Araceli Gonzalez

Gwen M. Greene First Generation Senior Award

Presented by Dawn Bruner, director of Parent and Family Relations 

My name is Dawn Bruner; I am Director of Parent and Family Relations and I also serve as chair of the First-Generation Students and Families Committee. I believe I first met Araceli Gonzalez during the welcome luncheon for incoming first-generation students and families in August 2016. However, I would get to know Ara much better a short time later. During fall 2016, I co-instructed a section of the Rising Leader Class and Ara was assigned to my small discussion group. As I got to know Ara, I would look forward to her in-class contributions, as well as reading her assignments. In class, she spoke with great pride about her heritage and being a first-generation college student. I appreciated Ara’s style of writing and added creativity. Sometimes her reflections would be accompanied by a colorful cover page or self-image to help tell her story.

Ara has a genuine enthusiasm about education and embraced college as an incredible opportunity and responsibility, which she did not take lightly. Throughout her time as a U of R student, including studying abroad in Italy, she has maintained a high level of engagement and excitement. I do not believe I have ever met another student who seemed to more wholeheartedly embrace every aspect of the college experience. In fact, each time I would see Ara on campus, she would have such a positive presence and would always share something new about her university life and leadership development.

Ara became an increasingly active student leader during her four years at the U of R, including Class Council, SA Government, and Rising Leader Class mentor, while continuing to perform well academically. She has exemplified leadership and commitment to community - positively impacting the university. As an International Relations major, Ara deeply values learning about other cultures, embracing, and celebrating diversity. In addition, she has grown her passion for helping others connect and discovered new ways to create community through social media. Araceli’s authentic and warm personality shines through in all that she does and has deeply impacted the University of Rochester community and beyond.

Ara, I am so proud of all that you have accomplished during your undergraduate years. You are so deserving of the Gwen M. Greene First-Generation Senior Award. Congratulations on this award and everything that you have achieved. You are an amazing example of a first-generation college student, leader, and overall good person. I hope you accept this award with pride. I know you will light the way for first-generation college students who follow in your footsteps.

About the Award

The Gwen M. Greene First Generation Senior Award is bestowed upon a first-generation senior who has demonstrated the virtues of leadership, scholarship, service, and compassion. The recipient has been a true example in the University community, and the community at large, of the qualities and accomplishments that we most treasure and value, and will serve as a role model for other first-generation students for years to come.