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Meet Dr. Shanita Thomas — Blavin Scholars’ first MD!

June 26, 2022

Shanita Thomas MD

Please meet Shanita Thomas – our first Blavin Scholar to become an MD. Like all of our scholars, Shanita personifies true grit! She overcame 20 foster homes, 2 post-baccalaureate programs, and unthinkable childhood traumas to do it! We’re incredibly excited and happy for you, Shanita. You are pure inspiration.

Shanita brings our graduate total to-date to 141. Read more about Shanita’s journey here.

Outstanding, Class of 2022!

June 8, 2022

It is with great pride and extreme pleasure that we send out congratulations to the Blavin Scholars graduates, Class of 2022! We live in an ever-changing world, and these graduates can certainly attest to that. They have met and exceeded expectations in the face of personal and global adversity. We know that great things will come for our six graduates from the University of Michigan and our four graduates from Northern Arizona University. We hope these 10 outstanding scholars revel in their respective achievements as they join the ranks of our 140 graduates to date. No hurdle is too high for the 2022 Blavin Scholars, and we eagerly await the news of their next accomplishments!

Congrats, 2020-2021 Blavin Scholars Graduates!

May 28, 2021

2020-21 Blavin Scholar Grads

 

A big and well-deserved congratulations goes out to our 2020-2021 Blavin Scholars graduates! We couldn’t be more proud and admiring of these 17 students. Their years of hard work, perseverance, and resilience have paid off — resulting in achieving their respective degree goals at University of Michigan. What amazing spirit and strength! We are honored to be a part of their journeys and we look forward to seeing what they have in store for their next season of life.

To those who work along side our scholars in support of their efforts and dreams — we see you pouring your hearts and souls into their success, and we can’t thank you enough. There are many of you and we are forever grateful.

Now, please meet our inspiring grads…

Robert B., University of Michigan

Robert is a 5-year Blavin Scholar graduating with his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. Upon graduation, Robert is excited to gain industry experience while learning more about the different aspects of software engineering. After that, he hopes to attend graduate school and pursue his master’s degree. In his time at Michigan, Robert has learned not to be afraid of failure or asking for help. He encourages all future Blavin Scholars to work hard and take advantage of the resources made available to them. Robert’s favorite memory at UM is attending the first football game freshman year with his fellow Blavin Scholars. Robert is grateful for the support system he found in the Blavin Scholars and the help it’s given him in learning more about himself and his goals.


Tiana B., University of Michigan

Tiana is graduating with her bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Engineering and a minor in Applied Statistics, skills she hopes to use to freelance or start her own business one day. Tiana is a 5-year Blavin Scholar with marked achievement in the social justice efforts she has put forth in her time at Michigan (check out a couple of the articles below). Following graduation, Tiana will begin her career working at Procter and Gamble as an Information Security Engineer and an Information Technology Manager. Tiana is proud of the personal growth she’s experienced, most notably the confidence gained in her ability to make the best decisions for herself. She appreciates the support of CSP and the Blavin program in helping to shape her confidence in pursuing the academic program she did, all while giving her the support system she needed to achieve her goals. Tiana encourages other Scholars to ask for help and not be afraid to accept it when people offer.


Jennifer H., University of Michigan

Jennifer is a 3-year Blavin Scholar graduating with her bachelor’s degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. After graduation, Jennifer is looking to explore the public health and osteopathic medicine fields where she hopes to learn more about some potential career paths. The thing that most excites Jennifer about her future is the ability to impact people’s lives through her practice in public health or medicine. Since coming to college, Jennifer has learned to appreciate the bigger picture of life and take time to explore new things. She is grateful to her support system for all the help they have given her and for always being there while she takes on new challenges. Jennifer’s biggest takeaway from her time in Blavin is that no problem is too big or too small to share when you have people who support you.


Elazar N., University of Michigan

Elazar is a 3-year Blavin Scholar graduating with his bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. After graduation, Elazar hopes to attend Law School and ultimately become a Lawyer. He is so appreciative of the opportunities to learn and gain new knowledge that he has been immersed in these past few years at Michigan. Through the Blavin Scholars Program, Elazar has come to understand the true meaning of engagement and getting what you give. He reminds everyone to work hard for what they have and to appreciate the support of those around them.


Collins E., University of Michigan

Collins is graduating with his bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and was inspired to enter this field by the diversity of work opportunities available. He is a 5-year Blavin Scholar and a recipient of the Center for Engineering Diversity & Outreach Power Scholar Award. Collins is excited to use the knowledge and skills he’s gained at Michigan to launch his career in engineering. Since coming to college, Collins knows he has grown in so many ways and most importantly, he has grown in knowing who he is and who he wants to be. Reflecting on his experience in the Blavin Scholars Program, Collins has immense gratitude for all of the opportunities and relationships he has created. Collins wants incoming Scholars to know that the future speaks louder about who you are than your past does, and there is a world of possibilities ahead.


 

Jenny G., University of Michigan

Jenny is a 5-year Blavin Scholar graduating with her bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science and English Language and Literature. Following graduation, Jenny will be heading to Pittsburgh to start her career as an Autonomy Systems Engineer working for Uber Advanced Technologies Group. In her time at Michigan, Jenny has grown to be confident in the skills, mindset, and determination that will help her to be successful no matter where she goes or what she does. Jenny says it takes a village to graduate from college and she is so appreciative of the village she found in the Blavin Scholars Program. Going forward, Jenny is excited to get out into the world and start figuring out what giving back will look like for her.


Ade I., University of Michigan

Ade is a 2-year Blavin Scholar graduating with his bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a love of political activism! While at UM, Ade has received awards for helping bring Yoruba to the University of Michigan. Following graduation, he hopes to be the best IT Project Manager as possible, with a long term goal of working on his own business living somewhere warm (like Miami!). In his time at Michigan, Ade has grown to feel calmer and much more patient than he was when he first started college. Ade’s biggest takeaway from Blavin is that there are always people looking out for you; you just have to find them.


Kaitlyn E., University of Michigan

Kaitlyn is a 3-year Blavin Scholar graduating with her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Writing. Following graduation, Kaitlyn will be attending the UM School of Social Work and hopes to be happy, surrounded by her loved ones, and to be able to make a positive impact on the world everyday. In her time at Michigan, Kaitlyn has grown to feel much more confident as a student and a person thanks to the wonderful connections she’s made through her classes, the Blavin Scholars Program, and other opportunities. She has learned to believe in herself, to be independent, and to never stop fighting for her dreams! Kaitlyn’s biggest takeaway from her experience as a Blavin Scholar is how important it is to have a supportive community around you; she says the BSP has inspired her to dedicate her life to helping others because the people behind the program have helped her more than she can express.


Ally B., University of Michigan

Ally is a 3-year Blavin Scholar graduating with her bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Following graduation, Ally hopes to work get her Master of Social Work and eventually commission as an officer in the Army. In her time at Michigan, Ally has grown to realize that she doesn’t need to have all the answers or do everything herself; she now knows that life is going to throw you for more than your fair share of loops, and there’s no one way to achieve your goals, but she also has a lot of people around her who will help her get there in the end. Ally’s biggest takeaway from her experience as a Blavin Scholar is learning to accept her past for what it is and looking to her future with her past life experiences in mind, instead of ignoring them. Going forward, Ally is excited about the amount of choices and possibilities that she has in the future!


Sonny J., University of Michigan

Sonny is a 5-year Blavin Scholar who has made Honor Roll and is graduating with a degree in Industrial & Operations Engineering and a minor in Entrepreneurship! Following graduation, Sonny hopes to secure a job in his area of interest and to have involvement in local government. In his time at Michigan, Sonny has grown to realize that validation and strength comes from within, rather than relying on external validation. Sonny’s biggest takeaway from his experience as a Blavin Scholar is that there’s always a way to solve a problem; you just need to talk it through with those motivated to see you succeed!


Elías L, University of Michigan

Elías is a 3-year Blavin Scholar graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in English and a minor in Geology and Gender/Race/Nation! Following graduation, Elías plans on pursuing an English doctorates after working in English-based internships during his gap year. In his time at Michigan, Elías has gained more confidence in himself and his abilities to pave his future and recognize the strong support system he has found. Elías’ biggest takeaway from his experience as a Blavin Scholar is learning how to truly value the importance of community and support systems and is excited about the numerous possibilities he has available in the future!


Margie M., Northern Arizona University

Margie is a 2-year Blavin Scholar who is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Visual Art. She is an Honors student and will be receiving a “with distinction” stamp on her diploma as well! Following graduation, Margie will be taking a gap year serving as an AmeriCorps member with City Year Detroit, before pursuing a Masters in Art Therapy & Counseling. In her time at Michigan, Margie has grown to appreciate her resilience, determination, self-awareness, and commitment to cultivating her character, as well as the care, advocacy, and guidance provided by the support system she’s been surrounded by. Her biggest takeaway from her experience as a Blavin Scholar is that now she can continue advocating for and giving back to people like her younger self, assisting them in going from surviving to thriving, just like she did!


Brenda H., Northern Arizona University

Brenda is a 4-year Blavin Scholar graduating with a degree in International Studies. Following graduation, Brenda is excited for a new beginning while still receiving the support that she has gained at UM. In her time as a Blavin Scholar, Brenda has learned that it is a good thing to reach out when you need help, as community support is essential. Her biggest takeaway from her experience as a Blavin Scholar is that self-made doesn’t exist because you can only go so far without support from other people.


Alana P., University of Michigan

Alana is a 3-year Blavin Scholar graduating with High Honors with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Musical Theatre! Following graduation, Alana is excited about working at the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts and eventually moving to New York to pursue her dreams of being on Broadway! In her time as a Blavin Scholar, Alana has learned to be more introspective and enjoy spending time with herself; she’s grown to learn how to take care of herself, to listen to her body and intuition, and to honor herself. Her biggest takeaway from her experience as a Blavin Scholar is that community is essential and based in love, acceptance, and hope!


Aubrianna W., University of Michigan

Aubrianna is a 4-year Blavin Scholar graduating with a degree in English. She has been published in the Lloyd Scholars for Writing and the Arts 2019-2020 literary journal as well as publishing her first book, “Two in The Thistle” in 2019! Following graduation, Aubrianna wants to inspire people to be in love with their own ability to be good; she wants to teach, continue learning, tutor, work with children, and come up with inspirational lesson plans that teach people of all ages and backgrounds that their voices matter! Aubrianna’s biggest takeaway from her experience as a Blavin Scholar is that she always had a place on campus to go whenever she needed help (the Blavin office!).


Jada W., University of Michigan

Jada is a 3-year Blavin Scholar graduating with a degree in Women’s Studies. She is passionate about social advocacy and has been part of the University of Michigan’s Track & Field Team for the past five years! Following graduation, Jada is looking forward to a profession in which she can support underrepresented populations, especially young women of color.

Hats Off to Our 2019-2020 Blavin Scholars Graduates!

May 6, 2020

Congrats 2019/2020 Blavin Scholar Graduates

As the 2019-2020 academic year comes to a close, we want to applaud our newest graduating Blavin Scholars!

We are so proud of these eight students and their hard work overcoming life’s challenges and completing their respective degrees at Northern Arizona University and University of Michigan! It’s a big, well-deserved step forward on their paths. Achieving a huge goal like this one will give them the additional skills and confidence for future successes.

They join past Blavin Scholars to bring our total number of graduates to 75!

Of course, this spring’s graduation season is unlike any in the past. While our students’ commencement ceremonies may be held virtually, their accomplishments are very real. In fact, this unusual time just underscores the perseverance and resilience that has brought them this far and will continue to serve them throughout their lives.

We are honored to be a part of their journeys.

Please meet these inspiring individuals…

Andrew M., University of Michigan

Andrew is a 5-year Blavin Scholar graduating with his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Andrew is excited for the many opportunities to travel and start his career, as well as all the personal growth and fond memories that will come from those experiences. His advice to incoming scholars is to make the most of what you have because you can accomplish more than you know. Andrew will miss the support system that is the Blavin Team, but will especially miss the Blavin liaisons and knowing that “there’s a liaison for that!”


Chris S., University of Michigan

Chris graduated from the University of Michigan (UM) with a B.S.E in Biomedical Engineering this past winter. During Chris’ time at the UM College of Engineering, Chris delved into research and developed novel biomedical devices. Chris is most proud of developing an automated device with four other teammates for the quick detection of histamine from saliva. Chris collaboratively created a chemistry method for the detection of histamine that resulted in a ten-fold time improvement from existing quantitative methods. This pushed the technology closer to being fast enough for first responders to use saliva histamine to screen patients for anaphylaxis. Chris found his passion for working on life saving technologies and is driven to develop and automate early detection methods for cancer.


Ella L., University of Michigan

Ella is graduating with her bachelor’s degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. Ella is a 4-year Blavin Scholar and Bonderman Fellow. After graduation, she plans to take a gap year to travel abroad and then come back to the states and attend medical school. Ella’s biggest takeaway as a Blavin Scholar is knowing that there are always people rooting for you and ready to cheer you on. Ella is so excited to be challenged and grow while doing what she loves in the future.


Liz T., Northern Arizona University

Liz is graduating with her bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice with a minor in Law & Society. Her short-term goal for after graduation is to find full time employment in the social sciences field — AND to buy a house within the month after. When asked about her biggest takeaway as a Blavin Scholar, Liz says, “After having been in the program for almost four years and seeing the Blavins achieve so much collectively, I have just realized how much potential that people with some of the most troubled pasts can still have. We, collectively, have exceeded my own expectations and expectations of so many others, who maybe didn’t see us ever going as far as we have. I know there was a time when I didn’t.” Her advice to incoming Blavin Scholars is to “Use every bit of support you have available to you. The Blavin Scholars Program gives so many resources, of every kind, to help you succeed. Take advantage of those resources and all of the wonderful people around you while you can. They want to help you succeed. You just have to let them help you.”


Pierra W., University of Michigan

Pierra is a 5-year Blavin Scholar graduating with her bachelor’s degrees in Business and Psychology. She was awarded University Honors and is graduating with Distinction from the Ross School of Business. For now, Pierra will be heading to New York to work for JP Morgan, while she continues to chase her dreams of starting her own nonprofit and attending graduate school. Pierra is most excited about the opportunity to help and support others in her future work and has found that to be one of the biggest passions in her life. She encourages everyone to always reach for the stars just as she has!


 

Stephen B., University of Michigan

Stephen is graduating with his bachelor’s degree in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience. Stephen is a 4-year Blavin Scholar and a recipient of the Ginsberg Social Justice Award. He plans to continue his work with UM’s Division of Public Safety and Security and ultimately hopes to work at a university keeping students safe and improving student’s perception of law enforcement. Stephen’s advice to incoming students is to always believe in themselves as he is grateful to the Blavin Scholars Program for always believing in him.


Toree B., University of Michigan

Toree is graduating from the School of Kinesiology with her bachelor’s degree in Movement Science and a minor in Intraoperative Neurophysiology. She is a 4-year Blavin Scholar and a recipient of the Michigan Student Life Difference Student Leadership Award. After graduation, Toree will be moving to Nashville, Tennessee to work as a Surgical Neurophysiologist where she will be monitoring brains and spinal cords during surgery. Beyond that, she plans to pursue a Master’s in Clinical Nutrition and eventually attend medical school. Toree encourages everyone to ask the big questions, not to fear the unknown, but to lean into it and embrace all that comes your way from it. She is beyond grateful for the educational experiences she’s had and is welcoming with open arms those to come in her future.


Zachary G., Northern Arizona University

Zachary is graduating with his bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Then he’s off to complete the prerequisites for his MBA. Zachary says his biggest takeaway as a Blavin Scholar is probably that there’s more people out there like him . “I think a lot of the Blavin Scholars, including myself, have outgoing personalities and rely on friends and the people around them more than anything. That is why this group is special. It’s not just a monetary scholarship. It’s a niche community that lets us all support each other.” He offers this advice to incoming Blavin Scholars: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Try to make friends in the group. Most importantly, ask what resources are available to you for issues you may be going through. I guarantee there’s help for that issue.”

Congratulations Class of 2019!

May 13, 2019

Blavin Scholars Class of 2019

Congratulations to our Class of 2019 Blavin Scholars! You did it and we couldn’t be more proud and admiring of you. Each one of you is an absolute inspiration for your hard work, determination, spirit, and strength.

These nine individuals — six from University of Michigan and three from Northern Arizona University — bring our total number of graduates to 56 since the inception of the Blavin Scholars program in 2006.

A huge thanks also goes out to those who have worked along side our scholars in support of efforts and their dreams — there are many of you and we are so grateful.

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Recent News

Meet Dr. Shanita Thomas — Blavin Scholars’ first MD!

Outstanding, Class of 2022!

Congrats, 2020-2021 Blavin Scholars Graduates!

Hats Off to Our 2019-2020 Blavin Scholars Graduates!

Congratulations Class of 2019!

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