Taking Care of Business
Welcome to the 33rd annual Taking Care of Business Celebration.
Debbie Ford
Chancellor
Damian Evans
Assistant Dean of Students and Director of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs
The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA), Student Support Services (SSS, TRIO) and the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion welcome you to the 33rd Annual Taking Care of Business Celebration. The spirit of the annual Taking Care of Business Celebration is to celebrate multicultural students and their academic achievement and contributions to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.
We appreciate your being nimble and making the necessary adjustments to maintain your commitment as students, leaders, and graduates. This year continues to be challenging considering COVID-19, the verdicts of the cases of both George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, the ongoing assaults against Asian Americans, as well as the political uprising and violence happening internationally. These are unique times during your academic journey and lived experiences. We are having this celebration virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, your ability to adjust and participate in this virtual celebration through these difficult times is applauded.
Again, I welcome you to the 33rd annual Taking Care of Business Celebration and I request that you join me in thanking my colleagues, listed below for their commitment, dedication, and hard work in effort to provide a quality virtual celebration.
Damian Evans
Assistant Dean of Students and Director of OMSA
Luis Benevoglienti
Assistant Director of OMSA
April Puryear
Program Associate
Colette Bell
Coordinator for Retention Programs
Amanda Markwardt
Coordinator for Retention Programs
Dr. Chris Zanowski
Director
Alfredo Sandoval-Flores
Senior Advisor
Marie Smith
Senior Advisor
Sarah Masik
Program Assistant
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Dr. Sheronda Glass
Associate Vice Chancellor Human Resources, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Trina Patterson
Diversity and Inclusion Manager
Leadership and Involvement Awards
Luis Benevoglienti
Assistant Director | Office of Multicultural Student Affairs
Congratulations! Thank you for your leadership throughout this past year. As student leaders, your involvement contributes to the campus climate and fosters opportunities for students to connect to the Parkside community. In these unprecedented times, student organizations and student services alike have operated mostly through online avenues. We commend you on your resilience in ensuring the legacy of campus student organizations. By engaging in your interests and passions through high impact practices, you are developing leadership skills and investing in your future. Again, Congratulations and thank you for your leadership.
Black Student Union
Crystal Egbo
President
Aniyah Miller
Vice President
Kristen Birmingham
Secretary
Kelly Birmingham
Treasurer
Jada Peters
Social Media Manager
Latinos Unidos
Alisson Anguiano Salas
President
Esmeralda Aguilar
Vice President
Alfredo Monroy
Secretary
Victor Escobedo
Member at Large
LULAC
Yoger Aguilar
Past-Immediate President
Jaileen Gonzalez
President
Danny BautistaVice
President
Ivan Garcia
Treasurer
Aaliyah Escamilla
Secretary
Brandon Ruiz
Parliamentarian
Office of Admissions and New Students Services
Wendy Licona
Orientation Leader
Dacia Luckett
Orientation Leader
Jada Peters
Orientation Leader
Office of Multicultural Student Affairs
Adam Ghouse
ARU Success Coach
Caroline Greene
ARU Success Coach
Cahliah Harris
ARU Success Coach
Keydi Osorio
ARU Success Coach
Raelea Palacios
ARU Success Coach
Sadie Vanderwall
ARU Success Coach
Preston Vang
ARU Success Coach
Chalena Williams
ARU Success Coach
Crystal Egbo
MOSAIC Educator
Esmeralda Aguilar
MOSAIC Educator
Zing Nun Dim
MOSAIC Educator
Molinna Bui
MOSAIC Educator
Yoger Aguilar
Peer Advisor
Zing Nun Dim
Peer Advisor
Jada Peters
Peer Advisor
Residence Life
Kristen Birmingham
Resident Advisor
Keontre McDade
Resident Advisor
Preston Vang
Resident Advisor
Mohamed Mohamud
Resident Advisor
Kelly Birmingham
Resident Advisor
Khari Davis
Resident Advisor
Alexus Smith
Resident Advisor
Bryant Romero
Resident Advisor
Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc.
Esmeralda Aguilar
President, Fundraising Chair, Treasurer
Marianne Cuevas
Secretary, Volunteer Coordinator
Kearra McNeal
Recruitment Chair, Alum Chair, Academic Chair
Student Government
Annette Copado
President
Alisson Anguiano-Salas
Speaker
Alyx Pedraza
Secretary
Crystal Egbo
Senator
Edwin Colon Jr.
Senator
Jonathan Ochoa
Senator
Esmeralda Aguilar
Senator
Cahliah Harris
Senator
Jada Peters
Senator
William Basurto
Senator
Molinna Bui
Senator
Christian Bereni
Senator
Student Health & Counseling Center
Molinna Bui
Peer Health Educators
Marisol Diaz Flores
Peer Health Educators
Ariana Hernandez
Peer Health Educators
Jonathan Ochoa
Peer Health Educators
Student Support Services
Sharifah Bibi Nur Muhamad
Emerging Leader
Fernando Vargas
Emerging Leader
Joheny Pabon
Emerging Leader
Noah Becker
Emerging Leader
Moses Solis
Emerging Leader
Amanda Ahles
Emerging Leader
Alisson Anguiano Salas
Peer Coaches
Tekeyia Bell
Peer Coaches
Chelsea Bivens
Peer Coaches
Taylor Hallam
Peer Coaches
Barwaqo Mohamed
Peer Coaches
Raaid Museitif
Peer Coaches
Yarelie Ocampo
Peer Coaches
Jorge Peralta
Peer Coaches
Iker Soto
Peer Coaches
Maria Torres
Peer Coaches
La'Sadiez West
Peer Coaches
Newman Civic Fellows Award
The Newman Civic Fellowship recognizes and supports community-committed students who are changemakers and public problem-solvers at Campus Compact member institutions. Fellows are nominated by their president or chancellor on the basis of their potential for public leadership. The yearlong program, named for Campus Compact founder Frank Newman, includes virtual learning opportunities and networking as part of a national network of engaged student leaders and an optional in-person convening.
Alisson Anguiano Salas '21
UW-Parkside junior Alisson Anguiano Salas has been named one of the 2021-2022 Newman Civic fellows.
Salas joins 289 other students from 39 states, Washington D.C., and Mexico selected for the fellowships by Campus Compact, a Boston-based non-profit organization working to advance the public purposes of higher education.
Tavyonia Davis '20
Tavyonia Davis, a psychology and sociology major at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and resident of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has been named a Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a Boston-based nonprofit organization working to advance the public purposes of higher education. Campus Compact recently announced the names of the students who make up the organization’s 2020 cohort of Newman Civic Fellows.
Academic Recognitions
Alfredo Sandoval-Flores
Senior Advisor
Congratulations to all students who have earned a Grade Point Average (GPA) of a 3.0 or higher! It brings me joy to recognize all of you for the time, effort, and dedication you have shown to your studies. A 3.0 and above GPA doesn’t just happen, it is the result of sacrifice, commitment, and intentional struggles. Balancing all the demands on your time and setting your academics as a priority is not an easy feat to accomplish. Earning a 3.0 or higher GPA is recognition that you have spent time investing into yourself, building your skills as a learner, and your future as a professional in your career. Cheers to you and to those who have supported you in this success!
3.0-3.49 GPA
|
Ethan Abanero |
Ally Diaby |
Evan Lartey |
Yadira Ramirez |
3.5-3.89 GPA
|
Asmaa Abdel-Fattah |
Tyanne Earnest-Linton |
April Koski |
Jessica Pringle |
3.9-4.0 GPA
|
Ada Bazemore |
Elizabeth Dubinsky |
Janet Jurado |
Heaven Pippins |
Mentor Program Awards
This year OMSA’s Always Reaching Upward (ARU) Mentoring Program and Student Services Services (SSS) TRIO have chosen to recognize the following individuals for their contributions and outstanding leadership in their program.
Always Reaching Upward (ARU) Mentor Program - Success Coach of the Year
Always Reaching Upward (ARU) Success Coaches provide academic and sociocultural success of incoming college students. Experienced college students (Success Coaches) are paired with incoming students (Protégés) to provide a connection with UW-Parkside and its resources throughout the academic year. Success Coaches help their protégés establish goals based on their individual needs and areas of interest in academics, campus life, employment opportunities, community engagement, etc.
Preston Vang | Junior | Computer Science
Nominators mentioned the following about this award winner:
Preston has continuously been engaged with his protégés (mentees). He is energetic and present in our staff meetings and events. He is reliable and always willing to help out. He really leads with his heart and wants others to get the most out of their experiences here at Parkside!
Always Reaching Upward (ARU) Mentor Program - Protégé of the Year
The Always Reaching Upward (ARU) Protégé of the Year award is granted to a protégé (mentee) that has gone above and beyond as a learner and as a leader. This recognition is awarded to an individual who challenges themselves and others and has shown leadership potential and grit. The award is given to someone who takes the initiative, is present, uses their communication skills, and contributes to mission of ARU and OMSA.
Erica Velasquez | Sophomore | Music
Nominators mentioned the following about this award winner:
Erica is a brave and smart woman. She inspires others and even empowered her own mentor! She regularly stays connected, despite COVID-19 challenges. She has a powerful personal story and has been able to overcome obstacles. She still finds a way to move forward.
Student Support Services TRIO Peer Coach of the Year
Student Support Services (SSS TRIO) peer coaches provide support and guidance to first-year SSS TRIO participants. The peer coaches’ work follows a developmental framework based on the first-year students’ strengths and targeted areas for growth. Peer coaches help first-year students with learning strategies, study skills, career development, campus involvement, and community engagement.
Maria Torres | Senior| Business Management
Nominators mentioned the following about this award winner:
Maria Torres is adaptable and resilient. She is quick to take initiative and skilled at assessing needs and resolving unexpected situations. She is self-motivated, highly organized, and goal driven. She is a true role model to her peers. Maria Torres is #ParksideAmazing!
Student Support Services (SSS TRIO) Emerging Leader of the Year
Emerging Leaders of the Year emulate the principles they studied in their first-year seminar course on how to become a learner (Sanders, 2018). They take responsibility for their learning and demonstrate this quality through good attendance, hard work, and engagement in class. As a learner, they seek out opportunities and challenging situations such as stepping out of their comfort zone to try a new experience, learn a new skill, or take on a leadership role. As a learner, they ask for help when they need it, and look for opportunities to be successful.
Fernando Vargas | First Year | Computer Science
Nominators mentioned the following about this award winner:
Fernando has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills. He has an excellent attendance record in his first-year seminar classes including the career exploration and planning class. He is actively engaged in the classes. He comes to class well prepared. He takes responsibility for his learning, and he participates in class. Fernando’s ePortfolio work in the career class is comprehensive, well documented, and his work shows the evolution of well-developed reflection skills. Fernando secured an internship with the Boys and Girls Club of Milwaukee for the summer, because he looked for opportunities like this to further his career goals. Fernando is a great role model for others. We are proud to recognize Fernando as the SSS Emerging Leader of the Year.
Graduating Seniors
Congratulations to our Graduating Seniors
|
Nemah Abdel-Fattah |
Danie lFajardo |
Tranace Leonard |
Miguel Ramirez |
Dr. Sheronda Glass
Associate Vice Chancellor Human Resources, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
You did it! Congratulations on graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside!
As you enter the next phase of your life, I imagine that many of you are excited about the possibilities and the successes that life has to offer. As you contemplate the possibilities, I want to focus on what it means to be successful. Whenever we hear the word success, we immediately define it in terms of monetary attainment—wealth and status. Although money is a parameter for success, it is not the only parameter. The concept of real success is often not recognized by many, as many would not define success in a way that focuses on others. I would offer that the propensity for success happens within your every day; it is your ability to give.
Inherently, you have been designed to live for something greater than yourself. Your successes and contribution to this world will be measured by something more meaningful than the size of your bank account or the property you own. How you live your life and how you help others is one of the greatest successes to be achieved. Josh Baker, best-selling author of the More of Less: Finding the Life you Want Under Everything You Own” shares the following about giving:
The receiver has reached a far greater potential than they could have on their own.
The world has been bettered and has been given a life-giving model to emulate.
The giver is remembered fondly and is often publicly (and privately) thanked for their contributions.
A stranger is more likely to be the recipient of the original receiver “paying it forward.”
And the cycle begins again.
In closing, you have achieved one of the greatest accomplishments, a higher education degree. However, when choosing how to define success, whether that be specific objects, a job, or social status, don’t forget that success is so much more than physical or monetary things that you obtain. Success is a “cycle” of giving. It is an invitation for you to take some desired action to change and improve the world around you. It is one the greatest measures of success.
“The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones that do.” - Anonymous
Senior Reflection Videos
Molinna Bui
Economics, Pre-Med
Yoger Aguilar
Sports Management
Zing Nun Dim
Marketing, Business Management with Human Resources Concentration
Danny Bautista
Accounting
Ivan Garcia
Accounting
Dr. Chris Zanowski
Director of SSS TRiO Staff
Congratulations graduates. I want to recognize your persistence through to graduation especially in these extraordinary times. You have invested a great deal in your education, and your investment will have a great return. College graduates have increased access to more job opportunities, graduate school opportunities, and greater earning potential. As a college graduate, you’re more likely to own your own home and have health insurance. This is just to name a few of the rewards.
I know you didn’t just do it for yourself. You did it for your mom and dad, brothers and sisters, significant others, and other special people in your life. You did it for your community, like the neighbor boy who watched you go off to college, because you instilled in him a belief that he could someday follow in your footsteps.
Keep going! As you pivot to new jobs and while you’re on your way to new adventures, especially take time to invest in your communities as graduates. Pick an issue area to work on…there are many, healthcare, climate change, voting rights, and access and opportunity to education. Use your education, your talents, and the skills that you developed in college to work for equity and justice in an issue area of your choice. Be an engaged citizen. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, “Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy.”i
I can imagine you coming back to Parkside in the near future. I hope you all come back, and know that each one of you is always welcome. Maybe, you choose to give back to your community as a graduate by returning to campus to mentor a student or serve on an alumni panel.
You can imagine, on that day, you are walking through the halls, only this time it’s as it was before. The halls are full of students and there is a buzz of noise and activity, and in this time, you can clearly see people’s faces. Do you remember?
This time it’s easy to recognize the people, the friends that you made, the students, the faculty, and the staff - people who make a difference in the lives of others. People come up to welcome you. They shake your hand. You look around and take in the scene, and you recognize it. Contrary to these extraordinary times, it’s like old times, and everything is like it was again. Thinking back, you know it was difficult, and there was great hardship, but you made it.
#ParksideTCB Messages of Congratulations and Support
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