Photos by Argenis Apolinario
Graduating seniors celebrated their heritage and culture at four diversity graduation ceremonies held from April 30 to May 6.
“I am so proud of what each and every one of you has achieved,” Tania Tetlow, president of Fordham, said in a video message to students.
“Take a moment to give yourself a hug and to revel in everything that you’ve achieved because it is an extraordinary thing, these years of hard work and determination and talent, and glorious love of learning.”
In total, more than 300 students were recognized at the Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi American (APIDA); Black; Latine; and Lavender (LGBTQ+) graduation celebrations.
Held at both the Lincoln Center and Rose Hill campuses, the celebrations were sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Office of the Chief Diversity Officer, Office of the President, and the 2024 Senior Week committees.
Remember, on the evening of May 18, New York’s Empire State Building will be illuminated in Fordham maroon for our graduates.
Below are the award winners for each graduation.
Lavender Graduation
George Takei Arts & Media Award – LC Recipient: Maura Johnston
George Takei Arts & Media Award – RH Recipient: Julia Patterson
Marsha P. Johnson & Sylvia Rivera LGBTQ+ Activism Award – RH Recipient: Dorothy Bogen
Marsha P. Johnson & Sylvia Rivera LGBTQ+ Activism Award – LC Recipient: Kenneth Tang
Audre Lorde LGBTQ+ Research Award – RH Recipients: Fareea Khan and Tarchithaa Chandra Sekharan
Fr. Bryan N. Massingale Faculty/Staff LGBTQ+ Award – LC Recipient: Joe Corcoran
Fr. Bryan N. Massingale Faculty/Staff LGBTQ+ Award – RH Recipient: Juan Carlos Matos
Award of Excellence for Outstanding Contributions to the Office of Multicultural Affairs: Dorothy Bogen
Latine Graduation
Sonrisa Award – LC Recipient: Katelyn Figueroa
Sonrisa Award – RH Recipient: Alan Ventura
Estrella Award – LC Recipient: Ernesto Perez
Estrella Award – RH Recipient: Caitlin Asper
Pa’Lante Award – LC Recipient: Andy Cuzco
Pa’Lante Award – RH Recipient: Hector Cruz
Black Graduation
Black Leadership Award – RH Recipients: Tamia Chaney, Chelsea Usiomwanta, Alan Ventura
Black Leadership Award – LC Recipients: Katelyn Figueroa, Rebecca Richmond, Mary Bookman
Black Leadership Award in Athletics – RH Recipient: Skylar Harris
Black Leadership Award in the Fine Arts – LC Recipient: Kierstin Oliver
Black Leadership Award in the Fine Arts – RH Recipient: Zhane Coleman
Black Excellence in STEM Award – RH Recipients: Kennedy Jeter and Kiara Pile
Black Excellence in Business Award – RH Recipient: Janel Codjoe
APIDA (Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi American) Graduation
Lotus Leadership Award – RH Recipients: Tarchithaa Chandra Sekharan and Elena Roden
Lotus Leadership Award – LC Recipient: Kenneth Tang
Most Likely to Sell Out a Lincoln Center Concert: Marie Isabelle Antendido
Most Likely to be on the Cover of Vogue, GQ, Elle, and/or Harper’s Bazaar: Meilin Renee Morefield
Most Likely to Start a Successful Youtube Channel: Julie Kae Trohan
Most Likely to Become Tik Tok Famous: Genesis Yi
Most Likely to Survive the Last of Us: Stacey Dana Zaragoza Cajita
Most Likely to Win Physical: 100: Alexander Joel Lang Hom
Most Likely to be the CEO/Director of their own Company: Yoshimi Pualani Eder
Award of Excellence for Outstanding Contributions to the Office of Multicultural Affairs: Kenneth Tang
