Meet our GAAME Ambassadors
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Austin Baker |
Hobbies: Soccer, gaming, watching anime Campus involvement: Black Male Leadership Society (BMLS), College Factory, and National
Inspiration to become a GAAME Scholar: When I first arrived on campus, a lot of guys
I met were GAAME Scholars. They introduced me to their friends that they met on GAAME
weekend and I was convinced to join.
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Kaleb Comer |
Hobbies: Working out, interior design, socializing Campus involvement: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., UGA Cheerleading, UGA African
Student Union Reason for attending UGA: I’ve wanted to cheer at the University of Georgia ever since
I started the sport when I was younger, so when I was offered the opportunity I grabbed
it. Inspiration to become a GAAME Scholar: I want to be able to take my experiences as
a black male here and use them to help ease the transition for others that come after
me.
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Nick Jackson |
Hobbies: Spend time with friends, play and listen to music, talk about anything LGBTQ+ Campus involvement: National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), TRiO STEM-H, Phi Mu
Alpha Inspiration to become a GAAME Scholar: It was just a gut feeling. I had heard of
the program from BMLS my freshman year but finally decided to join out of nowhere
during my sophomore year. |
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Kevin Nwogu |
Hobbies: Kickboxing, bike riding, going on runs Campus involvement: Student Alumni Council, UGA Mentor Program, GAAME Reason for attending UGA: Because of the multitude of opportunities along with the welcoming and spirited community I experienced before even the first day of classes. Inspiration to be a GAAME Scholar: I attended the GAAME Weekend as a high school student
and wanted to stay engaged with the resources and people I bet during that amazing
weekend.
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Eric Okanume |
Hobbies: Driving, traveling, car spotting Campus involvement: Peach State LSAMP, Honors College, University Housing, UGA Marketing
& Branding Department, Vaccine Ambassador Inspiration to be a GAAME Scholar: As an incoming freshman, I found myself in a completely
new environment. The high academic status I had worked so hard to achieve as a well
involved student was wiped clean, and I had to start over at a much larger, and much
more competitive and challenging institution. I desperately looked for ways to become
as prepared as possible for what was ahead, and the possible challenges that would
come with it. I looked for an introduction to the competitive academic culture at
the university, and what would be expected of me in the classroom. I looked for ways
to become familiarized with the campus, which can be considered a city of its own.
I also hoped to develop relationships ahead of the academic year, so that I could
have the support and sense of community necessary for success at the university. I
can say with confidence that the GAAME weekend exceeded all of my expectations, and
helped me in ways that I could not have imagined before. After the program, I was
not only familiar with the campus, the academic rigor, and the many opportunities
offered at the University of Georgia, but I also started my academic journey at the
university with fellow Black males and an entire department that I could count on
for support in this new environment. I strive to pass on that sense of community and
belonging while providing incoming students with the same support and encouragement
that was provided to me. |
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Deion Peoples |
Hobbies: Rapping, going to the movies, writing Campus involvement: University Housing, Black Male Leadership Society, D.O.P.E. Artist Association Reason for attending UGA: Attending GAAME Weekend and seeing that UGA had an active and supporting Black community on campus was what influenced my decision to come to UGA the most. Aside that, the institution was not that far from home and had a great academic reputation. Inspiration to be a GAAME Scholar: I needed the support coming from a predominantly Black area; this collegiate experience was very new to me. Also, the people I might during GAAME Weekend were amazing and very supportive. Inspiration to become a GAAME Ambassador: After experiencing firsthand and how GAAME could impact someone's decision to attend the University and their experience while here, I was elated to become a GAAME Ambassador. Advice to other Black male students on why they should get involved with GAAME: With all the competition to get involved, GAAME is a great place to start and gain some valuable guidance along the way. The GAAME Scholar program is great for keeping you accountable and also offering resources when you need help. The GAAME community is strong and an overall great group of distinguished Black men on campus! Favorite UGA moment or experience so far: Performing at Myers Quad for an event in collaboration with University Union is one of the most memorable experiences I have had thus far.
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Jaquarius Raglin |
Hobbies: Working out, cooking, traveling Campus involvement: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Student Alumni Council, Minority Student Science Association, Peach State LSAMP, Georgia Daze Reason for attending UGA: I chose to attend UGA to challenge myself and find a new community. Since UGA is 2 hours away from home, I thought that this would be a great place to make new connections and build a foundation for the future. Inspiration to be a GAAME Scholar: I was inspired to engage with the program to find a Black male support system. UGA's Black male population is very low, and I thought that this would be a great way to make new bonds. Inspiration to become a GAAME Ambassador: I became an ambassador to make sure that Black males who came through UGA would have a support system of other Black men to guide them through their collegiate experience. Advice to other Black male students on why they should get involved with GAAME: Take heed of all resources that are presented to you; you never know who you may meet along the way. Favorite UGA moment or experience so far: UGA vs. Notre Dame night game Sept. 2019
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William Redding |
Hobbies: Anything music related, skating, trying new foods Campus involvement: Georgia Daze, Office of the Dean of Students' Program Ambassador, Dawg Camp, African Student Union Reason for attending UGA: UGA was not my first choice, however, I decided to attend UGA because I knew that no matter what field I went into, UGA would be the school that could support me in all my endeavors. Inspiration to be a GAAME Scholar: I think service to others is a vital aspect of growth and I want to give back especially to as many people who look like me as possible. I heard about GAAME during my second semester and knew that it was something that I had to be a part of! Inspiration to become a GAAME Ambassador: I became a GAAME Ambassador in order to meet new people, make connections, and engage with my community! Advice to other Black male students on why they should get involved with GAAME: GAAME is filled with people that look just like you. It's a space where you can see yourself in others and at a PWI where seldom the classes you take will show that it is important to make sure that you do a space you can go to for that. Favorite UGA moment or experience so far: My favorite moment at UGA by far was Spring 2020 when there was a DJ playing music in the Snelling Dining Common. I was with all of my friends and we were just eating good food, listening to good music and all in all just having a good time.
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Obamide Samaye |
Hobbies: Making music, playing video games, playing soccer Campus involvement: University Housing, Dawg Camp, NavCompass, Digital Dawgs Reason for attending UGA: I decided to attend UGA because it was meant for me. UGA has a great community and has so many resources that are readily available for people like me. UGA felt like home when I stepped on campus. Inspiration to be a GAAME Scholar: The GAAME Ambassadors who were present when I went to GAAME Weekend inspired me to engage with the GAAME program. They provide me with so much wisdom and guidance. They were some of the first people from UGA that I interacted with and helped me to feel comfortable on campus. Inspiration to become a GAAME Ambassador: I became a GAAME Ambassador because I wanted to help incoming Black first-year men transition better on campus and be an asset to their success. Advice to other Black male students on why they should get involved with GAAME: They should get involved because it will not only provide you with resources, GAAME will provide you with a community/support system that is amazing. Favorite UGA moment or experience so far: The Notre Dame vs UGA game...best UGA experience hands down. |
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Kydae Scott |
Hobbies: Painting/drawing, playing instruments, singing, dancing Campus involvement: Black Affairs Council, Black Male Leadership Society, Pamoja Dance Company, Minority Student Science Association Reason for attending UGA: To maximize my potential growth so that I may be my best self in the workforce. Inspiration to be a GAAME Scholar: I felt drawn to the overall purpose and mission
of GAAME and I identify as a Black male who seeks to reciprocate the growth of those
around Inspiration to become a GAAME Ambassador: I seek to uplift and guide Black men on campus as they have, and continue to do for me as I remain a student at UGA. Advice to other Black male students on why they should get involved with GAAME: GAAME serves as the bumpers on a bowling alley. As long as you’re involved, there’s virtually no way for you to miss your life targets and goals. The group is immaculate with social, academic, and personal well-being and guidance. Favorite UGA moment or experience so far: My favorite experience would be the BAC Backyard Bash that the Black Affairs Council held.
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Wendell Stallings |
Hobbies: Watching football, videography, cooking Campus involvement: UGA Mind Blowers, NavCompass, Admissions intern, BMLS Reason for attending UGA: 48 hours, that's how long it took me to realize UGA was going to be the place for
me. I attended Georgia Daze Weekend, a weekend designed to give admitted students
of color the opportunity to connect with current UGA students of color. Being outside
the four walls of UGA I definitely felt the pressure of Inspiration to be a GAAME Scholar: I wanted to connect with the Black community as
much as I could especially my freshman year. I did not want to feel the pressure of
feeling like I Inspiration to become a GAAME Ambassador: I have a strong belief in pouring back into what poured into you. I know how I felt through my first year process and I want to help in any way I can to future GAAME Scholars. Advice to other Black male students on why they should get involved with GAAME: You should get involved with GAAME because you get plugs…seriously. Use GAAME as a resource; that is what it is here for. I would not be an Admissions Intern if it wasn't for GAAME. I wouldn't have received the external scholarship I was awarded if it hadn't been for the support of the GAAME staff. There are a lot of opportunities for you to reach out and grab. I believe GAAME is that extra foot that you need to close that gap and take it. Favorite UGA moment or experience so far: When I think about my favorite UGA moments I think about moments that really can't happen anywhere else. I remember going to Snelling at 12 am for breakfast. I met a couple of friends from ECV and Payne Hall. After we finished eating at Snelling, when we were walking back from Payne Hall to ECV it was lightening. I said "It’s about to rain y'all" but nobody wanted to listen to me. We got to the end of Sanford Stadium and it just dumped. We ran, stopped under bus stop and got soaked. It was funny and sad, but it was also a walk I'll never forget. |
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Quin Thomas |
Hobbies: Writing, reading, binge watching TV series Campus involvement: GAAME, BMLS, UGA Housing Reason for attending UGA: I decided to attend the University of Georgia because I felt that this was the campus of opportunity. I knew that once I graduated with a degree from Georgia that I would be prepared to attend law school or enter immediately into the workforce. What's next, is a question that I take very seriously and I had a strong sense that this university would best help me answer that question after four years. Inspiration to become a GAAME Ambassador: I decided to become a GAAME Ambassador because giving back to a program that has given so much to me was extremely important. Advice to other Black male students on why they should get involved with GAAME: I
believe that GAAME has been pivotal in the success and choices I have made on this
campus. Coming onto a campus being a minority I felt alone and ostracized in many
spaces. A feeling that only a small portion of a population could ever understand
the challenges and Favorite UGA moment or experience so far: Being elected Brumby Hall President during my first-year on campus.
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