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When Don’Marie Reid enrolled in �鶹��Ƶ������ȫ University four years ago, she was on a mission to prepare for a career as a pediatrician, to become a role model for her peers, and to make the  proud.

As she graduated from �鶹��Ƶ������ȫ this past week as a member of the first cohort of the I Promise program, Reid walked across the stage knowing that she has achieved her mission and so much more.

Reid, who is a biology/pre-med major in the College of Arts and Sciences, credits the LeBron James Family Foundation’s I Promise program and �鶹��Ƶ������ȫ Vice President and Provost Melody Tankersley, Ph.D., for providing the support and encouragement she needed to excel. Reid had been a student assistant in the Office of the Provost since her first year.

Two other I Promise students graduated from �鶹��Ƶ������ȫ alongside Reid: Autumn Albertson, a studio art major in the College of the Arts, and Melinda Moore, a digital media production major in the College of Communication and Information.

“We couldn’t be more proud to see I Promise students who have been with us since third grade now graduating from college and pursuing their passions. They are our dream come true,” Michele Campbell, executive director of the LeBron James Family Foundation, said. “We’re honored to walk alongside them as they continue to persevere and chase the careers and opportunities they once thought were not for them. We know Don’Marie, Autumn, Melinda and all of our students will go on to do incredible things.”

The LeBron James Family Foundation’s I Promise program supports more than 1,600 elementary school through college-age students in Akron with mentoring, college and career preparation and wrap-around family support. �鶹��Ƶ������ȫ has hosted intensive summer programs in partnership with I Promise and Akron schools to show the I Promise students that it is possible for them to overcome obstacles to attend college and to help them reach their goals.  

And now that she has graduated, Reid is preparing to step into a new challenge at �鶹��Ƶ������ȫ – that of a graduate student in the College of Public Health.

Here is Reid speaking with �鶹��Ƶ������ȫ Today before graduation about the scholarship and extra-curricular experiences at �鶹��Ƶ������ȫ and in the I Promise program.

During Reid’s college career, she was involved with the ��dz����������ճ� L����, a four-year cohort program housed in Community Engaged Learning at �鶹��Ƶ������ȫ, which offered Reid and other I Promise students a network of care and resources while removing financial, academic and personal barriers to success.

Amanda Paulus, senior director of Community Engaged Learning and External Relations, said Reid, Albertson and Moore have bright futures ahead of them.

“Don’Marie and all our I Promise graduates are shining examples of scholarship, service and passion,” Paulus said. “We’re honored to have walked with them on their �鶹��Ƶ������ȫ journeys and look forward to watching their impact on the world and their future careers.”

Reid was recently named a McNair Scholar and was chosen as a participant in the 2024 Summer Undergraduate Research Experience program. She worked directly with mentor Jennifer King, Ph.D., assistant professor in the College of Public Health. Reid had the opportunity to do research on food insecurity in her hometown of Akron and in neuroscience.

The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, commonly referred to as the McNair Scholars Program, prepares first-generation undergraduate students from designated income or underrepresented groups in graduate schools for doctoral study. McNair Scholars are engaged in scholarly research, mentored by faculty and are exposed to varied academic and cultural experiences.

Reid’s research opportunity won second place in the Undergraduate Research Symposium. 

Reid decided to get a graduate degree in public health before going to medical school because she learned through shadowing a doctor who has a master's degree that the degree would assist her in being an advocate for her patients.

“I will learn how to interact with patients on a professional level,” Reid said. “I feel like it will make me a better pediatrician.”