SJU RISE

✨ RISE Spotlight: Jerielis Espinal ✨

Jerielis Espinal is a senior Criminal Justice major at St. John’s University who exemplifies academic excellence, leadership, and a passion for public service. A Dean’s List recipient, RISE Mentor, and member of both the University Honors Program and the Criminal Justice Association, she has consistently demonstrated dedication to her studies, earning recognition through the Scholastic Excellence Scholarship.

Through her investigative internship with the National District Attorneys Association, Jerielis strengthened her research and analytical skills while publishing her article, “Trucks, Trees, and Tribute.” She also had the opportunity to participate in the Alumni Insider’s View trip to Washington, D.C., where she connected with professionals and explored career pathways in public service. After graduation, Jerielis plans to pursue a career as an investigative analyst and continue her education with a master’s degree in Criminal Justice. We’re proud to celebrate all she has accomplished and excited to see her future impact ✨🤍

✨ RISE Spotlight: Jeriellis Espinal ✨

Jeriellis Espinal is a senior Criminal Justice major at St. John’s University who exemplifies academic excellence, leadership, and a passion for public service. A Dean’s List recipient, RISE Mentor, and member of both the University Honors Program and the Criminal Justice Association, she has consistently demonstrated dedication to her studies, earning recognition through the Scholastic Excellence Scholarship.

Through her investigative internship with the National District Attorneys Association, Jeriellis strengthened her research and analytical skills while publishing her article, “Trucks, Trees, and Tribute.” She also had the opportunity to participate in the Alumni Insider’s View trip to Washington, D.C., where she connected with professionals and explored career pathways in public service. After graduation, Jeriellis plans to pursue a career as an investigative analyst and continue her education with a master’s degree in Criminal Justice. We’re proud to celebrate all she has accomplished and excited to see her future impact ✨🤍

🎓 To our incredible graduating seniors from RISE & EPIC: WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!

✨ You reached this major milestone while pouring into your fellow scholars.

🥇 To our First Gen Scholars: You did this without a roadmap but are creating a legacy, leaving the door open for those that follow.

This is a celebration of YOU and we are honored to have been a chapter in your journey. We want to express special gratitude to:

🪩 Our two student performances ( & ) for captivating us with their talents and spreading positive energy

🗣️ Our two student speakers (EPIC Mentor Aleksandra Powell & RISE Mentor Angel Jolie Barreto) for sharing their narrative with us and highlighting the positive impact of mentorship from both ends

🎤 Our keynote speaker () for reminding our scholars of the strength they wield and reinforcing the power of community

🫂 The St. John’s staff, faculty, & administrators, fellow mentees & mentors, loved ones, and everyone in between, who formed part of our graduating scholars’ villages

Know that YOU ARE READY and the world is waiting for you! 💫

✨ RISE Spotlight: Alexis Shover ✨

Alexis Helen Panache Shover is a senior Health and Human Services major at St. John’s University who exemplifies leadership, academic excellence, and global engagement. A Dean’s List student, Career Peer, Honor Society member, and RISE Mentor, Alexis has made a lasting impact through her commitment to service and student leadership. She previously served as Secretary of the NAACP and Vice President of FBLA, and will step into roles as President of FBLA and Health and Wellness Senator Committee Chairwoman in her senior year.

Alexis has also embraced global learning opportunities, studying in Rome through the Passport Program and later abroad in Ireland, France, and Italy as an ICC Scholarship recipient. Recognized with the Dorothy Day Award, she continues to push herself academically. Recently earning a 4.0 GPA while taking 18 credits. Looking ahead, Alexis aspires to become a hospital CEO or run her own business, combining her passion for leadership, healthcare, and service. We’re so proud of all she has accomplished and excited for what’s ahead ✨🤍