Graduates Spotlight
About 700 Bowie State graduates will receive their degrees in spring 2020 and be honored during the university’s first-ever virtual commencement celebration. A few outstanding graduates shared with us how BSU has prepared them for success.
Aisha Barnes
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
“When I got to Bowie State, I got a 4.0 in my first semester, and I said, ‘I can keep doing this.’ I wanted to make sure that everything I was doing during my time at Bowie State was done to a standard that I could be proud of.”
Rita Dill
Bachelor of Science in Biology
“People really look out for you here. I will never get this experience anywhere else. I have these incredible interactions with professors on such a personal level. The trips I’ve taken and things I’ve gotten to see and be a part of, I have the best memories at Bowie.”
Leo Genota
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
“My passion comes from the ability to create something practically from nothing. In my time at Bowie State, the code we would write would be from scratch. To see it work in the end, using current technology, is very interesting and intriguing.”
Samantha Haye
Master of Arts in Human Resource Development
“Learning about others and understanding where they are coming from really helps you to build yourself personally. Diversity brings to the table a robust set of ideas, setting up a global culture where we are better able to understand each other.”
Cobi Heron
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
“I’m big on paying it forward. I feel like I’ve been blessed to be able to experience some things, and I’d just like to see that same opportunity for others. Bowie State was literally that life buoy that was thrown out there for me... to change the trajectory of my life and those around me.”
Grads at a Glance
Didas Akognon, Bachelor of Science in Visual Communication & Digital Media Arts
“BSU makes you feel like you’re at home. The people you meet are just as motivated about their education as you are. I had the pleasure of interning on two feature films that helped me gain experience in the entertainment industry and meet new people. Upon transferring to Bowie, I faced [personal] challenges which have helped me become the man I am today!”
Nataly Reyes, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
“Being a first-generation college student, it’s hard to find some support. [The TRiO staff] definitely believe me more than I believe in myself, just people who are always rooting for me. Even though I’m no longer going to be a Bowie student, I’m always going to have that support.”
Morgan Tutt, Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
"I am a second-generation Bowie State University student. My mother is a fellow bulldog alumna. Having the opportunity to share in this experience is one of a kind that I can cherish for years to come."
Brandon Williams, Bachelor of Science in Communications
“Knowing that I’m doing Bowie State proud, that’s what really drove me to work so hard at BSU-TV and WBSU Bulldog Nation Radio. People put their trust in me. I felt like I had a responsibility to bring the finished product back and make them happy.”
Ugochi Woodward, Bachelor of Science in Social Work
“BSU professors have increased my knowledge and molded me into the hardworking, intelligent woman I am today. As a member of TRiO I gained lifelong friends that kept me motivated. I can’t wait to begin to advocate and make changes in the world as a future social worker.”
Sa'Miya Wooten, Bachelor of Science in Psychology
“Being a part of the SGA [and the Gospel Choir], I was able to connect, travel and explore, which has opened a lot of networking opportunities and helped prepare me for the future. Now I know how to network and be in more diverse situations.”