Graduates Spotlight

About 800 Bowie State graduates will receive their degrees in Spring 2023 and be honored during the university’s commencement celebration. A few outstanding graduates shared with us what their next BOLD move. 

Samaria Barnes

Samaria Barnes is completing her degree in communications and preparing for the next chapter in her and Genesis' life, which includes starting her new job as an enrollment services specialist and planning to enroll in graduate school. At BSU, Samaria served as a cheerleader, new student orientation leader, campus tour guide, and member of the student-parent association. 

Samaria is proud of completing her bachelor's degree but acknowledged that it took a collective effort from everyone she knew to give her a chance to graduate. When she walks across the stage, Barnes hopes her story can inspire others that may find themselves in a situation like hers to push themselves past their hurdles with the help of a supportive network. 

Cleveland Ray- Artis

Cleveland Ray- Artis is graduating with a degree in psychology at the age of 79. Cleveland, diagnosed with PTSD in 2014, decided he wanted to study psychology and use his education to help troubled youths and veterans who share his condition. He started at Prince George’s Community College before transferring to Bowie State in 2020. Even though it had been 50 years since Artis last stepped foot on a university campus, he says he felt right at home at Bowie State. 

Chukwudi Nwaola

Chukwudi Nwaolu is completing his studies with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Fashion Design. At BSU, he held the position of SGA President for the 2022-2023 academic year.

 

 

Patrice Smith

Patrice Smith is completing her studies with a degree in Biology. Patrice's next BOLD move is to attend Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Dentistry Summer Academic Enrichment Program.

 

 

Edgar Pike

Edgar Pike is completing his studies with a degree in Psychology. Edgar couldn't get enough of his BSU family and will continue to be Bowie BOLD in our graduate Master of Arts program focusing on Mental Health Counseling.  

 

 

 

Marieme Ndiaye

Marieme Ndiaye is completing her studies in Elementary Education. After BSU, you will see Marieme in the classroom, becoming part of the 17.1% of Black educators in Maryland by teaching within Prince George's County Public Schools.  

 

 

 

Kennedy Howard

Kennedy Howard is completing a degree in Communications. After BSU, Kennedy will be creating magic and making dreams come true working for the Walt Disney Company!