Melanie Vazquez graduated in May of 2019 and was awarded the Excellence in Paralegal Studies award for her academic performance and her unflagging support of the Paralegal Studies program and the Paralegal Club. I first met Melanie at a community college, where she expressed her passion for the law and her determination to pursue a career in law. Melanie showed remarkable persistence and determination when after graduating from the community college, taking some time off, moving across the country and back, and giving birth to a wonderful son named James, she enrolled in Daemen College Paralegal Studies to earn her B.S. Although her studies were sometimes interrupted by life events, Melanie never gave up. Not only did she earn high grades for her excellent work, but she also gave her enthusiasm to the program by creating special fundraisers like the Halloween Pumpkin Sale which raised the program's profile on campus. The monies raised were donated to a domestic violence program. Melanie earned the respect and affection of the instructors and students, and we are all very proud of her!
-Submitted by Margaret Phillips, Program Director, Paralegal Studies Program, Daemen College