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In celebration of Black History Month, Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Office of Global Diversity and Inclusive Excellence recognized more than 200 students for academic excellence.

The first-time event celebrated those students who qualified for the President’s list by maintaining a 4.0 grade point average, and students who qualified for the Deans’ list with grade-point averages of 3.5 or higher.

Four African-American Â鶹ÊÓƵ alumni served as keynote speakers including:
- Ronnie Turner, Jr., attorney, Provost Umphrey Law Firm, L.L.P.
- Kristeen Reynolds, audit and assurance senior associate, Deloitte and Touche, Houston
- LaKeisha Fontenot, U.S. history teacher, Vincent Middle School
- Fred R. Vernon II, founder and CEO, KLV Ventures Incorporated.

“This was an opportunity for Â鶹ÊÓƵ to highlight the positive contribution of African-American students to this institution,” says Imelda Wicks, executive director of Global Diversity and Inclusive Excellence.  “At Â鶹ÊÓƵ, approximately 25 percent of our student body and 34 percent of our workforce self-identify as African-American. Therefore, events like this are great opportunities for us to recognize the central role of diversity on our campus.”

For the complete list of students who received the “Black History Month: Celebrating Academic Excellence Award,” and for photos and information on keynote speakers please visit: Black History Month Celebration
and see additional photos.