Students and graduates in the SEEK program gathered with friends and family for the SEEK End of Year celebration held May 14. The hybrid event paid tribute to the tremendous triumphs of the SEEK program participants through various activities, including a discussion panel, an award ceremony, graduation announcements, and heartfelt speeches.
As the evening began, Associate Director of Admissions Access Programs and SEEK (Program Manager) Rianna DeFreece shared welcoming remarks while the program’s community assembled in a creatively decorated space with customized ornamentations handmade by SEEK senior admissions advisor La’Toya Nunley.
DeFreece first addressed the graduating students, congratulating them on persevering through numerous challenges. She also reminded them that whatever the future holds —whether continuing education or entering the workforce, the graduates “take with you the knowledge, skills, and experiences you’ve gathered here. You are equipped for greatness, and I have no doubt that you will achieve it.”
DeFreece then spoke directly to the current students who will be continuing their studies in pursuit of their degrees. “I want to remind you of how far you’ve already come. You are at a unique moment in your journey, where you can reflect on what you’ve learned, what challenges you’ve faced, and what you’ve accomplished.” DeFreece added, “Your hard work has not gone unnoticed, and your future is filled with potential.”
At the conclusion of her comments, DeFreece introduced Dean Dr. Lisa Braverman, who offered congratulatory remarks via video. Dean Braverman began by recounting the rich heritage of SEEK and CUNY. “This program was established in 1966 at CUNY on the belief that talent, determination, and potential are not defined by background, but by the courage to pursue a dream,” said Dean Braverman. “The SEEK program was designed to support you…because we know that success in college isn’t just about coursework. It’s about community.”
After Dean Braverman’s comments, a panel discussion featuring alumni offered helpful tips and advice for the current and graduating students. Arlenis Perez, SEEK academic student support specialist, moderated the panel, and posed questions to facilitate the conversation. CUNY SPS alum panel members included Stephen Ippolito (BA in Sociology and MA Disability Studies) and Lisa Sheridan (BA Communications and Media), who were joined by SEEK Baruch alum Leyda Taveras.
After the panel discussion, several different awards were announced. Both current students and graduating students received awards from the following categories: the Academic Pinnacle award, which was awarded to students who achieved a 4.0 GPA; the Outstanding Achievement award, for students who attained a GPA of 3.0 or higher; the Service Award recognized students who have contributed outstanding service to the CUNY SPS SEEK program, the college and their community; and finally the Momentum Award, which recognized students who have shown significant academic improvement. A total of 24 students and graduates received awards.
Next, the 12 graduating students were recognized for completing their degree programs.
After the awards and graduate announcements, Cynthia Martins, a Health Services Admin BS graduating student (pictured at left) who was both an Outstanding Achievement and Service award recipient, shared her reflections on what it meant to be part of the special initiative at CUNY SPS. “SEEK became my foundation. From the very first orientation, the program opened doors to resources I didn’t even know I needed. The tutoring sessions and academic workshops helped me build confidence in subjects I had once struggled with,” said Martins. “The tutors didn’t just teach me—they empowered me.”
Following Martins, Disability Studies graduating student Eddie Melendez (at right), like Martins, was recognized with both the Outstanding Achievement and Service awards. He recounted how poverty prevented him from participating in previous graduations.” This is the first graduation I am actually going to. My grandma raised me and we could not afford it. I could not go to my kindergarten, middle school, or high school. None of it. I couldn't go,” said Melendez. “I wanted to have my rice and fried chicken. So I could not walk at the time.” Melendez noted that SEEK gave him the chance to participate in commencement exercises by offering the resources that he did not have before.
After the event, Arlenis Perez, a graduate of the Baruch SEEK program herself, spoke about how her work today provides her with a full-circle opportunity to give back. “This is my first year as a SEEK Academic Advisor, and I felt truly honored to be able to share in our students' accomplishments,” Perez reflected. “SEEK is a program that gave me the opportunity to attend and complete my college education, and was a program that supported me when I needed it the most. I am thrilled to be able to give back to the community through the advisement support I provide to students, so that they can see that they are capable of achieving so much more.”
About the CUNY School of Professional Studies
As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.
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