UC Merced is welcoming back its first alumni keynote speaker, Shavone Charles, to address December 2017 graduates at its first Fall Commencement ceremony on Dec. 16.
Charles received her bachelor’s degree from UC Merced in literature in 2012. While on campus, she helped new students navigate through their first years on campus as a member of the Success Mentor Program. She organized the first African Black Coalition conference held at UC Merced in 2012.
She participated in the UCDC program twice, and held internships at places like Google, BET Networks, Twitter, Capitol Hill and The Department of Justice.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be the first alum to be invited to speak to UC Merced graduates at Commencement,” Charles said. “I’m thrilled to return to the campus that holds many formative moments that have positively impacted my education and career.”
