The Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program

Building experience from the ground up 🏗️📐

Kelly/Strul Scholar Gilberto Barahona Hernandez gained valuable experience as a project manager with KD Construction of Florida LLC, supporting the development of a large-scale residential project in Boynton Beach.

In this role, he contributed to daily site operations, coordination and project documentation while gaining insight into the logistics and teamwork required to bring a major development to life.

Experiences like this help prepare students for future careers by connecting classroom learning with real-world application. 💙

Let's hear it for our Summer ’26 graduates! 🎓

Da'Yahna Joiner ’26
🎓 B.S. in Biological Sciences
🦉 Da’Yahna was involved in the Kelly/Strul Student Organization, Blood Pressure Screening Association, Elite Owls and the National Society of Leadership and Success, while conducting research at the FAU Marine Lab. She plans to work in a hospital while pursuing a degree in diagnostic medical sonography.

D'vaeja Lattimore ’26
🎓 B.B.A. in Management, minor in Marketing
🦉 D’vaeja gained hands-on experience through internships with The Shark Group, Miami Dolphins event activations team and Unrivaled Basketball. Following graduation, she plans to continue exploring business career paths.

Janya O'Meara ’26
🎓 B.S. in Biological Sciences (Pre-Med)
🦉 Janya was involved on campus through Next in Action and Medi-Futures virtual shadowing program, while exploring her path in medicine. She plans to gain clinical experience before applying to medical school.

Kei-Myra Brooks ’26
🎓 Bachelor’s in Early Care and Education (BECE)
🦉 Kei-Myra was active in the Black Student Union, Tri-Alpha Honor Society, Florida Future Educators of America at FAU, FAMU Big Sister Little Sister Mentoring Program, First and Proud Club, Community Service Club and the Kelly/Strul Student Organization. She plans to mentor young girls through a nonprofit and explore public service opportunities.

Samantha Leiva Cordova ’26�
🎓 B.A. in Health Sciences, minor in Psychology
🦉 Samantha served as a First and Proud ambassador and later secretary, while also holding a leadership role as vice president of the Blood Pressure Screening Association and working at the Alumni Center. She plans to pursue nursing school following graduation.

Your support has helped our graduates build the skills and confidence to succeed. Thank you. ❤️

We're proud to celebrate three Kelly/Strul Spring ’26 graduates and all they’ve accomplished! ❤️

Thy Nguyen ’26
🎓 B.S. in Computer Science, minor in Cybersecurity
🦉 Thy gained experience as an intern at ADT Security and was an active member of Girls Who Code. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a full-time role in cybersecurity or data science.

Widely Phillistin ’26
🎓 B.S. in Neuroscience and Behavior
🦉 Widley served as president of the Blood Pressure Screening Association and vice president of the Kelly/Strul Student Organization, while also contributing to FAU Owls Care Health Promotion, Get Wise center and FAMU Big Sister Little Sister Mentoring Program. She will continue her education in a Master of Public Health program.

Zariah Walker ’26
🎓 B.A. in Health Science, minors in Psychology and Health Administration
🦉 Zariah served as president of the Kohesion Step Team, vice president of Konbit Kreyol Dance Troupe and chief of staff for FAU Student Alumni Association (SAA), while contributing to Tri-Alpha Honor Society and the Medi Futures Program. She hopes to enroll in Florida Atlantic University's Accelerated Nursing Program, with a long-term goal of joining the Air Force.

Your generosity helps students like Thy, Widely and Zariah grow as leaders and professionals. 💙

Graduation is more than a milestone. It’s a reflection of the hard work our scholars have put in and the support that helped them get there. 🎓

Moments like these are made possible through the generosity of those who continue to believe and invest in our students.

Thank you to our incredible donors and community partners for being part of their journey and celebrating this achievement alongside them. 🦉💙

Research that makes an impact 🧠🫶🏻

Samantha Leiva Cordova recently presented her research at the FAU Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry symposium alongside Dr. Cassandra Horne, a first-generation faculty member.

Her work explores how first-generation Haitians understand and interpret mental health, highlighting the importance of different perspectives in shaping care.

We’re so proud of the work you’re doing, Samantha! 💙

We're celebrating four more outstanding graduates from our Spring ’26 class!

Cydney Goodings ’26
🎓 B.A. in Health Science
🦉 Cydney was a founding member of the Kelly/Strul Student Organization and served on the board, while also staying involved with Black Women in Medicine, Fashion Forward and the Office of First-Generation Student Success. She plans to pursue a master’s degree and enter an anesthesiologist assistant program while continuing to build her career in real estate.

Denia Rosiclair ’26�
🎓 B.S. in Computer Science, minor in Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence�
🦉 Denia served as president of Girls Who Code and a student body senator in SG at FAU. She was also involved with the National Society of Black Engineers and FAU SHPE. She plans to pursue a master’s in artificial intelligence and begin her career in cybersecurity.

Dodlee Mosilme ’26
🎓 B.S. in Biological Sciences, minor in Psychology
🦉 Dodlee served as vice president of Tri-Alpha Honor Society, secretary of Black Men in Medicine and treasurer of First and Proud Club, while mentoring and supporting peers as a student success mentor. He plans to pursue a career in nonprofit development and fundraising.

Jackelin Guzman-Alvarez ’26�
🎓 B.S.N. in Nursing, minor in Computer Science
🦉 Jackelin participated in the FAU Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry research symposium and completed an honors research thesis. She plans to begin her career as a registered nurse.

Your generosity helps our scholars step into the future with purpose and confidence. ❤️💙

We’re kicking off our Spring ’26 graduation spotlight series with four of our inspiring graduates!

Anthony Jenkins ’26
🎓 B.B.A. in Management Information Systems
🦉 Anthony was involved in the FAU Management Information Systems Association while growing academically and personally throughout his time on campus. He plans to pursue a master’s degree while exploring paths such as becoming an Emergency Medical Technician or joining the Air Force.

Blandine Youte ’26
🎓 B.B.A. in Accounting
🦉 Blandine held leadership roles in the FAU Accounting Students Association Boca Raton and the National Association of Black Accountants, building confidence in professional spaces. She plans to pursue a master’s in accounting and earn her Certified Public Accountant.

Britto Herard ’26
🎓 B.S. in Biological Sciences
🦉 Britto was involved in multiple pre-health organizations, including the Minority Association of Premedical Students at FAU, the Pre-Dental Association and Black Men in Medicine, while building a strong community on campus. Following graduation, he will be attending dental school.

Cassandra Genz ’26
🎓 B.B.A. in Business Management
🦉 Cassandra explored her passion for music while gaining experience in digital content creation. She plans to continue her music career while pursuing graduate school.

Thank you for supporting our scholars every step of the way! 💙

Recognizing leadership, impact and student success 🦉💙

Kelly/Strul Scholar Thien Doan took the stage at both Florida Atlantic's Horizon Society Luncheon, a donor recognition event, and Soirée 65, the President's Gala, where he shared his journey and reflected on how donor support has shaped his experience at Florida Atlantic University.

He was also honored with the SG at FAU Legacy Award, recognizing his leadership and contributions to the campus community.

Moments like these reflect the impact of wraparound support and the opportunities it creates for students to lead, grow and give back.