New York State Black Excellence and Leadership Ceremony held at STAC

St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) recently hosted the New York State Senate Black Excellence and Leadership Ceremony in its newly renovated Romano Student Alumni Center, where Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick recognized the achievements and work of exceptional Black leaders within the local community.

Black Excellence and Leadership award recipients included Jaclyn Cassagnol, Claudette Clarke, Shirley Crabbe, Calvin Demetrius, Pastor Nate Demosthene, Djinsad Desir, Gabrielle Hamilton, Justin Knowles, Dr. Dana Stilley, Eudson Tyson Francois and Charlene Weaver.

A discussion also revolved around St. Thomas Aquinas College’s firm commitment to inclusion and diversity on campus, as well as providing access to an affordable education.

“At St. Thomas Aquinas College, providing students with access to an affordable education is our top priority,” said STAC President Ken Daly. “We are honored to work together with Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick to recognize like-minded leaders in our local communities and help educate the next generation of students. I can think of no better day to celebrate these leaders than on February 12, the birthday of Abraham Lincoln.”

President Daly and STAC’s first-ever Chief Diversity Officer, Samantha Bazile both spoke at the awards ceremony sharing the College’s primary purpose of providing access to affordable education, and its firm commitment to inclusion and diversity on campus and beyond. Current STAC student Karla Zamora Guzman, a Criminal Justice major and Social Justice and Equity Student Ambassador, was also recognized at the ceremony.

During Black History Month in February 2021, STAC launched its Center for Social Justice (CSJ), which has reinforced the College’s commitment to the ideals of justice and equality. The CSJ is composed of the Social Justice and Equity Forum and Justice Studies Institute; both dedicated to the principles of social justice and equity on campus and fosters critical discussions on a range of social issues that promote respect, equity and justice.