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Bowman First-Gen Leaders Celebrate Resilience, Community, and Future Aspirations at End-of-Year Ceremony
Loyola Academy's Bowman First-Gen Leaders gathered in the Loyola Academy Chapel on May 12 for an end-of-year ceremony honoring the accomplishments, resilience, and future aspirations of first-generation students within the Rambler community.
The celebration began with live music performed by Bowman students as attendees arrived. Sophomores Matthew Mlope '28 and Drako Zavala '28 provided instrumental accompaniment on violin and piano, respectively, setting a reflective and celebratory tone for the afternoon.
In his opening remarks, Fr. Greg Ostdiek, SJ, reflected on the importance of recognizing the educators, mentors, and advocates who support students throughout their journeys. He praised the Bowman team for the relationships they build with students and reminded seniors that they remain "the heart of what we do at Loyola Academy."
Following an opening prayer, College Counselor Kelly Dutmers '98 recognized the year's Bowman of the Month honorees, celebrating students who exemplified outstanding dedication and excellence to academics, service, leadership, and involvement within the Bowman First-Gen Leaders program. The following Ramblers were celebrated: Kidus Afeworki '29, Kaosarat Alatise '28, David Azuh '29, Brandon Batzaya '26, Samuel Berhe '28, Omar Fernandez '27, Carmen Kolodziej '27, Meili Miles '29, Amy Urbano '26, and Zina Weber '27.
The ceremony's senior reflections offered deeply personal insights into the first-generation experience.
Grace Mensah '26 spoke about the sacrifices that paved the way for her educational journey as the daughter of an immigrant single father. She described the college process as both overwhelming and isolating at times, but credited the Bowman program with helping her feel supported and empowered.
"This program reminded me that I was never alone in this journey," Mensah said. "Bowman created a space where students like me could feel seen, understood, and empowered."
This fall, Mensah will attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst on a full-ride scholarship, where she plans to study neuroscience and legal studies to advocate for underserved communities.
Michael Azuh '26 reflected on how his appreciation for the Bowman program evolved. Though he admitted he did not fully recognize its value during his first years at Loyola, he said the mentorship and support he received during junior and senior year became instrumental in helping him navigate academic pressures, SAT preparation, and the college application process.
"Bowman offered me a place where I could voice my needs and concerns to adults who genuinely listened and cared," Azuh shared.
He also encouraged fellow students to embrace their identities and support one another. "Your diversity is a powerful strength," he said. "Your voice, your experiences, and your perspective matter."
The ceremony also included the presentation of the Martha Forsyth "Faith in Action" Award by Loyola Academy Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Sarah Bennett. Named in honor of longtime Bowman supporter Martha Forsyth, also in attendance, the award recognizes individuals who embody Loyola's Catholic Jesuit mission through educational excellence, service, leadership, and a commitment to justice.
"Her faith is not just a belief, but a lived reality expressed through action, through love, and through a tireless commitment to serving others," Bennett said of Forsyth during the presentation.
This year’s recipients included Michael Azuh '26, Aden Getahun '26, and Loyola parent Emily Ciaglo, who has supported Bowman students through SAT preparation alongside Forsyth.
Alumni reflections further underscored the afternoon’s themes of perseverance, faith, and possibility. A recorded video message from Monique Robinson '22 highlighted how Loyola, the College Counseling department, and the Bowman program prepared her academically and personally for college life. Robinson shared that following receiving her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois this spring, she will attend Northwestern University this fall to pursue a master’s degree in counseling.
Marvin Gibson '21 also appeared in a recorded message, reflecting on his transition from college to working in finance in New York City. He encouraged students to remain curious and unafraid to ask questions as they navigate unfamiliar environments.
In-person reflections from alumni Diana Phiri '16 and Martin Hunter '12 offered students powerful reminders about resilience and self-belief.
Phiri spoke candidly about navigating life as both a first-generation student and firstborn child. Although her college path did not unfold as originally planned, she encouraged students to remain open to unexpected opportunities and trust in their journeys.
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In his opening remarks, Fr. Greg Ostdiek, SJ, reflected on the importance of recognizing the educators, mentors, and advocates who support students throughout their journeys. He praised the Bowman team for the relationships they build with students and reminded seniors that they remain "the heart of what we do at Loyola Academy."
Following an opening prayer, College Counselor Kelly Dutmers '98 recognized the year's Bowman of the Month honorees, celebrating students who exemplified outstanding dedication and excellence to academics, service, leadership, and involvement within the Bowman First-Gen Leaders program. The following Ramblers were celebrated: Kidus Afeworki '29, Kaosarat Alatise '28, David Azuh '29, Brandon Batzaya '26, Samuel Berhe '28, Omar Fernandez '27, Carmen Kolodziej '27, Meili Miles '29, Amy Urbano '26, and Zina Weber '27.
The ceremony's senior reflections offered deeply personal insights into the first-generation experience.
Grace Mensah '26 spoke about the sacrifices that paved the way for her educational journey as the daughter of an immigrant single father. She described the college process as both overwhelming and isolating at times, but credited the Bowman program with helping her feel supported and empowered.
"This program reminded me that I was never alone in this journey," Mensah said. "Bowman created a space where students like me could feel seen, understood, and empowered."
This fall, Mensah will attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst on a full-ride scholarship, where she plans to study neuroscience and legal studies to advocate for underserved communities.
Michael Azuh '26 reflected on how his appreciation for the Bowman program evolved. Though he admitted he did not fully recognize its value during his first years at Loyola, he said the mentorship and support he received during junior and senior year became instrumental in helping him navigate academic pressures, SAT preparation, and the college application process.
"Bowman offered me a place where I could voice my needs and concerns to adults who genuinely listened and cared," Azuh shared.
He also encouraged fellow students to embrace their identities and support one another. "Your diversity is a powerful strength," he said. "Your voice, your experiences, and your perspective matter."
The ceremony also included the presentation of the Martha Forsyth "Faith in Action" Award by Loyola Academy Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Sarah Bennett. Named in honor of longtime Bowman supporter Martha Forsyth, also in attendance, the award recognizes individuals who embody Loyola's Catholic Jesuit mission through educational excellence, service, leadership, and a commitment to justice.
"Her faith is not just a belief, but a lived reality expressed through action, through love, and through a tireless commitment to serving others," Bennett said of Forsyth during the presentation.
This year’s recipients included Michael Azuh '26, Aden Getahun '26, and Loyola parent Emily Ciaglo, who has supported Bowman students through SAT preparation alongside Forsyth.
Alumni reflections further underscored the afternoon’s themes of perseverance, faith, and possibility. A recorded video message from Monique Robinson '22 highlighted how Loyola, the College Counseling department, and the Bowman program prepared her academically and personally for college life. Robinson shared that following receiving her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois this spring, she will attend Northwestern University this fall to pursue a master’s degree in counseling.
Marvin Gibson '21 also appeared in a recorded message, reflecting on his transition from college to working in finance in New York City. He encouraged students to remain curious and unafraid to ask questions as they navigate unfamiliar environments.
In-person reflections from alumni Diana Phiri '16 and Martin Hunter '12 offered students powerful reminders about resilience and self-belief.
Phiri spoke candidly about navigating life as both a first-generation student and firstborn child. Although her college path did not unfold as originally planned, she encouraged students to remain open to unexpected opportunities and trust in their journeys.
"Uncertainty does not mean you are incapable," Phiri said. "Do not let fear make decisions for you."
Now a nurse at Rush University Medical Center pursuing her nurse practitioner degree, Phiri reflected on how her experiences as an immigrant and first-generation student ultimately became sources of strength and perspective.
Hunter reflected on arriving at Loyola as a scholarship student, unsure whether he belonged. He shared how the support of his mother and Loyola mentors helped shape his path through college, Division I athletics, and a career in banking and wealth management before launching his own financial literacy company.
"The world will offer you no shortage of people willing to define your ceiling," Hunter told students. "Your job — your only job — is to refuse to accept other people's limited expectations of you."
He also encouraged students to remain authentic and confident in every room they enter. "The most powerful thing you can be in any room is exactly who you are," he said.
Bowman First-Gen Coordinator Robert Metellus closed the ceremony by reminding seniors that their stories and experiences are not obstacles but sources of strength that will continue to guide them beyond Loyola.
"When you go off to college, hold tight to your values," Metellus said. "Always remember that you have a place to come back to."
At the conclusion of the ceremony, graduating seniors gathered for a group photo holding signs representing the colleges and universities they will attend this fall — a joyful reflection of the many paths ahead for Loyola's Bowman First-Gen Leaders. Congratulations, Ramblers!
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