Tulane 34 honor bestowed upon three SoPA grads
Each year, Tulane University recognizes 34 exceptional graduates with one of the university’s highest student honors. Among this year’s recipients are three students from the Tulane School of Professional Advancement (Tulane SoPA).
The award celebrates students who have distinguished themselves through academic excellence, leadership and service throughout their time at Tulane. The number honors the university’s founding year of 1834.
Congratulations to the following graduates:
Victoria Bustamante, from Baton Rouge, is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources and a minor in health and wellness. While pursuing her degree, Tori stayed focused on her goals and continued pushing forward despite navigating COVID-19, a new baby, Hurricane Ida and the loss of her mother. These experiences helped her develop resilience and a desire to support others facing their own challenges, and she has decided to make mental health and suicide prevention a focus of her career. Tori is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Sports Studies with the long-term goal of having a meaningful impact on student-athlete development and organizational culture through work in executive-level administration. Tori is deeply committed to helping create environments where individuals feel supported and have access to the resources they need. She hopes to contribute to developing programs, policies and support systems that prioritize mental health within athletics.
Katina McGinnis, from New Orleans, is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in General Legal Studies and a human resources management certification. Katina founded the Leadership and Society for Human Resource Management (LéSHRM), creating a platform to connect students with the evolving field of human resources. Through this organization, she organized events focused on emerging technologies including programming on the impact of artificial intelligence in the workplace, providing students with opportunities to engage with current topics and industry trends. Katina's work with LéSHRM reflects a focus on leadership, service and supporting peers in preparing for professional careers. After graduation, Katina plans to pursue a career in law and is currently preparing for law school. She aims to build on her background in human resources and legal studies, with the goal of developing expertise in employment law and advocating for ethical workplace practices and organizational integrity.
Kelly Nguyen, from Tucson, Arizona, is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media and Marketing Communication. Kelly served as vice president of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Mentorship Program, partnering with New Orleans high schools to encourage student pride in their identities and backgrounds and incorporating those experiences into college applications. She received the Lawrence G. Foster scholarship, marking a pivotal moment in her discovery and pursuit of her passion for public relations. Kelly was also selected for the FINN Partners × PRSSA Mentorship Program, a prestigious industry opportunity that connected her with professionals for education and mentorship. She made academics a priority while at Tulane, prioritizing her classes within a busy extracurricular schedule. After graduation, she plans to return to her hometown to apply her communication and strategic skills to support a Vietnamese-owned accounting firm and to contribute to the Vietnamese community in Tucson. Kelly plans to develop expertise in marketing and public relations while exploring ways to expand her work internationally and connect with audiences worldwide.
