Winner reactions: Graduate Awards Ceremony 2011

“All of these awards mean a great deal to me, but the one which means the most is the Summa Cum Laude because I was able to maintain the 3.9 GPA ( it was 3.98 ten years ago when I graduated with my Associate's). It shows that hard work and determination pay off! My award for Excellence in Humanities took me by surprise!! But not my husband. He was sitting behind me saying, "That's your award, they should be calling your name!!!" And they did!!! I have again had an AMAZING, TOTALLY AWESOME, MAGNIFICENT journey at Plaza College.”

Carol Branigan, Class of 2011

“Words cannot express how grateful I am with the awards that I received. Receiving these awards made me realize that all of the stress and hard work that I put into completing the BBA program was worth it. Not only did I complete the program, but because I completed the BBA program, I received a great promotion at my current job. But, the most important part of that night and receiving these awards was seeing how proud my family was of my accomplishments. Thank you very much for making this important night so beautiful and special.”

Jesenia Diaz, Class of 2011.

“I do feel very proud of myself. I want to thank the professors who took the time to teach me. I'll always remember each and every one of the professors for the wonderful patience they had in helping me when I really needed it.”

Maria E. Martinez, Class of 2011

“Receiving all of these awards was a great honor, and it gave me an amazing sense of accomplishment. My last semester was a pretty hectic one, with struggling to obtain 24 remaining credits while preparing for the arrival of my son. In the end, with less than 2 months left of my pregnancy, I completed the courses necessary to obtain my associate’s degree. I would not have been able to do all of this without the help and inspiration of two people in particular: Dean Zipf and Professor Howle. Dean Zipf gave me the opportunity to accomplish quite a large task for someone in my position. She took her chances with me when odds were against me. Professor Howle, through my 4 semester stay at Plaza, did nothing but encourage me and push me to be the greatest that I possibly could be. He made sure to give me credit for my accomplishments, so that I had the drive to continue and improve. To Dean Zipf and Professor Howle, I am forever grateful. To know that I was capable of doing all of this and still maintain a 4.0 GPA makes me extremely proud of myself. I feel even more accomplished knowing that I did it all for my son. I want to be a role model for him and prove to him that anything can be done if you put you mind to it. So this degree, I dedicate to him. Mommy loves you Joshua.”

Jennifer Addonisio, Class of 2011

“(Winning the Perseverance Award) meant a lot to me. I'm excited I accomplished it! It just felt good going up there and getting the award. There were times when I wanted to quit school because it was way too much for me to handle while I had my own personal problems. I met good friends at Plaza, and they just believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. I'm glad I conquered that obstacle in my life. I'm happy for the woman I have become. Thank you, PLAZA!”

Cynthia Montenegro, Class of 2011

“As a recipient of Plaza College President’s Award for Excellence in Humanities, 2011, along with the Citizenship award, I am ecstatic. Just to have been nominated means that my efforts have been recognized and appreciated. I want to thank the Awards Committee, along with the Plaza College faculty, family and all in attendance, who came out that evening to show their support to all nominees. It was a night I will never forget. Congratulations to all Award Winners and a special Congratulations to the class of 2011.”

Kenya Gadson, Class of 2011

“I want to thank Plaza College and the faculty, who helped me to accomplish this amazing achievement. I have been awarded high honors for my GPA of 3.98, a Writing Award, and the Consummate Professional award. These mean a lot to my family and me. It proves that my dedication and hard work at Plaza College have paid off and been recognized. I am so proud of myself. My family is proud and pleased with my achievement. This is big moment in my life.”

Johnny Lee, Class of 2011

“(Winning the Administrative Skills Award) meant a lot. It was a special night. It felt wonderful. I realized, ‘Wow, I did it!’ It was amazing to know that Plaza College took the time out to recognize my hard work. I am totally grateful to you all. Thank you to all the professors who helped me along this journey. I couldn't have done it with out you.”

Wendy Rammelkamp, Class of 2011

“The awards I received are: Certificate of Honors in Writing, Consummate Professional, and the Bronze Medal for graduating with honors. This event meant a great deal for me. It was a very humbling experience, which reflected not only the personal effort given, but the careful attention by the staff to recognize each of us. The evening itself established a great sense of encouragement in two ways. The first sign of encouragement came as a result of what we we're able to accomplish through our commitment and diligence. The other sign of encouragement left a renewed confidence in each of our lives to move forward, as we pursue higher heights and deeper depths.”

Jason Whitaker, Class of 2011

“I won an award for excellence in liberal arts. I was very happy when I received it because I really did not expect this award. I was overwhelmed with joy on stage. When I read my email, I could not believe myself; therefore, I asked a few friends to read it in order to confirm that it was for me. While I was receiving my award, my hands and legs got numb. There are no words to express how I felt. All I want is to pass and get an Associate’s Degree. For my achievements, I should thank Professor McCann. She is one who always encourages me to put my ideas in writing. I should also thank the Learning Resources Center. They are always there to help me.”

Yeshodha Shankar, Class of 2011

“I felt the love definitely when receiving both the Perseverance Award and the Citizenship Award. The Awards Ceremony night for me felt magical. I had the opportunity to share my story with the Plaza community. My mission was to inspire someone; however, I was the one inspired. Sharing my story with Plaza reignited my passion for public service on a higher level. I am passionate about obtaining my MBA and beginning an organization to assist women and their children with essential services and educational assistance. I want to “pay it forward” just like someone did for me. It was a glorious milestone for me, and I will cherish that night forever.”

Lawanna Dean Davis, Class of 2011

“I will first of all say thank you to all the members of the committee that made it happen that day. I won two awards; the Summa Cum Laude Award for academic achievements, and the Consummate Professional Award. I was highly honored and elated winning these awards. It further convinced me that hard work does not kill, but strengthens you to achieve more. It was a great evening, as you can see happiness, love, warmth, and a sense of accomplishment on the faces of those that attended. Even the children present acknowledged the importance of hard work and excelling.”

Okanlawon Johnson, Class of 2011

“As you know, I was one of the ‘doubtful Thomases’ who asked myself what was I doing at Plaza College at my age. I felt like I could not live up to the standards of college life, and that this is something I should have done when I was younger. Now that I'm at the end of my Associate’s degree, a number of professors and students showed me that it's never too late to do anything that you set your mind to do. Receiving my degree is rewarding in itself, but to have so many other awards to go with it is just a blessing. Receiving awards in such a prestigious way is just amazing!! I feel so honored every time Professor Howle pulls something out of me that I never knew was there, and to show me that I am not just another face in the crowd, but that I too am worthy of such honors. The ceremony was a wonderful, amazing, outstanding, and glorious evening; we could not have asked for anything more. Receiving the awards for my GPA and for the Alumni Association Service just topped the evening off. I no longer question my reasons for becoming a Plaza College student, and I now walk with my head held high and enjoy my accomplishments with pride.”

Janet Hill, Class of 2011

“Terrace at the Park was amazing! I just loved the way everything was set up! Everyone did such a great job to make the night special! I received two awards that night. One was for Excellence in Diagnostic Coding, and the other was for maintaining a 3.8 or higher GPA. It felt so great to hear my name called out. It made me feel so happy to be recognized for all my hard work. My husband, kids, and parents were so proud of me. That made me feel like I was floating on a cloud. Thanks for an unforgettable night!”

Christy Miranda, Class of 2011

“This evening meant so much to me because I was recognized for my achievements at Plaza. I had my friends, faculty, and professors there to congratulate me on my achievements. I felt great winning those awards, but the one I would say that was the most special was the Anna S. Callahan award. That award was special because it was the last main award for that night, and I made history by becoming the first male to win that award. I was really excited when I was heard about that, and I was proud of myself. I went up there raised it high in the air and everyone was cheering for me. I felt great! I felt like I was on top of the world. I even kissed the cup, which was very funny, but I knew I had to do that as soon as I got up there. I'm glad I made the right choice to come back to Plaza for my Bachelor’s degree. Thank you Plaza for all of the wonderful memories.”

Richard Melara, Class of 2011

“I won the Liberal Arts award and the Citizenship award. This evening meant that all my hard work paid off. It made me so happy to see that I'm not the only person who sees my achievements.”

Shayeeda Espinal, Class of 2011