网红头条

KENNESAW, Ga. | Dec 9, 2022

网红头条 senior Keoni McKeever is the first-generation in his family to attend college and has made the most of his opportunities to succeed, which will culminate in earning a degree next week during Fall Commencement ceremonies.

Originally from East Point, Georgia, the senior major has capitalized on several academic opportunities, including being one of the University鈥檚 first recipients of the . The program provides scholarships and services to students who demonstrate a financial need and represent the first generation in their families to attend college.

鈥淎fter finding out I was chosen as one of the recipients for the scholarship, I was grateful and elated,鈥� McKeever said. 鈥淚 felt a weight lifted off my shoulders, as I had financial assistance to help me pay for college. When I informed my family that I had received the scholarship, they were extremely excited.鈥� 

As a Coca-Cola scholar, he met monthly with other recipients, something he says helped his transition into college. 

鈥淧articipating in those meetings was extremely helpful. The campus is large, and you can get thrown into it and not know if there鈥檚 anyone like you,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut through the Coca-Cola program, I was able to connect with other first-generation students who have similar experiences as me.鈥�

The experience with the program gave McKeever the confidence to get involved in campus in other ways. He recently became a mentor for incoming first-year students and joined the . His involvement with that organization helped him secure an internship at , a civil engineering firm in Roswell, Georgia.

After working at Civilogistix his freshman year, he then transitioned to in Atlanta, where he has accepted a full-time position once he graduates.

McKeever says that his extracurricular activities and clubs have been vital to his college experiences and encourages others to do the same.  

鈥淚 believe going through college on your own is not the best route to a successful experience,鈥� he said. 鈥淐ollege is a way to get out of your comfort zone and speak to people. You cannot be successful without a team of supporters.鈥�  

McKeever has followed his own advice and is a role model for other students. 

鈥淜eoni showed up on day one, ready to capitalize on all of the program and university resources that were available to him,鈥� said Shae Smith, Kennesaw State鈥檚 assistant director of co-curricular program strategies in the Organizational Effectiveness, Leadership Development, and Inclusive Excellence department. 鈥淗e has exemplified the actual purpose of a college education; gaining knowledge, stretching yourself and your abilities, connecting with experts and growing personally and professionally.鈥�

Kennesaw State鈥檚 are Dec. 13, 14 and 15.

鈥�  Ana Johnson
Photos by Matt Yung

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, 网红头条 offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. 网红头条is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. 网红头条is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.