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Nevin Perkins is a graduating student leader, former Op-Ed Editor for The Gothic Times, and founder of Build More Unity, a Pan-Africanist grassroots organization born at NJCU. His organization played a leading role in the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement in Jersey City, including organizing a major protest for George Floyd that drew thousands. Nevin has spoken at the University’s Juneteenth flag raising in 2024 and has been a strong voice in campus advocacy—calling for a tuition freeze during the pandemic and joining BAAFSSO efforts to honor Dr. Betty Shabazz. A proud product of the Lee Hagan Center under Dr. Guzman’s leadership and a former Black Student Union member, Nevin has worked tirelessly to uplift both the NJCU campus and the broader community. He is also the 2021 recipient of the Margaux Fragoso Literary Courage Award and a two-time Dean’s List honoree.

Dr. Antoinette Ellis-Williams is a dynamic scholar, artist, activist, and storyteller whose work bridges the worlds of academia, art, and community engagement. She is a Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies at �鶹��ý, where she has served in numerous leadership roles, including Chair of the department and Director of the Lee Hagan Africana Studies Center.

Born in Jamaica, Dr. Ellis-Williams is a celebrated multimedia abstract artist whose work has been featured in exhibitions across the U.S. and internationally—including solo shows at Akwaaba Gallery, NJPAC, and the Visual Arts Gallery at NJCU. Her public art is permanently featured in Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal A and has been part of collaborations with Audible and the Newark Artist Accelerator. Noted artist Danny Simmons praised her work as “untraditional music” that blazes “new fantastical paths,” likening it to the improvisational brilliance of free-form jazz.

In addition to her visual art, Dr. Ellis-Williams is a published poet, playwright, and performer. Her award-winning one-woman play Scarf Diaries explores the lives of women through powerful monologues, and her poetry appears in anthologies like When Women Speak and Womb of Violet. Her TEDx Talk, Finding Justice in the Land of the Free, unpacks her journey as an immigrant Black woman navigating justice and identity in America.

Dr. Ellis-Williams holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Urban and Regional Planning from Cornell University, an MPA from the University of Pittsburgh, and a BA in Sociology from Seton Hall University. She has presented her work and scholarship at institutions including Oxford, Harvard, Princeton, and the United Nations, and serves on several boards including the �鶹��ý Performing Arts Center and the �鶹��ý Institute for Social Justice.

Through her interdisciplinary work, Dr. Ellis-Williams inspires others to think critically, act boldly, and imagine new futures. We are honored to welcome her as our 2025 Salute to Graduates Distinguished Speaker.

Wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and colleague—these are the roles I hold dear, but above all, family is my first love. The daughter who lives within me has shaped my values, instilling in me a deep sense of spirituality, strength, responsibility, and respect. My word is my bond—if I say it, I make it my business to see it through. My name is a gift from above, and I strive every day to live in a way that honors both it and the character it represents.

My journey at what was once Jersey City State College, now NJCU, began on August 11, 1980, making this my third and final place of employment—a professional home for the past 44 years. Throughout this time, I’ve had the privilege of working with people who share my belief in treating others the way you want to be treated. Students, faculty, and staff—past and present—have always held a special place in my heart.

When I began, I aspired to become an Analyst, Researcher, and Computer Technician/Operator. I’m proud to say these aspirations have come to life within the Registrar’s Office, my home away from home. I’ve played a key role in implementing and supporting the PeopleSoft system, from its initial planning stages to its launch and ongoing use. My creativity has been encouraged and celebrated by the Registrar staff, and it has been a blessing to help students navigate their academic journeys. Supporting faculty and staff through the system has brought me as much joy as it has brought them relief.

Receiving this award is a tremendous honor—one I deeply cherish. I believe the daughter in me is shining with pride, a reflection of the parents who raised me and continue to watch over me each and every day.

Thank you for trusting me with this prestigious honor.

Foday Koroma is a visionary creative, community activist, and musician born and raised in Jersey City. As a Music Business major with a Media minor at NJCU, Foday is deeply committed to living an authentic life and creating meaningful change wherever he goes. He has made it his personal mission to build systems that empower independent artists and students who thrive through collaboration and creativity.

Throughout his time at NJCU, Foday has worn many hats — serving as a project manager, founder of P3 (Performance, Production, People), a two-time orientation leader, and a mentor through the Gear Up program. Every role he steps into is fueled by purpose, community, and a desire to make room for others to grow.

Denise Gourdine was born in East Orange, NJ. As a young child her family relocated to Jersey City, where she attended PS# 22 and Henry Snyder High School. Denise continued her education at Hudson County Community College, where she earned a degree in Elementary Education. She transferred to �鶹��ý and obtained her Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice, and a Master’s in Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Denise is the wife and caregiver to her husband Vincent and proud mother of three outstanding children and nana to five awesome grandchildren. In 2023, she followed the voice of God and became an ordained Minister of the Gospel. Denise has been active in her career at �鶹��ý for 35 years and currently serves as the Assistant Director of Public Safety responsible for operations. She is known as the woman with many hats while serving as the Title IX Sexual Assault Investigator, Domestic Violence Advocate, Clery Compliance Officer, Residence Life Liaison, Staff Development Training Administrator and Vice President of CWA Local 1031. She is a member of Phi Sigma Pi Honor Society and America’s Who’s Who and Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship Inc.(r).

Denise enjoys hosting family/friend functions, mentorship, community service and travel. She is always willing to go the extra mile to assist those in need as their happiness is what brings her joy.