His mission: BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER

BY JESSICA LYONS

Thursday, June 4, 2009 10:13 AM EDT

While a student at Queens College, Donaldson Conserve began helping others in various ways, which recently earned him special recognition at graduation as the recipient of the Chaney-Goodman-Swerner Award.

Originally from Cite Soleil, Haiti, Conserve came to the United States in 1999.

“Both my parents left me to go to find more opportunities and eventually they would have me join them in the U.S. when things got better for them,” he said. “My mother had been living here for at least 10 years, and she filed for me to join her.”

When Conserve, who lives in St. Albans, first came to the U.S. in the summer, he said that he was amazed by its beauty. However, he had difficulties when he began school. Other students would give him a hard time and try to start fights with him.

In 2004, Conserve enrolled at Queens College thanks to the Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge (SEEK) program, which he said assists “academically under-prepared and economically disadvantage students achieve academic success.” Although he recently graduated with a degree in psychology, when Conserve first enrolled he wanted to be a medical doctor.

While at Queens College, Conserve met Maureen Pierce-Anyan, the Director of Minority Student Affairs and Pre-Professional Advisor, who Conserve said became like another mother to him. He said that she influenced him to become more active on campus, beginning with a Black History Month event.

Conserve went on to participate in many different organizations and activities on campus. He was a member of the National Leadership Society, The Men of Color Focus Group, The Black Male Initiative planning committee and the Multi-Cultural Education Planning Committee. Also, Conserve was an orientation leader and formerly served as both the vice president and, later on, the president of the Science Organization for Minority Students.

“I truly am grateful for having been recommended to join and serve,” he said.

Pierce-Anyan also helped Conserve choose his psychology major. Conserve said that, even before he came to Queens College, he enjoyed it when friends would come ask him for advice. It was while speaking to another student who was a psychology major that the suggestion first came up.

After the idea was raised, Conserve spoke to Pierce-Anyan to get her advice. She suggested that Conserve take an introductory psychology class.

“I fell in love with the course, and I just knew while taking the course that this is what I’d like to major in for my undergrad,” said Conserve, 24.

During this year’s graduation at Queens College, Conserve received the Chaney-Goodman-Schwerner Award, which is “offered annually to a graduating senior who has made a significant contribution toward fostering human relations and eliminating the divisions that separate people,” according to the Queens College Foundation.

“It had a profound impact on me,” Conserve said, adding that he now wants to work to discover the gift that was seen in him.

Now that Conserve has graduated, he will spend the summer at Columbia doing research at their School of Public Health before going to Penn State to enter its Ph.D. program for biobehvaiorial health.

Conserve said that his ultimate goal is to become a health and education advocate. He said that he wants to be an advocate so that he can make sure that those who are less fortunate are able to receive opportunities so that they can “tap into their potential and become better citizens.”

Photo by Nancy Bareis, Queens College
Donaldson Conserve

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Reader Comments

The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of queenscourier.com.

Perri PIerre wrote on Jul 13, 2009 1:48 PM:

" DOnald, I am so proud of you man! You inspire me in so many ways man... Good job friend! "

Olivier Noel wrote on Jul 16, 2009 3:19 PM:

" Great Job Donalson!!! always make us proud! "

Chenell Livingston wrote on Jul 17, 2009 7:46 AM:

" Donaldson, you are a wonderful person and they could not have chosen a more deserving candidate for the Chaney-Goodman-Swerner award. Keep up the good work and God bless you. "

Ameante Lacoste wrote on Jul 23, 2009 4:50 PM:

" Hey Donalson!! Congrats man! I'm really proud. Ou fe ke'm kontan! Na'p pale!!
-Ameante "

Anna Fiaty wrote on Jul 26, 2009 1:31 PM:

" Hey Junior all i can say is congrats!!! and wish u all the blessings for the futur also. "

Nathalie Jean-Baptiste wrote on Jul 27, 2009 7:52 PM:

" :-) This article was really fun to read knowing that it was about one of us! I'm glad that you've accomplished one of your goals and I believe in your capacities. Keep up the good work and may God keep being on your side! "

Karim Alex Menard wrote on Jul 31, 2009 3:26 PM:

" Wow! I never knew you were Haitian I'm Haitian too. Congratulations, good luck in the future and thanks again for giving me advice about internships. "

Ayo wrote on Aug 21, 2009 11:51 AM:

" Awesome!, this is just the start, I see you aspiring to even greater heights through our Lord Jesus Christ "

Danael Couloute wrote on Sep 1, 2009 11:08 AM:

" Hey Donaldson. Congrats. We are proud of you. Keep it up :) "

Ana Popoteur wrote on Sep 4, 2009 8:47 PM:

" Wow congratulations neighbor :-) Im from the Dominican Republic i am disabled and im also a Psychology major graduating in 2011from Queens college also :-) and you have inspired to continue my studies and pursue my dreams even more than ever Thank you and God bless you and good luck :-) "

Nancy Mathieu wrote on Sep 6, 2009 8:40 PM:

" Donalson,
I am so proud of you. I always knew you had your head on you shoulders. Keep up the good work. And always remember to put God frst.
:) "

Shamik L. Kurdzos wrote on Jan 31, 2010 10:16 PM:

" Donaldson, I am very proud of you! You have served as a mentor, volunteer, President of SOMS, tutor, student, brother, son, and throughout these many roles you have - most importantly - been a true friend! Thanks for being an exceptional person!!!!!!!!!!!

Keep the faith and strive to be the best like I know you can!!!! "