Farewell 2005 Burrell Graduates:
Ezra Shepard-Staley - Graduated and is going to Law School for litigation at the University at Buffalo. Ezra advises his fellow Burrell Scholars to try and take classes with the same instructor to create a relationship for good references. Network and get good advisement while in school. Apply early to graduate school and get focused on your future early. He has received a full fellowship for Law School.
Jermaine Anderson - Graduated and has applied to three graduate schools in the Metro NYC area, and is looking into possibly fellowship and graduate assistantships to help with the cost of graduate school. He leaves his fellow Burrell classmates, with this advice "play around, have your fun but do your work because you are paying for your education - don't waste it." Jermaine received the 2005 Outstanding Sociology Student Award and was a member of the International Honor Society (AKD).
Sonia Vargas - Graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration and applied to the University at Buffalo. She tells her fellow Burrell Scholars to apply early to graduate school and to set a goal and follow through with it. Sonia went to the University of Hawaii on a National Student Exchange. She plans to get some work experience before entering graduate school for a MBA in International Management.
Laticia McNaughton - Applied and accepted into three graduate schools for Native American Studies. She has accepted the University of Oklahoma offer for a full fellowship of $10,000 a year. She also leaves some words of wisdom to Burrell Scholars, "apply early for graduate school, work hard as an undergraduate and the rewards will pay at the end." Laticia received the Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence, Who's Who Among American Colleges and Universities, and is also a McNair Scholar.
Jenny Gaston (no picture) - Has been accepted into all the graduates schools she has applied to, and will attend the one with the best offer. Jenny advises her fellow classmates that while in school pay attention to test scores, grade point averages (GPA) and goals. To make a list of at least three professors for references and build a rapport with your professors. She says, "timing is essential." Apply for scholarships and fellowships early, and to take any graduate school admissions test before your senior year. Jenny is a McNair Scholar and has participated in the Puerto Rico Summer Study Abroad.
Chantz Miles - Wants to get some work experience added to his education before entering graduate school for a MBA degree. He has applied to RIT, University of Rochester and the University of Albany, but is delaying enrollment for one year. Chantz tells fellow scholars to get plugged, plug yourself into your campus. He says, "make sure to prepare yourself to do it, and that 'confidence thru preparation' is all you need." Chantz was involved with ten organizations on campus, and has received numerous awards. He received the Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence and Who's Who Among American Colleges and Universities.
Martial Codjovi - Graduated in three and a half years. He is not planning on graduate school right after graduation, and has accepted an offer to work at M&T Bank heading a new division. He plans on pursuing his graduate degree while working to get the experience that is needed. Martial's words of wisdom is to participate in community service, get involved with activities and organizations on campus, and get a mentor to guide you. Martial has participated in the In-Roads Program where he worked at First Niagara Bank, was the President and Vice-President for DEAD Economics Society, a member of the International Honor Society, and received numerous scholarships.