Affinity Groups celebrate student achievement in Northern Virginia

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campus experience 1:41 Affinity Groups celebrate student achievement in Northern Virginia

By:

Craig Newcomb

6 May 2024 132

The second annual Affinity Groups Cultural Achievement Ceremony celebrates the end of the year and the accomplishments of graduating master’s and Ph.D. students who identify with the following communities: Asian, Black, First-Generation, GRAD Parents, Latinx, Veterans, and Women in TECH. The Golden Geese Award was also presented for outstanding mentoring to Katrina Colucci Chang, Ariel Ahram, and Deepanshi Behal. The affinity groups were established in 2021 to foster environments of support and create a forum for the exchange of ideas, cultural awareness, and resources to support degree completion and professional development goals.

And it is my pleasure and honor to welcome you to the second Affinity Groups Cultural Achievement ceremony for the Washington DC area expanded campuses. This ceremony hallmarks the end of an amazing year by celebrating the accomplishments of our May and December graduates, as well as our advocates and champions and supporters of the Affinity Group communities. The Affinity groups were established in 2021, as a forum for an exchange of ideas on issues of common interests, cultural traditions, and to cultivate environments of support for the students who identify with these communities. Graduate school can be an exciting and yet challenging journey for students, and it's often helpful to have a community of like minded individuals who share common interests and experiences. When we join an Affinity group, we become part of a community that understands our unique struggles and experiences, and we get to connect with others who share similar interests, career goals, and cultural backgrounds. Congratulations to all of those who are being recognized today. Whatever you do, right? Do it with purpose. Do it with intent. We take advantage of opportunity. We step into things when we're called upon. I want to congratulate you, okay. This is a major accomplishment. Go out and let's do it.