Honors-Living Learning Community Class of 2024 Reflect on Past at Graduation Ceremony

In a ceremony filled with tears of gratitude and student stories of overcoming adversity, graduates of the Honors Living-Learning Community celebrated the close of their undergraduate years earlier this month.

The Honors Living-Learning Community (HLLC), has been hailed as a national model of inclusivity in honors, which cultivates the talent and ambitions of local students, in addition to those from all over the U.S. and the world.

To be admitted, students  must have a track record of academic excellence, community involvement, and a commitment to creating a more equitable society. Although they each choose a major, all students complete a second concentration focusing on social justice.

At the ceremony, HLLC deans and faculty urged students to continue striving to reach their potential and transform society.   

“We want  you to know that this is a stepping stone in your journey. Your work continues. You  will impact communities, not only in Newark, but everywhere you go whether you’re a graphic designer, accountant, doctor or lawyer or teacher. You know that you’re going to impact the next generation of change agents,’’ said Engelbert Santana, the HLLC’s Dean of Advisement.

Many of the graduates spoke of achieving goals they never thought possible and the support they received from HLLC peers and leaders, like inaugural Dean Timothy Eatman, who refers to students as “scholar son” and “scholar daughter.’’

 “Our esteemed deans, they’re always there,’’ said Mamadee Keita, who received a degree in Psychology.  “They have impacted my life in ways that I cannot put into words. When I got here, I knew these people would change my life forever. School has not only been a safety net for me but a tool for liberation.’’

After several students received awards for academic performance and other accomplishments, Associate  Dean Marta Esquillin opened up the floor for students and loved ones to share their thoughts and feelings.

Titilayo Afolabi,who graduated last year but wasn’t able to attend the HLLC graduation ceremony, returned for her friends’ commencement. “Seeing my friends graduate with so many honors and so much success, I feel so much gratitude….This place changed my life.” Afolabi will be pursuing a Masters Degree at the University of Delaware to pursue a Master’s Degree. 

Graduating student  Valerie Valle stood to thank HLLC classmate  Euda Dongo, her best friend since middle school. Together they attended Arts High School in Newark and were admitted to the HLLC, with Dongo receiving a degree in Criminal Justice and Valle getting her degree from the School of Public Affairs and Administration. 

Valle also shared her story and offered words of encouragement to fellow grads.

“I am the first in my family to attend college,’’ said Valle, who plans on attending law school. “It hasn't been easy for any one of us, we’ve all had our ups and downs. We’ve had friendships and falling outs, we’ve had makes ups and break ups and everything in between. But we all have that sense of community.’’ 

“You’re going to struggle and fail sometimes but that’s ok. The HLLC gave us the foundation to stand ourselves up and start again,’’ she said.

At the close of the ceremony, Marcia Brown, former Vice Chancellor of External and Public Affairs at Rutgers-Newark, stood to congratulate the students.

“This ceremony has been so emotional, so moving, so inspirational,’’ she said.

Brown led the graduates in a singinging “Ain’t Going to Let Nobody Turn Me Around,’’ which was sung by demonstrators during the Civil Rights movement. It pledges a commitment to fighting racism and injustice.

Ain’t gonna let nobody turn me around
I’m gonna keep on walking,  keep on talking
Marching up to freedom land.