The first student at The University of Toledo selected by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation to participate in its internship program on Capitol Hill plans to return to UToledo in the fall to pursue his master of business administration.
Emir Moore, who will graduate May 9 with a bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing from the College of Business and Innovation, was one of 25 African-American students across the country who spent fall semester in Washington, D.C., immersed in the firsthand experience learning the intricacies of the federal legislative process.
CELEBRATING SUCCESS: During this time when we cannot come together to celebrate our graduates, UToledo is recognizing the Class of 2020 with a series of feature stories on students who are receiving their degrees. Help us celebrate our newest UToledo alumni. Visit utoledo.edu/commencement to share a message of support to graduates and come back online Saturday, May 9, to take part in the virtual commencement ceremony.
The outgoing past president of the Black Student Union is filled with optimism and gratitude as he finishes his senior year while taking classes remotely from his home in Dayton amid the COVID-19 public health emergency.
“My time at UToledo has been priceless with everlasting memories,” Moore said. “I am staying positive and appreciative of the support from The University of Toledo and my family.”
Moore chose to attend UToledo because of the Multicultural Emerging Scholars program, which was co-founded by one of his mentors: Dr. Willie McKether, vice president for diversity and inclusion.
The program is designed for first-year students to help them make the academic, social and cultural transition from high school to college and inspire achievement in college-level courses.
“The Multicultural Emerging Scholars program gave me the head start, network and support to be successful,” Moore said. “I also was awarded the Kinsey Determination Scholarship, which is a full scholarship for undergraduate students enrolled in the College of Business and Innovation. You must be the child of a single mother and have lived the majority of your life without the presence of a father or male guardian. With the honor and privilege to be afforded to take advantage of these two great opportunities, I knew that UToledo was the place for me.”
“Emir has been an amazing, driven and determined student since he came to the University as part of the Summer Bridge Program,” McKether said. “Almost from the very first time we met, he and I established a great relationship. He is certainly destined for greatness, and I am very proud of him.”
Emir Moore, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing, was one of 25 African-American students in the nation selected for a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation internship.
One turning point in Moore’s undergraduate career was volunteering in Haiti through a service-learning class.
“In Haiti, I helped with fundraising efforts to provide food, medication and shelter for Haitian communities,” Moore said. “We were able to immerse ourselves in the culture and interact with students from a local elementary school. This opportunity defined my passion for servant leadership in my own community and the world around me.”
Another critical experience occurred while he was president of the Student African-American Brotherhood. Moore worked with Brothers on the Rise to create the Barbershop Talk, where local barbers gave free haircuts along with free health screenings and food.
“During the haircuts, there were open conversations regarding topics that impact men,” Moore said. “We were able to change lives for African-American male students.”
All of those moments led up to his proudest achievement: interning on Capitol Hill in the office of the youngest black woman ever elected to Congress, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14).
“At first, some people told me I was crazy and it wasn’t feasible to move to Washington, D.C., at the beginning of my senior year for the Congressional internship while taking classes as a full-time student,” Moore said. “I’m happy I listened to myself. I would recommend whoever wants to be successful should and must acknowledge there will be challenges and obstacles. You must set realistic goals, and be teachable and coachable throughout the process. Don’t let others define who you are or what you will achieve. You must find resources such as organizations, programs, individuals and mentors to help assist you along your journey.”
