Altruistic alumni pay it forward
|
Posted By: Hija Chang on April 19, 2018 Couple donates graduation regalia Photo: Cardel Louis-Jacques and fiancée Shanicia Hanson Shanicia Hanson was about to move in November 2016 when she discovered graduation regalia from her undergraduate days at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. “As I was packing, I came across my cap and gown … and I asked (fiancé Cardel Louis-Jacques) if he still had his,” Hanson said. “He responded 'yes,' but did not know what … to do with them.” Louis-Jacques earned a degree in finance from UMES in 2015, while Hanson is a dual degree holder; criminal justice (2013) and a master's in rehabilitation counseling (2016). “I wrote the idea down that, as one of my short-term goals, I would like to collect caps and gowns and donate to students who might be experiencing financial hardship and (be) unable to celebrate their big day,” Hanson said. After settling into their new home in Gaithersburg, Md., “we reached out to a few of our friends and asked if they still had their caps and gowns,” she said. It turned out they were not alone. Hanson then took to social media and floated the idea among UMES graduates about joining them in their grassroots' effort. “We were overwhelmed with the positive feedback we received and look forward to continue giving back to our dear alma mater,” Hanson said. One of those responding on social media was Cortina Johnson of Frederick, Md., a 2016 rehabilitation services graduate. “I thought 'I can give back.' There's no reason to hold on it,” Johnson said. “If there's some way I can help somebody's big day that was as special as I mine was, I was glad to give it up.” Hanson collected nearly two dozen caps and gowns, and paid to have them dry-cleaned. During homecoming in February, she and Louis-Jacques delivered what they had collected to a friend, who in turned passed them on the Office of Institutional Advancement. “It was a good opportunity for alumni to give back, especially young alumni,” Louis-Jacques said. “I know for myself, it was a struggle to pay for a cap and gown.” “We're able to help and communicate with other people across the country who went to UMES and (who) want to show their support,” he said. “We're still a Hawk family even though we're not on campus.” Dr. Veronique Diriker, UMES Director of Development, is working with academic unit leaders to create a regalia loaner closet where students can discretely access caps and gowns to participate in graduation. “UMES paved the way for my fiancé and me,” Hanson said, “and we believe this is a small blessing that we could do and give back to students and the university.” UMES alumni inspired by the generosity of Shanicia and Cardel are encouraged to send an e-mail to Dr. Veronique Diriker to learn more about how to participate. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Hija Chang
Management, See Moss Interactive Bellarmine University class of 2021 Member Since January 2011 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest News
 |
Rosen Foundation expanding scholarship program, partnering with Bethune-Cookman UniversityCarrying on the legacy of Harris Rosen and his commitment to education, today the Harris Rosen Foundation announced it is expanding its already-successful scholarship program and partnering with Bethu ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 219 Views • May 19th, 2026 |
 |
Sinners vs. Michael: Which Film Actually Won the Ultimate Culture Debate?While Antoine Fuqua’s Michael is dominating the box office with its electrifying, stadium-level concert recreations and a star-making, uncanny physical performance by Jaafar Jackson, critics and film ...more
TaQuan Ford • 202 Views • May 16th, 2026 |
 |
Healthcare Career Fair Aims to Connect Employers with Qualified Local Talent in Northern VirginiaHealthcare organizations across Northern Virginia will have an opportunity to connect directly with qualified job seekers this June during the upcoming Healthcare Career Fair in Prince William County. ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 379 Views • May 15th, 2026 |
Popular News
 |
North Carolina HBCU Unity DayShaw University - Elizabeth City State University - Johnson C. Smith University - Fayetteville State University - Livingstone College - North Carolina A&T State University - North Carolina Central Uni ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 109,360 Views • August 8th, 2016 |
