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OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING

BESTofBC Class of 2023: Where are they headed?

We are preparing for another Benedict College Commencement as our graduates depart to serve. Here’s a glimpse of where a few students from the Class of 2023 are headed.

As a graduate student with a major in Sport Management and a concentration in Athletic Administration, Benedict College has provided me with a strong foundation to pursue my career goals of becoming an Athletic Director in the future.

The program has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the sports industry, including the business and legal aspects of sports, facility management, and event planning. These are all essential skills that are necessary for success as an Athletic Director.

Furthermore, the program has given me opportunities to gain practical experience through internships and hands-on projects, which has allowed me to apply the knowledge and skills I have acquired in the classroom to real-world situations. This practical experience has been invaluable in preparing me for my future role as an Athletic Director.

In addition to the academic and practical aspects of the program, Benedict College has also offered me networking opportunities with professionals in the sports industry. The program has connected me with alumni and professionals in the field, which has been a great resource for mentorship and career guidance. These connections have given me insight into the day-to-day operations of an athletic department and the skills necessary to excel as an Athletic Director.

Overall, I believe that Benedict College has provided me with a well-rounded education and the necessary tools to pursue my career goals in sport management and athletic administration, specifically as an Athletic Director. I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that the program has afforded me, and I am confident that I am well-prepared to enter the sports industry and make a positive impact.

During my time at Benedict College, I was involved in a number of activities that helped me develop my skills and interests in sports management and athletic administration. One of the most significant experiences was my involvement in Infinity Sports Connection, a sports marketing and consulting firm that I founded while I was in Georgia for the summer.

Through Infinity Sports Connection, I had the opportunity to work with a range of clients, including youth sports organizations, high schools, and community groups. One of our most impactful projects was helping to plan and execute a “Kids Day of Play” event for a local community organization. The event was held at the Boundary Waters Activity Center, which provided a great outdoor space for kids to play and have fun.

As part of the project, I helped with the event planning, including setting up the layout for the event and creating banners to promote the event. I also attended meetings with the members of ISC to ensure that we were meeting their needs and expectations.

Through these experiences, I was able to develop a range of skills, including leadership, communication, and project management. I also gained valuable practical experience that has been essential in my work as a sports management professional. Overall, I am grateful for the opportunities that Benedict College provided me to grow and develop as a student and as a future leader in the sports industry.

I’ll miss the intellectual stimulation and academic rigor of working on assignments in sports management. The process of researching, analyzing, and writing essays on topics related to the sports industry can be both challenging and rewarding. I’ll miss the opportunity to conduct interviews with professionals in the field, as this can provide valuable insights and perspectives that you might not otherwise have access to.

Furthermore, as someone interested in sports management, the passion for sports and the business side of the industry is something I’ll continue to pursue even after graduating, which is another thing you may miss about your time at the college.

Finally, I’ll also miss the supportive and collaborative environment of my sports management classes and the relationships you formed with your classmates and professors. Being part of a community of people who share your interests and goals can be a valuable experience, and it is understandable to feel nostalgic for that after graduating.

  1. Get involved
  2. Seek support
  3. Manage your time wisely
  4. Attend class
  5. Have fun and enjoy the experience

After graduation, I’m planning to pursue teaching opportunities in either physical education or science. I’m looking forward to sharing my knowledge and passion for these subjects with students and helping them to achieve their full potential.

Working on a thesis can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It allows you to explore a topic of interest in depth, and to demonstrate your skills in research, critical thinking, and writing. Here are a few reasons why:

Intellectual growth
Sense of accomplishment
Personal growth
Connecting with faculty

David Blount Jr BESTofBC

David Blount, Jr.

Newark, New Jersey
Sport Management

They prepared me to make professional resumes for myself so I can get a job or start my career in the field I studied while I was enrolled.

  • Benedict College Concert Choir
  • Benedict College Gospel Choir
  • Residential Life – Residential Advisor for Jenkins Hall
  • Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Inc.
  • Alpha Rho Theta Fraternity of the Creative and Performing Arts
  • Men of Definition
  • National Society of Leadership and Success
  • BC OUTLOUD – Gay Straight Alliance Organization
  • BC Anointed Voices Praise and Worship
  • Benedict College Honors Program
  • NAACP – 5950 Chapter

What I will miss most about Benedict is their Fried Chicken Wednesdays, Wassup Wednesday, and their Career Fairs.

The best advice that I would give them is what my aunt told me a couple of months ago: “Life lessons are not cheap but they’re not easy”.

My post-graduation plan is to apply to grad school in December at USC Columbia to earn a Graduate Study Certificate in vocal performance and to look for any auditions that are available for me around the Columbia area.

My best memory of Benedict College is performing the National Anthem at Battle of the Bands events for the Carolina Classic and Harambee last semester.

Jeremiah Frazier BESTofBC

Jeremiah Frazier

Charleston, South Carolina
Music Industry

Benedict prepared me for my career in a way I never expected. Benedict has taught me that not everyone has the same path.

What takes some people 4 years, may take others 5, but the goal is to NEVER give up, no matter what the circumstance is.

  • BCGC (Benedict College Gospel Choir)

  • NCNW (National Council of Negro Women)

  • MAPS (Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students)

What I will most about Benedict are the family times. Benedict has been my family away from home.

Get to know your peers and your professors. When there is an opportunity for you to network, please take that opportunity.

After graduation, I will be attending CSU (Charleston Southern University) to obtain my nursing degree, as I continue my studies to become a travel NICU nurse.

My best memory of Benedict will definitely be homecoming. One of the greatest events known to mankind, now I may be over-exaggerating but it’s nothing like an hBCu homecoming.

Jada Thomas BESTofBC

Jada Thomas

Charleston, South Carolina
Biology

It has taught me how to manage and use hard and soft skills which will be beneficial in the adult world.

  • Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

  • Men’s Basketball Team SAAC

  • N.A.B.C.J

  • Honor society

  • Conflict Resolution club

  • Pre-Law club

The family and friends that I have built while on campus. Also, the atmosphere and faculty/staff who are caring and loving. I will also miss socializing with peers and professors.

Always stay humble and know that success doesn’t come overnight. Success is proof that we have evolved and mastered difficult times. Stay the course and believe in yourself because you can achieve anything you put your mind to.

I plan to go on to graduate school and earn my MBA degree. Also following that I will start my career towards becoming a homicide detective. I’ll then start my family.

Socializing with peers and loved ones. Also, the basketball games.

Malachi McCoy BESTofBC

Malachi McCoy

The Berry Islands, Bahamas
Criminal Justice Administration

Benedict prepared me to be on time and organized. Benedict also prepared me to be a leader and always listen to my team members.

I was a member of NABA, Honors Program, Burroughs Scholars, CFA, Collegiate 100, NSLS, and the Beta Gamma Chapter of Delta Mu Delta.

I will miss spending time with friends in the library and attending campus events.

Make this the best four years you ever had because you won’t get this time back. Complete all of your work and have fun.

I plan to return to Benedict for the MBA program and return to Deloitte this summer as a tax intern in the Houston, TX, office.

My best memory of Benedict College is attending homecoming in my junior year. I had a lot of fun and made many memories.

Kasey Cooper BESTofBC

Kasey Cooper

Manning, South Carolina
Accounting

Benedict has taught me to be a better person in the community.

I will miss the professors, especially my advisor, Dr Milton Morris, and Dr. Larry Lowe.

I plan to enroll in Benedict College’s master’s program.

My BEST memory of Benedict College is the best professors.

Japheth Kipruto BESTofBC

Japheth Kipruto

Eldoret
Environmental Health Science

By taking the leap of faith and helping me to be more confident of my work.

  • Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.

  • NAACP

  • Concert Choir

  • Benedict Band of Distinction (Color Guard)

If you have creativity to show, SHOW IT!! Don’t never let no one tell you you CAN’T because YOU CAN!!!! “Can’t” is not in my vocabulary at all. If you believe that you can do it, doesn’t matter how small or big it is…DO IT!!!

My plans are to go into law enforcement to become a public relations officer. Right now, I will be starting my career at Forest Acres police department.

Azhane Pontoo BESTofBC

Azhane Pontoo

Columbia, South Carolina
Mass Communication

Benedict prepared me for the future by pushing me toward my limit and believing in myself.

  • Represented Benedict College at the NAAHP 2021 Virtual Conference

  • Student Ambassador for the S.I.A.C.

  • Student Representative of the Athletic Committee

  • Volunteered at Conder Elementary School on welcoming students back to school

  • Participated in Benedict College 2022 Faculty and Student Research Day, for the School of Education, Health, and Human Services

  • Richland County Recreation Commission intern (2022)

  • Benedict Track and Field Team

  • HPER Club member 2019-2022 Esports Club member

  • Benedict College Harambee Festival – 2021

I am now enrolled in Minnesota State University

Major: Communication Studies

Focus: Mass Communication and Journalism

  • Winning the SIAC championship
  • Winning the Elite 90 award and making history, becoming the first person in college history to win this prestigious award.
Eilika Lane BESTofBC

Eilika Lane

Portland, Jamaica
Sport Management

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