Patrice Payne is a graduating senior who transferred to M.C.L.A from UMass Amherst to major and pursue a degree in the performing arts. She has been active both in the college’s theatre program and helping to build the MCLA community, while at the same time achieving academic excellence. Academically, the Boston native has made the dean’s list from 2004-2006, earned Who’s Who Among Students In American Universities and Colleges, and awarded the college’s Excellence Award. She has been a role model both in and outside of the classroom. Patrice has been an actress and member of the technical crew for a number of major theater productions held at the college. She has been active with many co-curricular activities, including the Judicial Board, the African-American Studies Club, has performed community service, including collecting food for the Katrina Relief Fund, and raised money for an event called BET Rap-It-Up. She received the ALANA Honorable Mention Award and was instrumental in earning the Club Excellence Award for the African Americans Studies Club.

Brandon D. Pender is a native of Queens, NY, who transferred to M.C.L.A. from East Carolina University. He is seeking a degree in English/communication, with a concentration in film and broadcast media. He has a long list of achievements in academics, athletics, and co-curricular activities. He earned the Margaret Hart Scholarship and Mitchell West Scholarship in 2006, as well as an Excellence Award; participated in the NCAA Leadership Conference; was nominated for Who’s Who Among Students In American Universities and Colleges. He was president of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee and Vice President of the Multicultural Society. He served, as an officer in the African- American Studies Club, was a peer advisor, and a choreographer for the college’s dance company. From 2005-2007, he was captain of the men’s basketball team. He taught dance to children at the Northern Berkshire Creative Arts Center, where he served as an intern. He also has a long list of other causes where he served both the college community and the community -at- large.