New Jersey City University (NJCU) President Andrés Acebo and Student Leader Shahod Augustin, of the Class of 2025, were honored last month by the Boys to Leaders Foundation at its annual fundraiser and scholarship reception held at The Highlawn in West Orange.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Acebo was presented with the Hermano Leadership Award, while Augustin earned the Rising Star Award in recognition of each honoree’s outstanding leadership and commitment to empowering young men in their communities.
Augustin, an Irvington, native who earned his B.A. from the William J. Maxwell College of Arts and Sciences at NJCU’s May 2025 commencement, served as NJCU Student Government Association President during the 2024-25 academic year.
“Shahod represents the best of what our Men of Color Initiative aims to achieve. His leadership on campus and dedication to serving his fellow students demonstrates the power of mentorship, community support, and personal determination,” Acebo said in a statement.
The Men of Color Initiative aims to increase the retention, graduation, engagement, and overall success of students from underrepresented groups in higher education, particularly African, African American/Black, Caribbean, and Latino/Hispanic males. The program addresses academic and social challenges through mentoring, peer connections, and educational and social engagement opportunities.
This year’s celebration, themed “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges, Creating Change,” highlighted the transformative impact of leadership, mentorship, and community support.
The annual event honors young men who exemplify leadership in their schools and communities, recognizing them with Leaders and Achievers Scholarships while providing mentoring, leadership training, and access to a supportive professional network.
Acebo has been a long-standing mentor and contributor to the Boys to Leaders Foundation.
In October 2023, he served as keynote speaker for the organization’s 10th Annual Young Men’s Leadership Conference in Newark.
President Andrés Acebo and Student Leader Shahod Augustin, Class of 2025, were honored last month by the Boys to Leaders Foundation.){kind=link}