Courtesy of Alcorn State University
Four of Alcorn State University’s most talented scholars are being highlighted for their educational acumen and bright futures in business and STEM.
Temiloluwa Akanni, Benjamin Awobotu, Emmanuella Nnuji-John, and Riswan Agyeman are among the 1,000 students from around the country selected as Forbes Under 30 Scholars for 2019. All four recipients have earned an opportunity to attend the Forbes Under 30 Summit Oct. 27-Oct. 30 in Detroit, Michigan.
Forbes works with schools across the United States with strengths in different areas to ensure that a diverse set of high-achieving students from many universities engage in the program. The Summit joins the best young leaders, founders, and creators for four days of connecting, learning, teaching, and building. Speakers at this year’s event will include the likes of tennis superstar, Serena Williams, NBA champion, Kevin Durrant, and many more.
In light of the accolades that the scholars are receiving, Akanni acknowledged one of her professors, Marcharie Chambliss, for her unyielding support. The junior accounting major applauds Chambliss and the School of Business for preparing her for a world beyond Alcorn’s campus.
“I am grateful for the support of the School of Business,” said Akkani. “I credit my success to my accounting professor, Ms. Chambliss. I am grateful for her constantly supporting me, believing in me, and cheering me on. I am proud to be a black woman at Alcorn and grateful for the School’s support of my professional development.”
With this selection, Awobotu, a junior computer science major, recognizes his potential to achieve great success in life. The Forbes platform motivates him to strive for higher and believe in his abilities as a student and future professional.
“It means everything,” said Awobotu. “It means that I can work hard and achieve my goals. It also means nothing is impossible to achieve. Being selected made me realize that being persistent in pursuing your goals will bring success.”
The upcoming Forbes summit is a gateway to possible life-altering opportunities for the recipients. Nnuji-John, a junior biochemistry major, looks forward to meeting professionals who have created a path of affluence in the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
“The Summit will position me to build a strong network of Forbes alumni as well as connect with people that have achieved breakthroughs in STEM,” said Nnuji-John. “This opportunity will be a life-changing experience for me as a woman in STEM.”
The recipients will get a chance to soak up an abundance of knowledge from the Summit’s well-known speakers. Riswan Agyeman, a sophomore computer science major, is eager to hear what advice he can take from famous professionals.
“This is a dream come true,” said Agyeman. “Not only will I be able to interact with like-minded students from across the country, but also get advice from celebrities about how to make it in society. It’s a wonderful opportunity, and I can’t wait for the experience.”
