EOF Graduate and Student Speaker Amanda Bachan in her cap and gown, and her mother. Photo credit: OPOC
On April 19, the SEBS Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) celebrated graduates of 2024 at Rutgers University’s Jersey Mike’s Arena. The EOF program provides financial assistance and support services to New Jersey students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The honorees included graduating EOF students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement throughout their college careers.
1,466 graduates from 70 New Jersey colleges and universities gathered for the Graduate Achievement Awards Ceremony. The SEBS EOF program had 16 honorees attend the ceremony. Among the ceremony’s esteemed guests were Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway, NJ Lt. Governor Way, and members of the EOF Board of Governors, serving as a reminder of the importance of resources in providing EOF opportunities to succeed.
Dr. Jacqueline Moore, the SEBS EOF Director highlighted that the day is a celebration of the accomplishments of EOF graduates and an acknowledgment of the obstacles they have overcome before walking the graduation stage.
“Many of these students come from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds, and their achievements are a testament to their hard work, resilience, and the support they’ve received through the EOF program. Holding the graduation ceremony at Jersey Mike’s Arena adds an extra layer of significance. It’s a venue that symbolizes not just the scale of the event but the broader community support for these students. Being able to graduate from such a renowned institution sends a powerful message that their hard work has paid off and that they belong in spaces traditionally reserved for the privileged.”
Dr. Moore said the most rewarding part of the day was seeing the pride and joy on the faces of the EOF graduates and their families and witnessing the culmination of years of hard work.
One of these graduates was Amanda Bachan, a SEBS EOF Ambassador majoring in Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources (EENR), who was invited to be the first-ever student speaker at an EOF graduation ceremony.
“When I was given the opportunity, I was very nervous, but also extremely honored to be the first student speaker at this graduation. My family, Ms. Kismet, and Dean Moore were there every step of the way to help prepare for the graduation ceremony. That made me feel supported and well-guided to do my absolute best. It made me look back on who I was and see how far I’ve come. In my speech, I mentioned being the daughter of two immigrant parents from Trinidad. Having my parents there with me on that big day meant the world to me.”
This article was written by OPOC intern Emily Ranieri.