Four SoPA grads receive coveted Tulane 34 Award

Thirty-four of Tulane University’s most outstanding graduates are presented annually with the prestigious Tulane 34 Award. Among the 2022 honorees are four from the Tulane School of Professional Advancement (Tulane SoPA).

Students who receive this honor are not only recognized for their academic achievements, but have also demonstrated exemplary leadership, service and academic excellence during their time at Tulane. The significance of 34 derives from the year of the university’s founding in 1834.

Tulane SoPA’s Tulane 34 Award Recipients

Xavier Calfee, from Newport News, Virginia, graduates with a Master of Science in Information Technology Management with a concentration in Cyber Security from Tulane SoPA. Xavier also earned certificates in Cyber Leadership, Cyber Defense, and IT Strategic Planning. Outside of academics, Xavier facilitated the creation of Tulane's first student veterans’ organization, Student Veterans of America (SVA), and served as its vice president. Xavier's experience as a U.S. Marine and his love of learning helped SVA provide support to veterans as they adapt to campus life. He successfully completed his studies all while working full time at the Richmond Technical Center in Virginia where he teaches high school students the principles of cyber security. Xavier will continue to pursue academic growth after graduation and will eventually enter a doctoral program.

Suzanna Craig, from River Ridge, Louisiana, graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in General Legal Studies with a minor in Human Resources. Suzanna has a host of honors including summa cum laude, membership in Lambda Epsilon Chi honor society for legal studies and paralegal students, and also membership in Alpha Sigma Lambda honor society for part-time students.  Prior to earning her bachelor’s degree, she received an Associate’s degree in General Legal Studies with a paralegal certificate, also with honors. Suzanna is a board member of Greenie Gals which supports Tulane's spirit teams, including the Tulane University Marching Band, through the sale of custom - made second-line umbrellas and events. Her Tulane spirit is demonstrated by the encouragement she has given to others to continue their education at Tulane, including her daughter. Suzanna plans to move into a more administrative position within the legal community and hopes to one day open a bed and breakfast inn in the Smokey Mountains.

Mia Blom, from Baltimore, is graduating with a Master of Public Administration. Mia completed her degree while working full time in government and community affairs. However, she finds time for service to her community despite her heavy schedule. Mia is a founding member of the Tulane chapter of the International City/ County Management Association. She worked weekends and evenings to create the documents and processes needed to launch the organization so that future Tulane students would have access to the networking, training, and professional development opportunities it offers. In addition, Mia created the first data analytics fellowship for Visit Baltimore to increase advancement and inclusion for members of communities impacted by radial disparities. She also expanded EDI programming for the hospitality industry in Baltimore and serves on several committees focused on improving equity, diversity and inclusion. Mia is director of government and community affairs and executive director of the Visit Baltimore Education and Training Foundation and plans to continue to advocate for causes that advance equity and inclusion after graduation.

Elizabeth Tierney, from Mandeville, Louisiana, is graduating with a Master of Liberal Arts with a focus on challenges in society. Elizabeth earned a 4.0 grade point average while working full time as operations manager for Tulane's department of psychology. She excelled at her job as well and was awarded the 2020 Presidential Staff Excellence Award and received the Graduate Student Mentor Award for her service with Women + in Science and Engineering for three consecutive years. Elizabeth's service extends beyond campus through her work with NOLA Tree Project, Grace House, Covenant House and more. After graduation, Elizabeth will continue to support the academic and scholarly activities of the faculty and students in the department of psychology and will maintain her commitment to service to the Tulane and New Orleans communities.