All of Omega Phi Alpha’s collegiate members embraced adversity, took on new challenges, and coped with uncertainty over this past semester. For our graduating seniors, in particular, the COVID-19 pandemic may have cut their final semester of college short, but it couldn’t take away from their impressive achievements. We’d like to recognize some of them here.
Congratulations to our new alumnae who are ready to embark on their next journey. Whether our members continue their education, enter the workforce, or take time for themselves, we are proud of all of their accomplishments.
Congratulations to the Class of 2020!
Meet some of the Class of 2020 from across the country
Laura Dubena – Mu Chapter
Laura (pictured top left) is an accounting and economics graduate from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. After college, she plans on working at a public accounting firm in Nashville.
Self-growth, friendships, and laughter are three words that sum up her time in Omega Phi Alpha. Her favorite experience in OPA was big/little reveal during her new member semester. She recalled that her sisters went all out when they “popped balloons with confetti to find our bigs.”
Ridhi Patel – Tau Chapter
Ridhi (pictured top right) received a degree in advertising and minor in business from The University of Texas at Austin. She is seeking employment in a creative fashion marketing role. Additionally, fashion school may be part of her future. In the long term, she would like to become a fashion designer and start her own label.
Her lifelong friendships with her sisters at the Tau Chapter were among her favorite Omega Phi Alpha memories. “I’m excited to keep in touch with my chapter as it continues to grow,” says Ridhi. Omega Phi Alpha has had a lasting impact on her during her collegiate years, and we hope she continues to stay involved in OPA post-graduation.
Wendy Rangel – Alpha Nu Chapter
Wendy (pictured middle left) majored in microbiology and minored in biochemistry at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. “One of my favorite college experiences was working in research for the chemistry department at my university, where I was able to present my research at multiple conferences,” Wendy said. Her dreams for the future are to attend medical school and ultimately become a doctor of medicine, specializing in cardiology.
Omega Phi Alpha plays a considerable role in motivating her to pursue ethical service opportunities in the future. During her senior year, Wendy served as chapter president. One of her favorite experiences was seeing the members work as a team in all situations.
Gabby Altmark – Phi Chapter
Gabby (pictured middle right) graduated from Arizona State University with degrees in elementary education and special education. In the fall, she will be a special education/resource teacher in Arizona. Someday, she would like to continue her education by receiving a master’s degree in autism spectrum disorder.
She remarks that “the friends I have made in O-Phi-A will continue to be there throughout my life.” Gabby has made several lasting and meaningful friendships with her sisters.
Mandy LaCount – Alpha Alpha Chapter
Mandy (pictured bottom left) graduated from Northern Arizona University with a bachelor’s of science in psychological sciences. She will be going to graduate school to get a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis. To work with young children on the autism spectrum would be a dream for Mandy!
Unforgettable, supportive, and encouraging are words that highlight Mandy’s time in Omega Phi Alpha. Serving as a membership director was one of her memorable collegiate experiences. She loved “having two of my own amazing new member classes.”
Meaghan Martin – Alpha Rho Chapter
Meaghan (pictured bottom right) received degrees in marketing management and human resource management from Virginia Tech University. She will be attending North Carolina State University for her master of arts in teaching (elementary education). She hopes to become an elementary school teacher in Wake County, North Carolina. This location is very special to her because it is where she attended public school growing up. She can’t wait to impact “our future leaders.”
Attending national convention last summer was one of her favorite Omega Phi Alpha collegiate experiences. She made several new friends, both active and alumnae. After the convention, she came back inspired to make her senior OPA experience the best. She is looking forward to attending future conventions as an alumna.
We congratulate these members on all of their successes inside and outside of the classroom. To all OPA graduates—you did it!
We will continue to highlight OPA seniors on our blog as well as on social media. Follow us on Instagram @omegaphialpha1967 to see some additional exclusive content. Stay tuned!