Karen Madison ’94 and Jarrivel Baez-Colon ’22 Share Words of Wisdom During Unity Graduation Celebration

The annual event honors students of color, as well as first-generation and LGBTQ+ students.

by the Office of Communications and Media Relations
May 16, 2022

Director of Intercultural Affairs Kristine Din presided over Stonehill College’s Unity Graduation Celebration held on Thursday, May 5 in the McCarthy Auditorium. The annual event honors seniors’ achievements by gifting stoles, pins and tassels to students of color, as well as first-generation and LGBTQ+ students. 

“You have overcome challenges and broken through barriers that others could not imagine even having to face. So, remember to keep shining,” said Din while addressing this year’s honorees. 

Before inviting students to the stage to receive their adornments from Teddi Nguyen Lydon, assistant director for mentorship & advising, and Kevin Piskadlo, associate vice president for student affairs, Din welcomed Karen Madison ’94 to share some words of wisdom with the audience.  

“I would have never guessed 28 years after my own graduation that I would have the privilege of speaking to future graduates at such a momentous occasion,” the Stonehill alumna said.  

Having graduated from the College with a degree in finance, Madison has worked in pharmaceutical sales in the D.C. Metropolitan area for over two decades. She is also active in the Black, Indigenous and People of Color Achieving Connection & Empowerment at Stonehill (BACES) Program. This intergenerational mentorship initiative connects first-year and transfer students with returning students and alumni. 

Karen Madison '94 graduated from Stonehill College with a degree in finance.

During her address, Madison cited her desire to help the Unity Graduates learn how to make the most out of any situation. She offered three pieces of advice to help them do this. First, she instructed students to recognize self-awareness as an invaluable character trait.  

“Research suggests that self-awareness makes us more confident,” she said. “You all deserve that confidence. Self-awareness will take you far.” 

Second, the speaker encouraged graduates to take advantage of networking opportunities.  

“I see networking as an exchange—an exchange of ideas, support, connection, and opportunities,” she said. “Getting in the room is hard. Staying in the room is harder. If you get into the room, make it your business to get to know everyone and make sure they know you.” 

Last, but not, least, Madison reminded students that one person can make a difference. 

“I believe with all my heart in the power of individual people to make the world a better place,” she said. “You can influence one person, a room, a whole company, or even a college campus. You can rally a group of people to make change in those same spaces. It all starts with one. Be that one.” 

Left to Right: Assistant Director for Mentorship & Advising Teddi Nguyen Lydon, Jarrivel Baez-Colon ’22 and Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Kevin Piskadlo.

Later during the celebration, Jarrivel Baez-Colon ’22 gave a speech reflecting on her college years. She recalled being quite introverted when she first came to Stonehill. She decided to make a change after connecting with a resident assistant, who, like her, is a person of color. 

“I realized if I stayed quiet and I continued to be the person in the back of the classroom, the person who didn’t volunteer, didn’t sign up for anything, what experience was I going to have here?” Baez-Colon remarked. 

After recognizing the value of getting involved, the graduating senior became active with the College’s Lead4Justice Conference, the Gen-One Dialogue Group, and BACES, among other initiatives. Through her participation in these programs, Baez-Colon came to learn the importance of being an advocate for herself and others like her.  

“As students of color, as seniors, as student leaders, it’s very important for us to continue to create [safe] spaces and not let the ones we have here die down because there will be future students who need those spaces,” she said. 

Kristine Din addresses this year's graduates.

DeAaron Lawrence '22 listens intently as the Unity Graduation Celebration proceeds. 

Director of Intercultural Affairs Kristine Din (left) poses with Emily Yip '22 (right).

Nick Fantasia '22 (center) joins Teddi Nguyen Lydon (left) and Kevin Piskadlo (right) on stage during the Unity Graduation Celebration.

Left to Right: Maxamillion O’Quinn '22, Masyn Lorick '22, Sam Tannous '22, Dom Banor '22, Quentin Odom-Lewis '22 and DeAaron Lawrence '22.

Left to Right: Megan Florestal '22, Jarrivel Baez-Colon '22, Alexis Thomas '22, Cassandra Monteiro '22 and Dalvia Buissereth '22.

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