2003 Massachusetts State College Student Achievers
No photo availableJerold Gaitan is a physical education major at Bridgewater State College concentrating in athletic training. A dean's list student, he has interned for the New England Patriots as an athletic trainer. He is a member of the Athletic Training Club, a volunteer for "Always Kids Day," serves as a Pop Warner Football coach and has organized seminars at Bridgewater State College for the National Athletic Trainers Association.

Jerold was a participant in the Honor's Program in conjunction with Worcester State College during his freshman year and has participated in a National Leadership Forum on Medicine. He was named to Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Service to the college and community has included "Teddy Bear Sunday," food drives, "Adopt A Family," youth intervention programs and working in an area soup kitchen.

Jerold is seeking a graduate assistant position as a strength and conditioning coach at Temple University. He will pursue a master's degree in sports, tourism and hospitality management. He plans to pursue a career in administration with a National Football League franchise.
No photo availableChinenye Belonwu is an accounting major and a dean's list student at Bridgewater State College. Chinenye is a member of the Accounting and Finance Club, Sister Scholar and Christian Fellowship. She also serves as treasurer of the African-American Club and has been involved in a major marketing research project at the college.

Chinenye plans to pursue a master's degree in accounting and to take the CPA exam, with a career goal to become a partner in an accounting firm. She also plans on returning to college to obtain a second master's degree, in entertainment law.
Nicole Massa-PerryNicole Massa-Perry will graduate from Fitchburg State College with a Bachelor of Arts in science and early childhood education, and a second major in interdisciplinary studies. She was a member of the Dance Club for two year and secretary of the Latin American student organization for three years. She is the secretary of the Education Club and the Haitian American Culture Club and is a member of the Black Student Union.

A member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and the Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society, she has been a dean's list student every semester since her freshman year. She was published in Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

Her community involvement includes mentoring an 11-year-old girl as part of the Big Friends/Little Friends program, volunteering at McKay Campus School for Reading is Fundamental (RIF), and Bingo Night for students. She has also volunteered for the Fitchburg Holiday Parade. She is a peer tutor and a tutor at the college's Writing Center.
Olivier EdouardOlivier Edouard has been part of many offices and organizations such as residence life, access office and the track team during his four years at Fitchburg State College. Founding the Haitian American Cultural Club at the college was his greatest accomplishment. "Having a diversified community, learning about different cultures, living in harmony in one big community is one of the thing things that you have to learn during your college experience, and I believe with the help of the founding members and our advisor, the Haitian American Cultural Club has done just that by coming to life," he said.

The objective of the club was "to bring a new air to the campus, a Caribbean air, a colorful air, a joyful atmosphere," said Olivier. "We want to teach those who are willing to learn the different cultures and traditions that have embellished our African-American community for centuries from the tribes of Africa to the islands of the Caribbean. Only two years in the working, I think that we have done a great job in reaching our goals. Had I the chance to go back in time, I would have started the club earlier because it has been long overdue."
Nathan Todd BrooksNathan Todd Brooks is a senior majoring in geography with a concentration in environmental studies at Framingham State College. The dean's list and president's list student has participated in internships at the Environment Protection Agency, the Office of Environmental Justice and the Office of Toxic Pesticides and Federal Units Program.

A member of Gamma Theta Upsilon Professional Geography Society, he has served as vice president of Hillel Fall and has been in Officer Candidate School for the Massachusetts Army National Guard since last April. He served the college community as a resident assistant and administrative resident assistant. He has seen military duty as part of  "Operation Bright Star" in Egypt for three weeks in the fall of 2001.

Nathan plans to work in the environmental field to promote responsible usage of natural resources and to ensure that industries are environmentally responsible in their work. He wants to become a commissioned officer in the Army National Guard and fly helicopters. Another goal of Nathan's is to become fluent in Hebrew. He wants to work to improve relations between African-American and Jewish communities.
Mario CharlesMario Charles is an illustration major at Massachusetts College of Art. A scholarship recipient and record company intern, Mario has volunteered with MassPIRG to register students to vote.

His service to the campus community includes volunteering on National Portfolio Day and as a guide around campus for new and prospective students. He has also volunteered for the Lahey Clinic along with other Mass Art students by painting murals in pediatric treatment rooms.

Mario's goals include continuing his education to become an established artist, working in the entertainment industry. He plans to become more politically active and conscious by focusing on art that reflects his thoughts on creating a better world.
No photo availableMajel Peters, a graphic design major at Massachusetts College of Art, formerly a French and German major at Brown University, has remained true to his fascination with communication while expanding the boundaries of verbal communication through his art.

"Visual communication offers an entirely new facet of understanding and expression that I had previously marginalized," Majel said. "I now recognize the power of images and words, not just along, but together, as a means of touching more people with my messages.

A graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy, he became interested in foreign language and studied French, German and Spanish. He spent his senior fall in Grenoble, France and was co-president of the French Club and the Native American Club as well as a starting player on the varsity volleyball team.

After taking a year off from Brown, he applied to Massachusetts College of Art, "listening to an instinct that I had always left in the background: artistic expression."
Jonathan RichardJonathan Richard is a senior majoring in graphic design at Massachusetts College of Art. During his years at the college he has received an award for academic excellence in music and literature. He has also received recognition from the Fish House Foundation.

Jonathan has participated in the HOBY Leadership Conference and Vocational Industrial Clubs of America, from which he has won four medals. His service to the college and community includes the Pentucket Players Theatre Group, MassPIRG programs in their water watch and homeless divisions, volunteer graphic designer for the North Shore Rape Crisis Center and the Newburyport Art Association.

His goals are to continue to develop his graphic design studio while acquiring vocational technical educator certification and becoming a high school teacher.
Michele M. PeanMichele M. Pean is an English major with a concentration in broadcast media at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. A dean's list student, she is president of the Lambda Iota Tau Honor Society and member of Delta Phi Epsilon. She has received the IEP Enduring Student Award for 2001-2002 from the National Broadcasting Society, has earned recognition from Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

Her leadership and co-curricular activities include staff writer for the AHANA Newsletter, contributing editor for MCLA's The Beacon, contributor to the Margaret Hart History Project of 2001 and an internship with Iberkshires.com.

She has served the college and community by participating in the alternative spring break trip to St. Mark's, Florida, serving as an IEP writing tutor, writing associate in the Writing/Research Center and as a teaching assistant in Learning Services. She plans to purse her master's degree in either communications or writing after obtaining some professional experience.
Jatasha M. WhiteJatasha M. White is a business administration major with a minor in sociology at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. She completed a business internship last summer at AYCO Co. in Albany, N.Y., and has earned recognition in Who's Who Among American Universities and Colleges, Enduring Student Award and the Margaret A. Hart Scholarship from the MCLA Alumni Association.

She is president of the Multicultural Student Society, student senator, student representative on the college's Curriculum Committee and African-American Students Club Activities Coordinator. Her service to the college and community includes the Lorraine B. Maloney Community Service Award, MCLA College and Community Cleanup and as a reader for pre-school children at the North Adams YMCA.

Her goal is to attend graduate school where she plans to work on a Master of Business Administration degree. She plans on starting her own business, helping low- and middle-income families manage their budgets to enable them to achieve their goals and dreams.
Evelyn GarciaEvelyn Garcia is a senior at Salem State College with a major in education. She is the recipient of numerous academic awards and scholarships, including the "Student of the Summer Award" for the Developmental Skills Program. She has been a dean's list student for six semesters and is the recipient of the Salem State College Scholarship.Evelyn has been actively involved in many levels of the college during her career. She served as a peer leader for four years and as a resident assistant for three years. She was also a participant in the Student Life Conference sponsored by the Board of Higher Education. At Homecoming Weekend 2002, Evelyn was named first runner-up for the annual Salem State College Viking Spirit Award. Evelyn has been a role model in her community of Lynn, where she has worked with children from the Ford Elementary School.

After graduation from college, Evelyn plans to become a teacher in an inner city Head Start facility, and plans eventually to pursue a master's degree in bilingual education.
Natalie P. DeedNatalie P. Deed is a senior at Salem State College majoring in psychology with a minor in African-American studies.  She is a member of the Salem State College Honors Program, the Psi Chi Honor Society and has been on the dean's list for six semesters. As a McNair Scholar, she has conducted research to examine the impact of the METCO program on African-American adolescents.

Natalie has also been active in a number of campus organizations, serving as secretary to the Multicultural Student Association, as the student representative on the School of Arts and Sciences Strategic Planning Committee, and she adds her voice to the college's Gospel Chorus.  She has been a resident assistant in student housing, a tutor in psychology and history, and has worked at the college library.

After graduation, she plans to pursue a master's degree in counseling psychology.
Corinne A. Hairston-ParrisCorinne A. Hairston-Parris is a senior at Westfield State College with a major in business management and a minor concentration in political science. She is a member of the dean's list, and has been nominated by the college to Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.  She is also a recipient of the "Students of Color Recognition Award for Student Leadership Achievement."

Corinne is the Student Trustee on the college's Board of Trustees, is an active member of the campus-wide Third World Organization as well as the Latino Association for Empowerment, and is a trustee and voting member of the Massachusetts Student Advisory Committee, which represents all 29 state and community colleges in Massachusetts. She has been a delegate to the Model United Nations and served as a resident assistant.

Corinne's goals include a career in international business with a focus on corporate finance or investments. Ultimately, she plans to earn a master's degree in business administration.
Sarah O'ConnorSarah O'Connor is a senior at Westfield State College with a major in English and a minor in education. She is a dean's list student, and has been nominated by the college to Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. She is also a recipient of the "Students of Color Recognition Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement" for the year 2001.

Sara has been active in a number of campus groups at Westfield, serving as president of the Third World Organization and as cofounder of the Future Teachers of Color Organization. She has been director of public relations for the Latino Association for Empowerment and the Third World Organization and was a member of the Leadership Team for the intervarsity Christian Fellowship.

Her plans include teaching English at the high school level while pursuing a master's degree.
No photo availableMadelyn Barrera is a senior at Worcester State College majoring in communication disorders with a minor in communications. She has participated in a television broadcasting internship, received the Sidney Buxton Scholarship Award, and has been nominated by her college to Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

Madelyn has won the college's Leadership Training Award, the Hall of Fame for Student Activities Award and the Most Dedicated Member of the Yearbook Club Award. She has been active in a number of campus organizations, such as the Third World Alliance, All-Organizational Banquet Committee, Yearbook Club, Worcester Consortium Committee and orientation leader.

Her service to the college and community include tour guide for the college, volunteer for the African-American Festival, volunteer for the annual Henry Lee Willis Center Christmas party and Sunday school teacher. Madelyn plans on attending graduate school.
No photo availableEdith Peralta is a senior majoring in business administration at Worcester State College. She has been recognized by Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, received the Student Organization Hall of Fame Award in 2002-2001 and has completed an internship at Gil's Travel Agency.

She was president of the Third World Alliance, section editor of the yearbook, a senator in 1999-2000 and was co-chair and emcee for the All-Organization Banquet. She was an orientation leader, served on the Worcester Consortium Committee and was a big sister in the Upward Bound program.

Her service to the college and community includes the Worcester Consortium Mentor Program, volunteer for the African-American Festival and a tour guide for the college. Among her goals are to earn her doctorate, own several five-star hotels around the world and become a chief executive officer of a large company.
No photo availableArianna Guzman is a senior at Worcester State College majoring in health education.  She has been nominated by her college for Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges and plans to intern at the Community Health Link this spring.

Arianna has been an active member of the Third World Alliance for years, a chair of various student committees, and a member of the yearbook staff. She has also been a mentor in the Latino Education Institute and been a volunteer at the Henry Lee Willis Center's children's Christmas party and African-American festival. In addition, she has served as a mentor in the College Connections program.

After graduation, she plans to become a health educator and counselor in the community with the goal of educating youth on important health issues.

 

Last Modified: March 29, 2005