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In celebration of Black History Month, ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ’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 ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ 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 ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ to highlight the positive contribution of African-American students to this institution,” says Imelda Wicks, executive director of Global Diversity and Inclusive Excellence.  “At ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ, 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.