Melaku K. Zewde, CPCS-Human Services Management ’02; Human Services Planning ‘05

My name is Melaku Zewde, I completed both my undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Massachusetts Boston in the College of Public and Community Service (CPCS). My undergraduate degree was a Bachelor of Arts, with a major in human services management. I graduated June 1, 2002. My graduate degree was a Master of Science, with a major in human services planning. I graduated June 3, 2005.

My learning at CPCS was empowering, because I was privileged to experience the CPCS community’s excellent multi-modal, competency-based, and participatory education, its sense of community and social inclusion, and its emphasis on action for better community service. Intertwined with these values. My past and present experience and knowledge as an adult learner were well accepted, respected and valued. CPCS’ practice of participatory learning and two-way education motivated me to feel that I was both learner and teacher. I was the primary actor in my learning. I was encouraged to connect my studies to the areas of my passion and consistently encouraged and supported to serve the need of the community, utilizing my learning at the college.

The faculty members and staff were committed to social justice, extremely accessible, hard working, respectful, and with a friendly and caring spirit. They were eager to support students by going the extra mile, in giving their time, energy, and expertise. I soon discovered that their passion was to empower underserved community members and to send them back to the community to do likewise. In addition, within this spirit of empowerment among the diversified students of the college, the great learning and sharing of passion and community service experience, and the friendly and supportive sprit of students were remarkable. This dynamic was a powerful motivating force, which motivated me towards my studies and beyond.

These values and motivations made tremendous contributories to my academic, social, and community services transformation and achievement, which I was able to manage as a new immigrant from Ethiopia, working full time, going to school full time, and caring for my wife, two sons, and extended family.

Due to the above supportive values and God’s gracious grace, in the course of my study, in addition to my undergraduate degree, and graduate study with a high achievement (3.77 cumulative GPA), I was able to provide volunteer service, both within the University and outside in the community. Within the university I was recognized as an inspiration to undergraduate and graduate students alike through mentoring students who were new to the college. I was able to set an excellent role model for what can be achieved with determination and hard work. I participated in CPCS’ recruitment efforts and during the 2005 University’s accreditation process I served as a site visit host to the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) visitors. I also worked in the Collage’s graduate program as a research assistant, peer advisor and tutor for undergraduate students.

In my community service I committed myself to social justice. For example, I served the Boston Adult Literacy Fund (BALF) as a Community Advisory Council Member and did most of my study and research projects related to Adult literacy and to BALF’s expansion of available programs. In addition, I developed strategies to better serve the education of underserved adults in the future. As an employee of the Department of Mental Retardation, in addition to my supervisory role, I performed volunteer work as a human rights officer and case manager, which contributed to a higher quality of service for the individuals we serve. At present, I am also working as Project Manager, for the Hyams Foundation-funded Adult Literacy Technical Assistance Project, that is dedicated to serving ten programs in Greater Boston. This project is operated by a team of experts from BALF, New England Literacy Resource Center (NELRC), and World Literacy.

For these commitments and accomplishments of service, I received the 2005 certificate of recognition award for outstanding leadership from UMass Boston. I also received a certificate of recognition for service as NEASC host from the University. Finally, I received a certificate of appreciation from the professors I assisted, and reaped praise from the students I worked with as peer advisor and tutor.

I feel it has been a great honor for me to achieve these accomplishments and to have experienced great friends and mentors. For this, I praise my God and honor the professional integrity and passion of CPCS faculty members and staff that empowers students like me who are community members involved in community service. It is obvious then, that I consider UMass Boston’s CPCS to be my community. I am committed to enhancing the values of social justice and empowerment of underserved communities as powerful and effective implementation of the social justice urban mission of the UMass Boston.

As an alumni of this college I would like to encourage people with passion for social justice and the empowerment of communities to enroll for their education at CPCS and experience the powerful sense of transformation. I would also like to urge the community of UMass Boston, and broader community of Greater Boston and surrounding cities, to closely learn of the noble work that CPCS has performed through decades. I urge you to support this College to preserve it’s values and help further it’s achievement in every way you can.

Melaku K. Zewde