University of North Carolina at Greensboro issued the following announcement on Nov. 5.
Joseph Graham described going to UNC Greensboro as a “rite of passage” in his family. His grandmother, mother, and brother were all Spartans.
But he was determined to make his UNCG experience different by leaving his own legacy on the University.
Graham, who studied English, wasted no time getting involved on campus. During his first year, he became a freshman senator for the Student Government Association (SGA).
“I had a great start to my college experience. Being involved on campus provided me with a strong network and reliable support system.”
In his sophomore year, Graham became the youngest student body vice president in the University’s recent history at the age of 19. And when the current student body president stepped down two months later, Graham assumed the position, making him the youngest president in the University’s recent history, as well. He served two terms as president – his sophomore year and senior year.
As president, Graham played a part in several pivotal moments for the University. Most notably, he served as the only undergraduate student on the 24-member chancellor search committee in 2015.
“Welcoming UNCG’s first Black chancellor was a tremendous privilege. He became a real mentor of mine, and I was so grateful for his advice and guidance.”
He also recalls helping Chancellor Gilliam and his wife understand the dynamics of the student body during their first year on campus and cutting the ribbon to the then-new Leonard J. Kaplan Center for Wellness.
Although Graham describes representing the student body as a huge honor, his most fulfilling experience in college was studying abroad in Lyon, France his first semester of junior year.
“It was life-changing. It opened my eyes and my mind in a way that I couldn’t have experienced while staying on campus.”
Original source can be found here.
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