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Black in STEAM Celebration Honors Seven Individuals

11/21/2024

The Division of Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement and the Black Alumni Association at Saint Louis University teamed up to host the Black in STEAM Celebration and Awards Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. The event recognized seven individuals. 

The Black in STEAM Celebration and Awards Ceremony was Friday, Nov. 8, in the Wool Ballrooms.

The Black in STEAM Celebration and Awards Ceremony was Friday, Nov. 8, in the Wool Ballrooms. Submitted photo.

The ceremony was designed to honor the unique experiences and remarkable contributions of Black STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) students and professionals. Organizers hoped to empower and inspire Black individuals in STEAM fields, fostering confidence and promoting engagement.

Andrea Carpenter, a student in the School of Education, won the George Washington Carver award. The award is named after Carver, s a prominent agricultural scientist and inventor who developed numerous products from peanuts, sweet potatoes, and soybeans. The recipient of this award is intended to embody Carver’s thirst for knowledge, education, and his belief that “simply service measures success." 

Brian Lathan (Visual and Performing Arts) received the Nettrice Gaskins Innovation in Arts and Technology Award. Recipients of the Nettrice Gaskins Innovation in Arts and Technology Award are committed to fostering diverse perspectives and using art as a tool for empowerment and societal change, inspiring students to explore new creative frontiers.

Kelci Crandall, a Neuroscience major with a minor in Healthcare Ethics, and Tyler Lackland, a third-year medical student, earned the Hidden Figures Social Change Award. The recipient of this award is a student whose story of greatness deserves recognition, showcasing determination, hard work, and resilience while fostering change in STEAM fields. 

Valencia Miller, the Owner of Onyx Dagger Tattoo & Art Gallery, received the the Joshua Johnson Pioneering Black Artist Award. This award was designed to honor someone who demonstrates innovation, creativity, and leadership in the arts, and celebrates those who push boundaries and pave the way for future generations through their transformative contributions.

Skye Coleman, a senior at Metro Academic and Classical High School, won the Ronald E.McNair Student Excellence Award. This award was given to a K-12 student who demonstrated confidence and capability in STEAM, while working to overcome barriers in their education. 

Chanel Nichols, a senior at Sumner High School, received the Power of Black Art Student Award. This award was given to a K-12 student who has used their creative expression to reclaim their narratives, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate their heritage.