Sharing the “Dream” with others

nsuring the the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is kept alive, Larry Thomas ’96 developed “I Have A Dream Week”—a week-long celebration of the life and vision of King.

Thomas, a graduate student at Syracuse University, received the Students First Award was presented by Syracuse University’s Chancellor, an honor usually reserved for administrators. He was one of seven receipients this year.

Larry credits much of his success to the mentoring he received as an undergraduate. “If it wasn’t for the mentors I had at Rowan, I wouldn’t be at Syracuse helping other students to develop their own leadership skills,” he said.

In addition to pursuing a master’s degree in higher education administration, Larry is an assistant residence director. He is also a founder of the African American Male Congress, an organization that helps students develop their leadership qualities and skills and understand their leadership roles on- and off-campus. The group offers students a chance to network and discuss issues that affect them as African American males.

Larry believes there are many students in school who have a desire to succeed outside the classroom and that mentor programs can provide the key support. “I want to encourage these students,” said Larry. “Like I was encouraged at Rowan.”

from summer ’98