5:02 p.m., May 8, 2008--Latino and Latina students of distinction were recognized for their academic achievements at an event held April 26, in the Perkins Student Center.
Students attending the ceremony were among the 329 undergraduates of Hispanic heritage recognized for their academic achievements during the 2007-08 academic year.
The event, which honors Latino and Latina students with a grade point average of 3.3 or higher, was attended by more than 200 students, family members, friends and supporters.
University President Patrick Harker joined deans and representatives of UD academic units, as well as senior administrators and faculty, in lauding Latino and Latina students for their academic efforts.
“We are honored that you accepted admission to UD, and that you took advantage of all the opportunities that this University offers and that you have achieved this present distinction in your academic careers,” Harker said. “We are very proud of our high academic standards at the University of Delaware, and you have achieved distinction by being among our very best students.”
Before asking for a round of applause for their parents, friends and supporters, Harker urged the students to continue in the pursuit of excellence during the rest of their academic careers.
Wunyabari Maloba, assistant vice president for affirmative action and multicultural programs, introduced the event's keynote speaker Jean-Philippe Laurenceau, associate professor of psychology, who related how an incident at a summer job during his early college experience spurred him to set higher goals for his academic and career successes.
Laurenceau, who received his doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania, is the author several research publications. His areas of research include intimacy process in close relationships, application of daily-diary methods and multilevel models for studying close relationship processes, and prevention of relationship dysfunction and assessing change in intervention contexts.
”I was born in Manhattan, raised in Queens,” Laurenceau said. “Just like all my friends there, I used to break dance, play handball and stickball. During the summers, and breaks from college, I used to work as a bus boy at a fancy Manhattan restaurant.”
It was the rude behavior of a patron at the restaurant that taught an important life lesson and gave Laurenceau a deeper appreciation of how people should treat each other.
“At that moment, I told myself that I was never going to work a job where someone would be able to treat me like that, that if I ever were to become a successful professional, I would never speak that way to anyone.” Laurenceau said. "When I got home, I told my parents about it. They said, 'You know, life is going to be full of people like that. Don't let them stop you from pursuing your goals.'”
The incident also changed the way that he approached his studies as an undergraduate student, Laurenceau said.
"At the time, I was a sophomore psychology major, believe it or not, I got three Cs. This was right about when the incident happened at the restaurant,” Laurenceau said. “I realized that if I was going to achieve my goal of getting a college degree, I had to change that right now.”
Part of this change in outlook included reaching out for help, joining study groups and taking advantage of faculty office hours, Laurenceau said.
“I spent the last two summers at college taking some classes and doing research in a psychology lab. I got exposure to some great academic role models there,” Laurenceau said. “I learned that if you work toward a goal, you can achieve it. I also learned that if you need it, you sometimes have to reach out for help and sacrifice short-term gains for long-term goals.”
Laurenceau also noted UD's commitment to attracting and nurturing Latino and Latino students in their quest for academic excellence and career success.
“Five years ago here at UD, there were 482 Hispanic undergraduates. Currently, there are 778 Hispanic students. That is nearly a 50 percent increase,” Laurenceau said. “In 1997, UD enrolled less than 110 Hispanic students as freshmen. In 2007, this freshman class had just under 250 Hispanics. That is over a 100 percent increase in 10 years."
Just as important, Laurenceau said, is the fact that Hispanic students are graduating at the same rate as their white counterparts.
“This is in stark contrast to the trends across the country,” Laurenceau said. “What this says to me is that UD wants to welcome Hispanic students, and, if you do come, you are very likely to succeed and graduate with a degree. So tell your families and friends about us, because there are great opportunities here at UD.”
In congratulating the scholars of distinction and their guests, Laurenceau urged students to keep up the good work.“Leave here and enjoy your academic success. Stay focused on your academic goals,” Laurenceau said. “Continue your success and continue to spread the word about UD's eagerness and ability to enroll capable Hispanic undergraduates and graduates students.”
Below is a list of the Latino/Latina Students of Distinction honored at the reception.
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Nicole Aizaga, Animal Science
Sarah Cordova, Animal Science
Julian Gonzalez, Wildlife Conservation
Kenneth Llort, Landscape Horticulture
Tanya Mejia, Animal Science
Michelle Pasawicz, Animal Science
Elvin Perez, Food & Agribusiness Management
Christopher Prado, Food & Agribusiness Management
Monique Rivera, Entomology
Maritza Rodriguez, Animal Science
Oscar Romero, Animal Science
Colleen Stroud, Animal Science
James Tejada, Engineering Technology
College of Arts & Sciences
Jessica Abbruzzese, Foreign Languages &Literatures
Evelyn Alas, Fine Arts
Elizabeth Alcayaga, Sociology
Jessica Alfaro, Biological Sciences
Anthony Amoroso, English
Steven Anton, Physics
Esmeralda Ayllon Ayllon, Foreign Languages &Literatures
Maria Ayllon Ayllon, Spanish Education
Jody Baker, Psychology
Vanessa Banegas, Communication Interest
Elizabeth Barriga, International Relations
Michael Barugel, Information Systems
Jill Beitz, Biological Sciences
Karen Benavidez, Biological Sciences
Gina Bertuglia, Psychology
Gabriel Bloom, Biological Sciences
Andrea Bombino, Sociology
Caroline Bomfim, International Relations
Brian Boyle, International Relations
Jacqueline Bracco, Psychology
Marissa Brescia, Political Science
Jennifer Brito, Anthropology
Samantha Bromley, English
Alexander Cabrera, Information Systems
James Cardona, Computer Science
Lucero Carmona, Mathematics
Francesca Carregal, Biological Sciences
Melody Casagrande, Mathematics and Economics
Brianne Castro, English
Jessica Cerasani, Psychology
Liliana Chavarriaga, International Relations
Sylvia Cintora, French Education
Alyssa Colby, Mathematics and Economics
Gabriel Colon, Physics
Michael Conti, Biological Sciences
Susana Cortez, Fine Arts/Visual Com Interest
Eliana Cuas, Women's Studies
Cynthia Cubelo, Foreign Languages &Literatures
Epifanio De La Paz, Criminal Justice
Christina Delgado, Biological Sciences
Carrie Deutsch, Cognitive Science
Michael Devoll, Political Science
Martin Dominguez, Visual Communication
Amanda Doroshow, Foreign Languages &Literatures
Donald Duffy, Foreign Languages &Literatures
Maria Duprez, Theatre Production
Christopher Duran, Psychology
Roy Duran, Political Science
Denise Echevarria, Visual Communication
Paul Edwards, Mathematics Education
Jennifer Egosi, Psychology
Anndria Escobar, Sociology
Catherine Feeley, Latin American Studies
Diana Fiol, Biological Sciences
Kaitlyn Fitzgerald, Psychology
Deborah Gallo, Biological Sciences
Bianca Garcia, Art Conservation
Rachel Garcia, English
Ray Garcia, Computer Science
Leah Geier, Music Education - Instrumental
Joelle Getrajdman, English
Thomas Gil, English Education
Michael Goldentaier, Political Science
Meaghan Gonzalez, Spanish Education
Patricia Gonzalez, Criminal Justice
Fadi Greene, Physics
Nina Grillo-Balthrop, Sociology
Paola Guido, Political Science
Daniel Heiney-Gonzalez, Psychology
Craig Hench, Visual Communication
Lucien Hernandez, Music
Marien Hernandez, Physics
Yael Hernandez, Music Educ - General/Choral
Noah Honig, Biological Sciences
Jennifer Ibanez, International Relations
Gregory Inman, Mathematics Education
Lauryn Isaacs, International Relations
Erika Jordan, Psychology
Patrick Kellermann, Criminal Justice
Caitlyn Kennedy, Biological Sciences
Khatlen Kerrane, Spanish Education
Lindsey King, Visual Communication
Renee Koerner, Communication Interest
Stephanie Laraque, Psychology
Marysol Lavander, Biological Sciences
Jose-Luis Lazarte Luna, Art Conservation
Barry Lee, Biological Sciences
Rachel Lerman, Biological Sciences
Katelyn Licata, Music Education - Instrumental
Jennifer Lilley, Communication Interest
Aaron Llanso, Foreign Languages &Literatures
Laura Lopez, Political Science
Rock Lopez, Criminal Justice
Cristina Luna, English
Edward Madigan, Criminal Justice
Gena Maldonado, Art History
Jissell Martinez, International Relations
Bruce Martins, Biological Sciences
Mark McDonald, Philosophy
Eamon McLaughlin, Biological Sciences
Lauren Montenegro, English
Kevin Moreno, Criminal Justice
Sabrina Mosquera, Women's Studies
Carlos Moya, Art
Judith Munoz, Sociology
Jennifer Murillo, Sociology
Theresa Napholtz, Psychology
Daniel Nicolosi, English
Bethania Noronha, Biological Sciences
Chloe Obando, Foreign Languages & Literatures
Lauren Ojeda, Spanish/Political Science
Stephanie Pagan, Biological Sciences
Elizabeth Peirce, Art Conservation
Melanie Peralta, Sociology
Denise Perez, Latin American Studies
Esteban Pilonieta, Fine Arts/Visual Com Interest
Scott Pino, Psychology
Carlos Planchart, Foreign Languages &Literatures
Sharon Pozzo, Biological Sciences
Alejandra Ramos-Rosa, Biological Sciences
Jessica Rey, Political Science
Carolina Ribas, Political Science
Melissa Rivera, Biological Sciences
Allison Rodriguez, Mathematics Education
Christina Rodriguez, Spanish Education
Lauren Rodriguez, Biological Sciences
Paul Ruiz, Political Science
Katelyn Ruiz, Political Science
Bianca Russano, Foreign Languages &Literatures
Soleil Sabalja, Foreign Languages &Literatures
Gabriella Sagastume, English
Sarah Sammons, Psychology
Jessica Santiago, Applied Music - Instrumental
Felipe Schiffino, Psychology
Lauren Shanks, Psychology
Kristen Siemientkowski, English Education
Heather Silva, English Education
Christianne Spencer, East Asian Studies
Jacqueline Spitzbarth, History
Matthew Stieglitz, Communication
Gina Suarez, Criminal Justice
Caroline Sullivan, Psychology
Alicia Tamayo, Communication Interest
Gabrielle Taska, Geography
Kathryn Teixeira, Biological Sciences
Dawn Teufel, Psychology
Jessica Torres, Psychology
Katherine Torres, History Education
Maria Trigo, Art Conservation
Monica Trobagis, History
Melissa Urena, History
Marissa Valle, Communication
Robert Van Antwerp, Art History
Jessie Vega, Biological Sciences
Angela Velez, Music
Marjorie Velez, Biological Sciences
Nicole Weingartner, English
Nicole Yuzuk, Biological Sciences
Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics
Brian Alexitch, Marketing
Victor Andrade, Management
Franklin Andujar, Economics
Nathalie Antonov, Marketing
Carrie Barnum, Economics
Christopher Calle, Marketing
Kristin Casella, Marketing
Jennifer Castano, Marketing
Diane Cerqueira, Finance
Ana Ciappi, Finance
Gregory Colon, Accounting
Nayara Da Silva, Operations Management
Lia De Affonseca, International Business Studies
Bernard Devieux, Finance
Melissa Diaz, International Business Studies
Raphaela DiClemente, Finance
Lauren DiMarco, International Business Studies
Juan Duque, Marketing
Juan Escobar, Business Undeclared
James Fabregas, Marketing
Zachary Feinberg, Finance
Claudia Flores, Economics
Danielle Fuentes, Finance
Justin Hugelen-Padin, Finance
Luis Jimenez, Management
Andrew Licata, International Business Studies
Aniello Maglione, Marketing
Susannah Maisel, Marketing
Margaret Mandich, Marketing
Celeste McCain, Finance
Emilio Mendelsohn, Management Information Systems
Aaron Mendez, Management Information Systems
Tasha Nelson, Business Undeclared
George Nomikos, Finance
Lydia Pavelock, Marketing
Michael Perez, Management Information Systems
Joseph Prats, Business Undeclared
Jorge Reyes, Marketing
Valerie Rojas, Marketing
Felix Romero, Economics
Lesley Rosario, Finance
Kathryn Sambrana, Marketing
Sabina Soto, Business Undeclared
Stephanie Teibel, Finance
Matthew Tuminello, Accounting
Philip Valle, Finance
Gabrielle Vando, Business Undeclared
Carlos Vazquez, Finance
Eric Vernacchio, Finance
Steven Vernacchio, Accounting
Chloe Walowitz, Business Undeclared
Jasmin Zirino, Finance
College of Engineering
Anne-Marie Biser, Chemical Engineering
Cristina Ciappi, Computer Engineering
Ryan Cuzme, Civil Engineering
Craig Davis, Environmental Engineering
Andrew Eliscu, Civil Engineering
Kristie Grammatikos, Chemical Engineering
Michael Hospod, Mechanical Engineering
Manuel Jimenez Diaz, Chemical Engineering
Camilo Perez, Electrical Engineering
Samuel Rivera, Electrical Engineering
Matthew Rodriguez, Computer Engineering
Ruben Rosario, Chemical Engineering
Justin Seeney, Civil Engineering
Michael Serafinas, Chemical Engineering
Uriah Stock, Electrical Engineering
Robert Suarez, Civil Engineering
College of Health Sciences
Stephanie Abad, Nursing
Emmanuel Antonio, Nursing
Emily Balea, Dietetics
Andrea Barajas, Health Behavior Science
Marco Bedolla-Pantoja, Medical Technology Interest
Jonathan Beri, Exercise Science Interest
Melinda Borges, Nursing
Claudia Cannon, Nursing
Michelle Coulter, Nursing
Josefina Diaz-Perez, Nursing
Maria DiMarzio, Nursing
Taryn Doscher, Nursing
Gladys Duarte, Nursing
Christine Garcia, Nursing
Erica Kunkel, Nursing
Monica Lourenco, Nursing
Richard Lozano, Dietetics
Nicole Marshall, Nursing
Christina Mazzoni, Nursing
Kristen Nunez, Nursing
Christine Patorniti, Dietetics
Carlos Perez, Nursing
Emilio Perry, Health and Physical Education
Luz Reyes, Medical Technology
Derek Rivera, Athletic Training
Sarah Rodriguez, Nursing
Alexandra Sandoval, Health and Physical Education
Rachel Smigelski-Theiss, Nursing
Cristina Spagnoli, Nursing
Brittany Stammer, Nursing
Eve Stock, Nursing
Ginette Torres, Athletic Training
Shane Toussaint, Exercise Science
Cristina Valcarcel, Health and Physical Education
Lauren Van Hise, Health and Physical Education
Lauren Vega, Nursing
Monica Weiden, Nursing
Andrea Yuzuk, Exercise Science
Danielle Zambardino, Nursing
Jessica Zapata, Nursing
College of Human Services, Education and Public Policy
Danielle Abou-Samra, Elementary Teacher Education
Josefina Ayllon Ayllon, Elementary Teacher Education
Brittany Ballester, Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management
Pamela Bedoya, Fashion Merchandising
Katherine Castano, Elementary Teacher Education
Jenna Cavadas-Fonseca, Elementary Teacher Education
Elizabeth Cepeda, Apparel Design
Danielle Cusanelli, Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management
Marisa Dohn, Elementary Teacher Education
Jessica Emelio, Leadership
Beatriz FáBrega, Apparel Design
Andrea Fusaro, Early Childhood Education
Jessica Garcia, Leadership
Carlyn Gonzalez, Elementary Teacher Education
Kirsten Holst, Fashion Merchandising
Mallory Jowett, Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management
Alexia LaSalle, Fashion Merchandising
Mallory Littleton, Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management
Adriene Lopez, Elementary Teacher Education
Nicole Lozyniak, Elementary Teacher Education
Tiffany Melendez, Elementary Teacher Education
Alicia Miranda-Browne, Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management
Natalia Moena, Apparel Design
Nicole Montanez, Human Services, Education and Public Policy
Hilda Moradel, Human Services
Katye Murphy, Early Childhood Development and Education
Carly Nacer, Elementary Teacher Education
Caitlin O'Donnell, Early Childhood Education
Ana Perry, Elementary Teacher Education
Maria Pizano, Human Services
Jaclyn Ramirez, Elementary Teacher Education
Amanda Rodriguez, Elementary Teacher Education
Erica Rojas, Family and Community Services
Emily Silpe, Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management
Katrina Swales, Elementary Teacher Education
Miluska Triveno, Elementary Teacher Education
Jennifer Trotto, Human Services, Education and Public Policy
Stephany Valencia, Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management
Natalie Villoslada, Early Childhood Development and Education
University Studies
Leslie Barnhardt, University Studies
Alejandro Delgado, University Studies
Kara Dengler, University Studies
Renee Koerner, University Studies
Rachel Larrain, University Studies
Matthew Lontos, University Studies
Joseph Lynch, University Studies
Alexandria Nedd, University Studies
Yesenia Rodriguez, University Studies
Jaisel Salgado, University Studies
Melissa Skolnick, University Studies
Article by Jerry Rhodes
Photos by Duane Perry