Bouchet Graduate Honor Society Recognizes Graduate
Students for Academic Excellence and Commitment to Diversity

New members are first at UC San Diego to be inducted into the national honor society

Kristin Luciani | May 24, 2010

Attendees included Kim Barrett, dean of Graduate Studies and Sandra Daley, UC San Diego chief diversity officer (front row).

Twelve graduate students from UC San Diego were the first to be honored with membership in the Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society Wednesday with a dinner reception at the UCSD Faculty Club. Named for the first African American doctoral recipient in the United States, the society honors graduate students who exemplify a commitment to promoting diversity in doctoral education and supporting groups that are traditionally underrepresented in academia.

The inaugural UC San Diego graduate student Bouchet members are Suhata Emani, chemistry/biochemistry; David Gonzalez, chemistry/biochemistry; Ayana Johnson, marine biology; Richard Lawrence, education studies; Elisa Maldonado, marine biology; Meghan Morris, public health; Alycia Mosley, neuroscience; Jade Power, theatre; Ty Samo,marine biology; Sabrina Strings, sociology; Krystal Tribbett, history; and Laura Tucker, education studies.

“I was humbled to be inducted into the society as part of UCSD’s inaugural chapter,” said Ty Samo, a graduate student at UCSD's Scripps Institution of Oceanography. “I look forward to honoring Dr. Bouchet’s memory by enriching university life through the promotion of a respectful and inclusive environment in higher education.”

The new members attended the reception and dinner, along with special guests including dean of Graduate Studies Kim Barrett, UC San Diego Chief Diversity Officer Sandra Daley, UC San Diego alumnus and representative of the Black Alumni Association physician Anthony Jackson, and executive director of the Center for Marine Biology and Conservation Russ Chapman.   

At the dinner, hosted by the Office of Graduate Studies, the attendees had a lively and enthusiastic discussion about society’s role in shaping and contributing to diversity efforts––both within the campus community and beyond. The Bouchet members will begin to develop their mission and identify specific obtainable goals for the years to come. A national organization with chapters at Yale University and Howard University, the Bouchet Society was established in 2005 to develop a network of preeminent scholars who exemplify academic and personal excellence, foster environments of support and serve as examples of scholarship, leadership, character, service and advocacy for students who have been traditionally underrepresented in higher education. The UC San Diego chapter of the Bouchet Society was created in 2008.