As we are nearing the end of the Fall semester, and the year 2020 in general, it is nice to take a second to look back and reflect. This year has brought on a myriad of challenges. Shifting to an online/virtual format for classes and events, to not being able to socialize with friends and family like before, has been quite a difficult transition. Yet, through all the difficulties, we are resilient. We find ways to continue to connect, grow, and encourage each other.
Each year the Stryker Institute for Leadership Development welcomes new scholars into its program and kicks off the semester with a retreat for everyone to get to know each other. This year, the Stryker Institute was able to give a total of 80 Scholars the Stryker Scholarship. Even with this amazing feat, the world is continuing to deal with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, causing Stryker Institute staff to identify ways to still create community for these scholars to learn and grow together while taking their health and safety into account. One of those ways is by deciding, like many other spaces, to host all workshops and celebrations virtually.
As we edge towards the end of the Fall 2020 semester, the Stryker Institute is now preparing to celebrate those scholars who will be graduating. To make this a special time for those graduating scholars, they are creating as much of a virtual, “in-person” vibe as possible. They will also be celebrating these scholars over social media. Check out the Stryker Institute Facebook!
Fall 2020 Graduates
This year has been difficult. It has also been a year of personal growth and change. As we celebrate this semester’s graduates, the chosen theme has ties with seeds, sunflowers, and fall leaves while reflecting on the journey of growth and change. The quote chosen for this year is by Michelle Obama:
“Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own.”
Many congratulations to the 11 Scholars who will be graduating this Fall 2020! You have accomplished so much during a difficult and large transition in your educational journey and came out on the other side!
Rosemarie Alarcon
BA Human Services, Minor Criminal Justice, Completion of Crime Scene Investigation
Program
Ruby Briseño
BA Special Education, Licensure in K-12
Lizbeth Cortez-Contreras
BA Nutrition, Minor Spanish
Estefany Flores
BA Elementary Education
Mistyrose Gonzales
BA Elementary Education, Minor in Special Education with TESL/CLD endorsement
ZamZam Hirsi
BS Business Administration, Emphasis in Finance and Marketing
Valeria Dominguez Lujan
BA Biological Sciences, Emphasis Pre-Health
Nancy Ochoa
BA Accounting and Finance
Sabrina N. Pacheco
BA Sociology
Kristel Gonzalez Terrazas
BS Human Services
Nicole Marie Wells
BA Early Childhood Education Licensure
Staff Congratulations
Congratulations from Center for Women’s and Gender Equity (CWGE) & Stryker Institute for Leadership Development (SI) Staff:
“Warmest congratulations to all of those graduating this Fall on your well-deserved success! Best wishes to all of you on your next adventure. Keep on growing. Keep adding to the goodness and beauty in the world. Keep developing those unique dreams and talents that make you who you are!” – Savana Griego, CWGE Graduate Assistant
