These Georgia State University students are the Crème de la Crème, and deserved to be recognized for all of their accomplishments. Check out the Class of 2016!
Marlena Collins
Marlena Collins traded rows of cotton for blocks of concrete when she moved from her one stop light county in southwest Georgia to downtown Atlanta to attend Georgia State University. She began her first year knowing not one student but will now graduate as a former Miss Georgia State University and Homecoming Court representative. Throughout college, Marlena has held a number of leadership roles including President of Alpha Lambda Delta, President of Eta Sigma Delta Hospitality Honor Society, Social Chair of Golden Key, and Honors College Ambassador, and a three year member of the 1913 Society. She has also enjoyed dancing with the GSU Dance Ensemble, working as a Welcome Center tour guide, and serving as a VISA Leader for international students. Marlena has been fortunate enough to study abroad three times and will graduate debt free, having earned 150,000 in scholarships. She has taken a technology sales job with VMware, as 1 of 10 students nationwide to be selected for their Sales Academy in Austin Texas. |
Michole Kemp
Michole Kemp is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Film & Video. During her time at Georgia State University, Michole Kemp has made the Dean List, been a member and mentor of Quiet Storm Step team and Mentorship. She’s the past historian of the Zeta Phi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and has become one of our school’s coined photographers. Post graduation, Michole Kemp will be taking her camera skills to the next level through corporate and entertainment avenues. | Instagram: @MicholeKemp
Sebastiàn Parra
Sebastiàn Parra is originally from Colombia and he and his family are political refugees in America since 2006. Upon transferring to GSU in 2013, Parra became very involved by becoming Student Body President of SGA, 1913 Society Ambassador, Vice President of Pre-Law Club, Latino Representative at the International Students Associations Council, Director of Hispanic Heritage Month, Latino Leadership Initiative Mentor, Hermano of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. (Spring 15), Member of the Student Library Advisory Council, Zoukis Research Institute Fellow. His was also awarded the following awards; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award, 2015 Executive Board Member of the Year (SGA 2014-2015), Outstanding Latino Leader of the Year (2015 by Latino Leadership Council). | Instagram @sebastiangsu
Jamika King
Jamika King is graduating as a Nursing Major with a Spanish Minor. She is 2015-2016 Royal Court Member, 2015 Miss GSU, The 1913 Society Ambassador, Senior Resident Assistant, Honors Resident Assistant, Nursing Students at GSU, Georgia Miss Phi Beta Sigma, The Lead Team: Mentor & Programming chair, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society: President and Secretary, SGA: Senator, Quiet Storm Steppers: Mentor/Treasurer, Honors Student Organization, a Fall 2015 initiate of the Enchanting Eta Mu chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. as well as the Secretary. | Instagram: @mikae2012
Christina Collier
Christina Collier is a nontraditional student, married and has a 7 year old son. She is graduating as a Psychology major with a minor in Hospitality. Her accolades to Spotlight Programs Board include being the 2012 Volunteer of the year and 2013 Traditions Committee Member of the Year. As a Traditions Director, she won 2014 Program of the year (Under $7,500) and Program of the Year (Over $7,500), 2015 Program of the Year (Over $7,500). During her directorship, Christina worked hard to leave a legacy at GSU, specifically with homecoming. She implemented the royal court dress code and came up with the idea of perpetual crowns. In addition, Christina was the first and only student to serve on the Miss Georgia State University Pageant Board as part of the Miss America Organization and judged the 2014 Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant. She also served as a judge for the 2015 Dancing with the Greeks. Outside of Spotlight, Christina presided as President of College Curls 2015-2016, hosted 2016 Annual Amateur Night. She served on the university wide homecoming planning committee headed by President Becker 2013-2015, on the Nacho Average Leader Panel as well as the How to Think Like a Man Panel. Christina is a member of the National Society of Colligate Scholars, has been on the President’s List twice and the Dean’s List several times. I am proof that anyone can do anything. Quote: “You are never too old, young, smart, stupid, tall, short, fat, or skinny to chase your dreams. I am very proud that I have been able to reach a life long goal despite circumstances that could have been roadblocks. I hope my story will inspire someone to reach for their dream.” | Instagram: @ccdaboo
John J
John J is graduating with a Bachelors degree in Business Economics, and he’s known for being GSU’s go to DJ / Host (DJed several plazas, events and parties, DJed Future Panther Palooza concert etc). Marketing Intern for Athletics, Host/MC for GSU Basketball games, Infinite Appeal Music Director, Election Commissioner for SGA. He also was apart of Spotlight Programs Board, African Students Association, and the Vice President and founding charter member of Sneaker Community at GSU. John’s quotes he lives by “The Best Revenge is Massive Success” – Frank Sinatra, and “If you don’t got no sauce then ya lost.. but you can also get lost in the sauce” – Radric Davis. | Instagram: @johnthedapperdj
Tanisha Yorrick-Allen
Tanisha Yorrick-Allen is obtaining 2 degrees; one Bachelors in Marketing and one in Managerial Sciences with an HR concentration. She is pursuing a career into Human Resources in either talent acquisition or training and development and will be an HR Manager one day. In Tanisha’s time at Georgia State University, she has been the President and Events coordinator for the Caribbean Student Association, Vice President and then President of University Speakers Association. In addition, she is the founding member of the Student Alumni Association and served as the Member Development Chair, which established a lot of the protocols for joining the SAA Board of Directors. I am a Brother of Delta Sigma Pi and have been Vice President of Scholarships and Awards for the past two years. Most recently, Tanisha served as the Vice President, Assistant Dean of Intake and Social Chair for the Zeta Chapter of Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority Inc.
Ashley Vance
Ashley Vance is graduating with a Bachelors in Journalism. Her achievements while attending Georgia State University include working for the University Career Services as the Social Media Director, Student Support Services writing tutor, Infinite Appeal Vice President, Productions Chair for Sneaker Community at GSU, Her Campus GSU contributing writer, Spotlight Programs Board Member, Deans list, & she also traveled abroad to Hong Kong, China! | Instagram: @ayevance
Paizlei Mobley
Paizlei Mobley is obtaining her Bachelors in Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations and minor in Marketing. While attending Georgia State University, Paizlei has been a Marketing Committee Member and held a Co-Director position for Spotlight Programs Board, been the Marketing Co-Director of College Curls, and also been a dedicated member of Her Campus GSU. | Instagram @paizbo
Sara Arrington
Sara Arrington is graduating with a BA in Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Hospitality Administration. She will graduate Magna Cum Laude from the College of Arts and Sciences. During her time at Georgia State, Sara made the President’s or Dean’s List every semester. She also served as a Resident Assistant and Senior Resident Assistant. Sara was a member of Actively Moving Forward, National Hall Honorary, where she served as the Public Relations Chair in 2014-2015, the Public Relations Student Society of America, where she served as the Event Coordinator in 2015 and she volunteered for numerous organizations such as Egleston Children’s Hospital, First Step, Trees Atlanta, Relay for Life, the Multiple Sclerosis Walk and Friends of Disabled Adults and Children. In 2015, Sara became a member of the Enchanting Eta Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Sara has also interned with the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management as a Marketing and Finance Intern and with Webboard, an online news source, as a Blogger. Post graduation she will be traveling for the summer and then hopes to continue with her education by persuading a Masters of Business Administration at Emory University. | Instagram: @sara.arri
Michaela Carter
Michaela Carter is graduating with a B.A. In Journalism (Public Relations concentration and Speech minor). She has received an ATLAS Student Scholarship for her Study Abroad in 2016, and nominated as Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities (2015). Michaela has made the President’s List (Spring 2014), Dean’s List (Spring & Fall 2015, Spring 2016), been a Georgia North Laity Scholar (2014-Present). Her involvement includes QSS, BSS, SGA Election Commission, Spotlight Programs Board, being a GA State Ambassador Core, a Her Campus contributing writer and apart of the National Society of Leadership and Success. | Instagram: @adashofmichaela
Domonique Marseille
Domonique Marseille is graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech with a concentration in Communication Across the Lifespan and a minor in Communication Sciences and Disorders. During her four years at Georgia State, Domonique served as an Inceptor: New Student Orientation Leader and was named 2014 Inceptor of the Year. Domonique was also a 1913 Society ambassador, a FYRE Mentor within University Housing, and served on the Student Alumni Association Board of Directors. She was an active member of Softer Touch and the National Speech Hearing Language Association at Georgia State. Ms. Marseille was crowned Homecoming Princess and received the Royal Flames Student Leader of the Year award. In 2015, Domonique became a member of the Enchanting Eta Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and served as the chapter Communications Chairmen. With all of the involvement listed above Ms. Marseille was consecutively honored on the Dean’s List or President’s List, she was a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, belongs to the Honors College, and has Studied Abroad in Europe. In order to kickstart her journey to becoming a Speech Language Pathologist, Domonique also interned at a private speech clinic which specializes in speech therapy and occupational therapy for children. Post graduation she will be continuing her education by pursuing a Masters of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders in order to fulfill her dream of becoming a Speech Language Pathologist. | Instagram: @ravishingnique
Carl McCray
Carl McCray is graduating with a Bachelors of Business Administration and Managerial Sciences. As a Georgia State student, he was apart of the 1913 Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters, a Mentor, a past Secretary, a Student Ambassador, a member of Delta Sigma Pi (Spring 2014 Initiate) and the President (2015-2016) and the Vice President of Professional Activities (2014-2015) as well as the Homecoming 2015 Candidate. | Instagram: @thecarlmc
Lenataa S. Goka
Lenataa S. Goka is a senior from Lawrenceville Ga, by way of Nigeria, Lenataa is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sociology. During her time at Georgia State was involved in serving her university through as a dedicated of member Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a tour guide & telecounselor, 1913 student ambassador and a connected peer mentor. Earlier in the semester, she earned her Certified Nursing Assistant certificate as this is a stepping stone towards her ultimate goal of becoming a surgical Physician Assistant(PA). Upon graduation, she will continue to work within her certificate, gaining clinical experience before continuing her education in a PA program. She is thankful for all the love, life lessons & friendships she has gained over these 4 years! | Instagram: @lenataasira
Laschonda Pituk
Laschonda Pituk is a graduating Senior in Exercise Science with a Music Minor. She currently serves as the Panther Nation Director at Spotlight Programs Board. She is also a member of MUSCLES and the Wesley Foundation. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school for Athletic Training and become a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) for a professional or collegiate sports team. | Instagram: @lashanishan
Gerald “Jay” Garrett, Jr.
Gerald “Jay” Garrett, Jr. is graduating Georgia State Uuniversity with a Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science. While attending GSU, Jay was the Vice President of the Pi Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society, a former Spotlight Programs Board Committee Member and also a member of Tighter Grip. Upon graduation, he will enter into Grad school to pursue a career in Physical Therapy.
Ashley N. Dixon
Ashley N. Dixon is graduating Georgia State University with a B.B.A. In Hospitality Administration and a minor in Music. Her 3.65 GPA certifies her as a Cum Laude Honor Grad and is a Cecil B. Day Achievement Scholar. Along with her academic achievements, Ashley is a member of the Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, Inc., served on the Spotlight Programs Board, Campus Events, Infinite Appeal, Emerging Leaders and Panther L.E.A.P. Ms. Dixon has been well known for her success with the reoccuring Date Auction event that donated it’s proceeds (2016) to the Roy J. Kerlegan III Scholarship and Josiah Dargen. | Instagram: @miss.dixon
Teara Mayfield
Teara Mayfield is graduating with a Bachelors of Business Administration in Marketing with Honors Distinction. Teara’s notable involvements and achievements include being a four time 1913 Founders Scholarship Recipient, a six time Deans List Recipient, being on the Presidents List, serving as a current SGA President (past Executive Vice President, Vice President of Student Services, and Senator), the Ambassador for The 1913 Society, an Honors College Ambassador, the Centennial Homecoming Princess (2013-2014), Member of the International Fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi and the Director of Membership for Black Sophomore Society. | Instagram: @_tearaa
Aundrea Denise Nattiel
Aundrea Denise Nattiel is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, minor in Marketing. Aundrea was the last Arts Director for Campus Events (2015), and the Panthers after Dark Director for Spotlight Programs Board (2015-2016). Aundrea’a after college plans are to work in Education Policy and Operations, and to pursue her Masters in Education Administration. Ms. Nattiel’s favorite quote is “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit” -Aristotle | Instagram: @_dreadenise
Leisha Champagne
Leisha Champagne is 25 years old graduating with a Bachelors in Sociology and a Psychology minor. Leisha is a Haitian-American who speaks Creole, French, and English. Since attending Georgia State Leisha has been involved with the International Student Association Council (ISAC) which has over 20 multicultural organizations to help expose the campus to different cultures and break down stereotypes. Ms. Champagne has also held various leadership positions within these organizations and been involved with faces of feminism, and International socialist organization. Aside from organizaitons, Ms. Champagne has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and Georgia State Capital Hill Child Enrichment Center. I am also a member of Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority Inc.which is the 1st and only multicultural organization on campus. Leisha believeies her involvement represented her beliefs and values which is to make the world a better place through education, acceptance, empathy, altruism, and diversity.
Corey Sams
Corey Sams is graduating with a BA in Film & Video, and minor in Hospitality Administration. Corey served as the President of Pi Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., was the 2014 recipient of the Rising Star Award, the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society Philanthropy Chair (2013-2014), a member of the Student Government Association as Senator for the College of Arts and Sciences (2013-2014), the VP of Budget and Finance (2014-2015), the VP of Student Life (2015-2016), Spring 2016 recipient of Nell Hamilton Trotter Award, the Resident Assistant at Piedmont North 2014-2015, a Welcome Center Tour Guide (2015-2016) and the first ever Mr. Georgia State University (2015-2016). | Instagram: @the.coreysams
We’re so proud of all of the aforementioned graduates and we cannot wait to see all the amazing things they do next! CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2016!