Meet Jordan Ozley '22

What does The Juneteenth Scholarship mean to you?

I am honored to have been considered for this award and I am privileged to accept it. For my entire life I have valued the importance of diversity. True diversity, however, is challenging. People will often refute and invalidate experiences that run counter to their own. However, it is my belief that through open conversations in good faith, as we gain a better understanding of each other’s backgrounds, stories, experiences, and cultures, we gain a better understanding of each other as a whole. Therefore uplifting the voices, stories, experiences, and culture of others is worth the challenge. It is a privilege to be able to not only receive a higher education but to attend a university as diverse as the University at Albany, SUNY. I am committed to ensuring the University remain and continue to progress as a tolerant and diverse campus. I would like to thank the donors of the Juneteenth Scholarship fund and those involved in its administration for supporting me. 

Being a recipient of the Juneteenth Scholarship is of great personal significance to me and I am deeply grateful to receive this Scholarship award. I have always been proud of my identity as a Black person and a Black American. My family has deep roots in the United States and the history of this nation has been ingrained in my understanding of myself and sense of purpose to my community. Juneteenth is certainly no exception as it signifies and celebrates the true independence of my people in the United States, people who look like me. My grandparents as well, consistently instilled a sense of pride and confidence in me. Given that, I am proud to be a Black student at the University at Albany. I am grateful to be recognized, and to see my fellow students of color recognized as well.

What are your goals for the future?

In 2015 my father passed away of a heart attack. This loss was both emotionally and financially difficult. Being able to afford higher education has been a challenge for my family but I have been committed to building on the foundation that my father laid for my brother and myself. My father graduated magna cum laude from Hofstra University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. I plan to graduate summa cum laude from the University at Albany with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. The support I have received from the Juneteenth Scholarship and across campus has been monumentally important to my success, and I am deeply grateful.