2017 UG Commencement Program

34 O utstanding S tudents C ollege of A rts , H umanities , and S ocial S ciences Kim G. Simmons , a sociology major, is from New Jersey. In 2010, she and her family relocated to Miramar, Florida. She began working at NSU in 2011, and is the administrative program coordinator for the College of Pharmacy’s Ph.D. program. An advocate for women’s empowerment, Simmons has been involved in organizations that allowed her to work passionately to empower young women to realize their potential and achieve their dreams. She serves as the director for women’s affairs in the Sounds of Praise International Ministries, Inc., Fort Lauderdale District, and is a member of the Board of Directors of STEAMd, Inc. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math development). STEAMd, Inc. is a nonprofit organization creating programs designed to heighten awareness, excitement, education, and inspiration in girls in grades 3 through 12 about the vast array of career opportunities available in STEAM-related fields. In 2013, Simmons fulfilled a personal commitment to return to her studies once her youngest daughter entered college. She initially sought a business degree, but quickly changed her major to sociology after being inspired in an Introduction to Sociology class taught by Joyce Avotri, Ph.D. Simmons said her love for sociology can be summed up by a quote from sociologist C. Wright Mills, who said: “Neither the life of an individual nor the history of a society can be understood without understanding both,” and Proverbs 4:7: “ . . . in all thy getting, get understanding.” Simmons is married and works diligently in ministry alongside her husband, the Rev. W. Andre’ Simmons, and they are the proud parents of Wayne II, DeAndra, and Tiffany. She plans to continue her studies with a master’s degree in education. Rafael Canales Wilson , a political science major, is from Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. At two, his family escaped the civil war in Nicaragua and moved to the United States. While he watched his family struggle and his mother work at two jobs, he learned the value of hard work. In high school, a teacher who had served in the infantry during the Vietnam War inspired Wilson to join the military. At 18, he enlisted as a paratrooper in the United States Army, and later became a member of the Special Forces, where he spent six years. During his service, he was deployed twice in Afghanistan and once in Uzbekistan. During his first deployment in Afghanistan, Wilson received the Joint Service Achievement Medal. After returning home, he was asked to join Operational Detachment Bravo, Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces group. During this deployment, he trained Spetsnaz members and served alongside the Green Berets. Wilson lost many friends in combat, and while he was away, he lost his grandfather and uncle; the biggest role models in his life. Wilson also honors one of his friends, Master Sgt. Anthony Yost, who lost his life in a booby-trapped building. Wilson, who earned the rank of sergeant, left the service via an Honorable Discharge after his third deployment. He also has been awarded an Army Commendation Medal, an Army Achievement Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, and an Army Combat Badge. Wilson enrolled in Ave Maria University in Nicaragua, where he met his wife, Bety Medina. He later transferred to NSU. He is grateful NSU helped make his dreams come true and humbled to be recognized as an outstanding student.