First Posses Graduate from Agnes Scott and Cornell

In May, both Agnes Scott College and Cornell University graduated their first Posses from Chicago.

Agnes Scott, a women’s college in Decatur, Georgia, has been a Posse partner since 2012. Four Scholars from the school’s first cohort graduated with honors, while three were selected for Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges. Two were among a small group to receive awards during the commencement ceremony: Georgina Espinoza, for the Elizabeth Jefferson Boyt Student Development Award, and Kierre Murphy for the Betty W. Stoffel Award for Poetry and Creative Writing.

Members of the graduating Agnes Scott Posse brought their leadership abilities to many campus organizations, including residential life and the college’s Mortar Board honor society. Half of the Posse studied abroad in locations ranging from Ghana to Bulgaria and Spain.

The Agnes Scott College commencement address was made by global media leader, philanthropist, producer and actress Oprah Winfrey. Posse President and Founder Deborah Bial was also a featured speaker at the commencement, delivering the charge to the graduating class.

Members of Cornell University’s first Posse enjoyed a convocation in Ithaca, New York, that included an address by former vice president Joe Biden. The Posse saw incredible success on campus, with Scholars honored as Mellon Mays and McNair Fellows, serving as advocates for the university’s Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives and resident advisors. One Scholar became the president of STEP Up, an organization providing STEM mentors to Ithaca elementary school students.

Cornell’s new Posse graduates are pursuing a wide range of careers, including Yliana Velazquez, who was selected as a Newman’s Own Foundation Fellow in New Orleans, and Anthony Halmon, who received a full-tuition scholarship to the University of Chicago Divinity School.