plays a more significant role in my opinion—and if I can help create an environment conducive for learning, I will be able to provide students the opportunity to focus more on their academics rather than expending that energy fighting for a safe and supportive space in which that learning occurs.

Q: How will you change the world?
A: We all have the solutions to our own problems—but sometimes we simply need to talk it out and get clarification and validation. I have realized over the years that one of the most important traits someone can have is the ability to stop and listen—to disconnect from all other distractions, and to simply offer a listening ear for those that are in need of support. Whether it’s to serve as a sound board, or to offer tips, suggestions, and solutions, having someone you are able to go and share no matter what is extremely important. It’s a small gesture, but it has an immense impact! I don’t have a grandiose well-thought out plan just yet of how to make the world a better place, but something I know I am always able and willing to do is to simply show up for someone, and in my opinion, that’s something we will always need!

Q: If you had to start a nonprofit,
what cause would it support?
A: In high school, I was awarded a four-year full-tuition scholarship from the Stateline Community Foundation located in my hometown, Beloit. Without the support of the foundation and the donors, I would not be here at UW-Madison. Financially, college was not an option, but I was eager to find a way to make my dreams a reality. After coming to UW, and working and participating in a variety of programs in the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Educational Achievement, I quickly realized how significant of a barrier the cost of education is for many students who were in similar situations as myself. For individuals that I graduated from high school with, many are still in pursuit of an education, primarily because they must work full-time while also juggling their academic commitments.

If I had to start a nonprofit organization, I would create an organization similar to the Stateline Community Foundation, offering support for individuals in the community that otherwise would not be able to obtain support. Essentially, these organizations give hope to individuals like myself. Too, these programs often create positive feedback loops, allowing individuals that have once benefited from the programs to give back to further support more individuals to pursue their dreams, ideally continuing on in a never-ending loop. That would be the ideal dream!

Elisha Ikhumhen is graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a minor in Global Health.

Q: Describe your most rewarding
college experience.
A: My most rewarding college experience was being accepted into the CDC Public Health Scholars Program this past summer. That was instrumental in me finding my passion for public health and sexual health. I was able to meet with 20 young-minded people who were passionate about changing the world and being a light in their respective communities.

Q: What is the hardest thing
you’ve ever had to do?
A: The hardest thing I’ve had to do is live. As a Black man in this current climate, it is challenging and every day my existence and humanity are being questioned and denied.

Q: Who inspires you?
A: My community, friends, and family inspire me every day to become a better version of myself.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: In 10 years, I will obtain my Doctorate of Physical Therapy and Doctorate of Public Health. I will be working within the intersection of physical activity and sexual health. I hope to contextualize how we relate to our bodies, in relation to Black bodies, outside of the western context.

Q: How will you change the world?
A: My presence and creating a dialogue of how we love our body, mind, and spirit.

Q: If you had to start a nonprofit,
what cause would it support?
A: It would support the holistic well-being of Black children.

Kevin Crosby, a senior from Brandywine, Maryland, is majoring in nutritional sciences, with a certificate in environmental studies. He has interned three summers at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (part of the National Institutes of Health) and two years at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison. He received a competitive National Science Foundation scholarship to participate in the Community Environmental Scholars Program through the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at UW–Madison.

Crosby serves as a peer mentor for both the Physics Learning Center on campus and the Department of Biochemistry, and he’s an undergraduate teaching assistant in the Department of Nutritional Sciences.

Outside the classroom, Crosby has volunteered as a cultural coalition chair for a consortium of three residence halls, working with a team to create a more culturally inclusive campus. Through the Badgers Volunteers Program, he has assisted with the operation of The River food pantry in Madison and an afterschool program at a local elementary school.

Crosby attends UW–Madison on a full-tuition scholarship through the Posse Foundation, which identifies students with extraordinary leadership potential and partners with top universities to diversify their applicant pools. He will graduate in the spring.

Alexandrea Cordell is graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison this spring with a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Psychology

Q: Describe your most rewarding
college experience.
A: My most rewarding college experience was starting the Queen In You Chapter of UW-Madison. Queen In You is a national college organization that focuses on uplifting women of color. This organization caters to the advancement of women of color in areas of professionalism, self-esteem, and self-development. I started the organization because I saw the need for an organization that uplifted women of color on the UW Madison campus.

Q: What is the hardest thing
you’ve ever had to do?
A: The hardest thing I’ve ever had to do during my college career was transferring schools. I started off at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). This was my number one school choice. Soon after I got accepted, my family moved to Madison. After two years of attending VCU, I realized I needed to be closer to my family in Wisconsin. It was such a hard choice of leaving my friends and my number one college, but I knew it was the best decision.

Q: Who inspires you?
A: The people who inspire me are my parents. They are always so supportive of my decisions and keep me motivated when I feel like quitting.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: I’m not sure where I see myself in 10 years. In 10 years, I will continue to do the work of the Lord, wherever that may take me.

Q: How will you change the world?
A: I will change the world by showing people that it is cool to be a Christian! I devote my YouTube channel to showing people how to grow their relationship with God. I live by the saying “you can’t change the world by being just like it”

Q: If you had to start a nonprofit, what cause would it support?
A: If I had to start a nonprofit, the cause I would support would be anything related to empowering young girls.

Jada Thompson is graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor of Arts in French and Pre-medical.

Q: Describe your most rewarding college experience.
A: Shadowing UW Health physicians because it has afforded me the opportunity to grow in my personal and professional development as well as find supportive mentors who have provided significant guidance as I approach graduation.

Q: What is the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do?
A: My role as an emergency medical technician has been very rewarding since earning my license during the summer after my freshman year. One of my most difficult challenges in that role has been treating and transporting patients who have been close to death and require CPR and rapid transport to the hospital. Thankfully, my crew members have been very supportive throughout my growth and skill development as an EMT.

Q: Who inspires you?
A: As I progress through my education, I have come to realize that my sources of inspiration are constantly growing and changing. My father’s career as a police officer and my mother’s work in aviation and education have motivated me to pursue roles that allow me to serve others in my community and explore the different cultures around me. Further, the immense and unwavering support from my friends, advisors, and mentors has provided me the guidance and encouragement that has brought me the success I have today.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: In 10 years I hope to be in the process of completing a general surgery residency and preparing to complete further training in pediatric and fetal surgery.

Q: How will you change the world?
A: My ultimate goal is to leave a legacy for other students. This legacy may come in the form of an educational curriculum, a scholarship, or possibly a life improved. Each individual we encounter has their own perception of the world and if my work can serve to improve their world, I will have considered my goal a success.

Q: If you had to start a nonprofit, what cause would it support?
A: If I were to start a nonprofit I would like to serve high school juniors and seniors. I would like to provide a consulting and advising service that would work to educate students on professionalism and preparing for a successful life after graduation, despite college decision plans.

In middle school, Shasparay Lighteard wanted to be a stage actress, but the roles she sought didn’t always come her way. Then she discovered a neighborhood poetry slam. “For three minutes and 10 seconds, I was able to say my piece,” says Lighteard, of Austin, Texas. She learned a valuable lesson that day: sometimes you need to create your own opportunities.

At UW–Madison, where she is a First Wave Scholar, the nationally acclaimed poet founded and produced the inaugural Black Arts Matter festival. “I wanted to highlight black people in Madison while exposing the community to artists it didn’t necessarily know existed,” she says. A second festival is in the works. For her major, Lighteard chose theater, the medium that she felt had not fully embraced her as a child. “I guess I believe in myself enough now to come back to this world,” she says. Post-graduation, Lighteard will continue artistic pursuits. She also has been accepted to the arts administration graduate program at the Bolz Center at the Wisconsin School of Business. Her advice to others: “Create the space you want to see.”

Madison Area Technical College Class of 2020

Eboni Moore is graduating from Madison College with an associate degree in Liberal Arts.

Q: Describe your most rewarding
college experience.
A: My most rewarding college experience was when I had to do a speech and convey the audience to feel a certain way. I spoke about the loss of my sister and how I felt. I also talked about what happened to her. The entire class was in tears and gave me a standing ovation.

Q: What is the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do?
A: The hardest thing that I ever done was giving the speech about my sister. I had a fear of public speaking and I don’t talk about my emotions often.

Q: Who inspires you?
A: I must say I inspire myself. Knowing where I come from and what I’ve been through, to seeing where I am today and where I am trying to go. I thrive off it.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: In 10 years I see myself with my master’s degree working as a social worker, changing lives one child at a time.

Q: How will you change the world?
A: I will change the world by putting the knowledge, care, love, time, patience, and support into our future, which is the children of today.

Q: If you had to start a nonprofit, what cause would it support?
A:  If I started a nonprofit, it would support the future of our children. We have to instill in them to never give up and to push forward every day. Letting them know that they too can be somebody.

Kala Taylor is a 2020 graduate from Madison College with an associate degree in System Administration in IT.

Q: Describe your most rewarding
college experience?
A: All the people I’ve met and support people have given me. I could not have finished college without my support system. The most rewarding things is finally feeling happy and excited about going to work. For the first time in my life, I really enjoy what I do. Some days it doesn’t even feel like work.

Q: What is the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do?
A: Missing a lot of time with family and friends. The long nights and early mornings. Being the only female in most of my classes.

Q: Who inspires you?
A: People who have grit, determination and passion in life. These people always have a powerful story to tell. These stories have inspired me to continue with my education journey and not give up.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A:  I see myself working for an organization, training others to be successful in the company.

Q: How will you change the world?
A: At the moment, I am still trying to figure that out. I would like to have the opportunity to teach others. I would like to share my knowledge and love for technology with others.

Q: If you had to start a nonprofit, what cause would it support?
A: It would support college students financially when it comes to college. One thing that I have learned is that education may be expensive, but it can be life-changing. I would want future college students to have the opportunity to pursue their degrees.