Alumni Panel Integral Part of 31st Annual ALANA Conference

Photo: Jim Russell ’83

United We Shine” set the theme and the multicultural tone for the 31st annual ALANA Student Leadership Conference Sept. 13 to 19 at SUNY Oswego. The ALANA (African, Latino, Asian and Native American) Student Leadership Conference included a peace walk, motivational keynote address by founder of Vanity Unedited Yoga & Meditation in New York City Tiraya Conyers ’15, community service project, fashion show and a performance by Grammy-nominated Tiempo Libre.

Another key element was the panel discussion, featuring Damaris Dunn ’12, a history major with a master’s from Columbia University, educator, historian and youth development specialist at Global Kids Inc.; Luis Escoboza ’15, a political science major and student at Syracuse’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public affairs pursuing a master’s in public administration and policy analysis; and Lissy Alcantara ’16 M’18, a human development and graphic design major with a minor in expressive arts therapy, currently obtaining a master’s in mental health at SUNY Oswego. The panelists answered a variety of questions, ranging from topics about student life and involvement, to discussions of race and the workplace.

Tiraya Conyers ’15 Photo: Jim Russell ’83

The event was hosted by Black Student Union leader Keonna Wren ’19, and moderated by ALANA student leaders Pharaoh Scott ’18 and Xavier Gillard ’20.

The ALANA Student Leadership Conference promotes a multicultural environment at the college, allowing all members of the campus community, as well as those from other colleges and universities, to interact positively in an atmosphere of mutual consideration and understanding.

ALANA student organizations led the 7th Annual Unity Peace Walk as they made their way along Bridge Street en route from City Hall to campus on Sept. 17. Designed to bring together students from all walks of life and to demonstrate diversity within the Oswego community, the walk included students as well as college President Deborah F. Stanley and members of the President’s Council, deans, faculty and staff. Photo: Jim Russell ’83