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2015 Graduate Going Forth to Serve

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Joanna Oko
Joanna Oko

Recent Keene State graduate, Joanna Oko, describes herself as someone who likes to do things her own way on her own time, and at her own pace. In many ways, that might account for her unconventional and highly rewarding four years at Keene State College.

Oko, who was born in Poland and is from Derby, CT, marched down Appian Way and across Fiske Quad to commencement earlier this month having earned a unique individualized degree in Humanitarian Studies with courses encompassing genocide studies, political science, and sociology. She also gained new perspectives from a range of international experiences while at Keene State.

Oko will continue her academic pursuits this fall when she takes part in an internship with Auschwitz Institute for Peace and Reconciliation in New York City. Arranged by Dr. James Waller, Cohen Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies, the internship will provide Oko an opportunity to gain valuable first-hand experience with the organization that aims to support states in developing or strengthening national mechanisms for the prevention of genocide and other mass atrocities through education and technical assistance.

Through the College’s Global Exchange program, Oko studied at the University of Limerick in Ireland and Lorenzo De’ Medici International University in Florence, Italy. She participated in service trips through Keene State’s Alternative Spring Break and Honors Program in Mississippi and Ecuador.

“I don’t think I would’ve been able to do those things if I had studied anywhere else,” said Oko, who was awarded the Outstanding Leadership and Service Award at Keene State for her contribution to the campus and Keene community. “I had an incredible support system at Keene State that included faculty and staff who have been my mentors. They have been there for me, and I truly appreciate that.”

Professor of Sociology and Anthropology at Keene State, Dr. Therese Seibert, served as one of Oko’s advisors along with Dr. Margaret Walsh. Dr. Seibert worked with Oko on research about how Native Americans are represented in mainstream textbooks. “Her intellect, maturity, work ethic, and calm, easy going nature make working with her sheer delight,” said Seibert.

Oko reflected on her time at Keene State. She said graduation was a bittersweet experience. “It’s interesting to look back on everything that I’ve done and the wonderful people I met and worked with over the past four years. Now we get to move forward and take the next step in our lives. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for me.”

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