Graduating Rutgers–Camden student aspires to mentor children just as role models inspired him
The humble, soft-spoken Rutgers–Camden senior is quick to point out the numerous people who made his journey a success. From his grandparents to his teachers, coaches and counselors, Lloyd says his mentors inspired him to achieve great things.
“If it wasn’t for the people who went out of their way for me, this ride that I’m on now would have been a little harder,” says Lloyd, an African American studies major who will graduate from the Rutgers–Camden College of Arts and Sciences on May 24.
Lloyd’s ride is nowhere near the end of the road. He has applied to graduate school at Temple University, where he hopes to study urban development and fulfill his dream of becoming a mentor to children.
“I was told that if I was ever in a position to help someone else, I should do it,” Lloyd says. “This is my chance to help. I want to help get young people off the streets and provide them with a better atmosphere.”
Lloyd, who was born in Brooklyn, moved to Atlantic City at age 3 and was raised by his grandparents. Since arriving at Rutgers University–Camden four years ago, Lloyd has made his mark by participating in a number of activities and sports.
A decorated track athlete, Lloyd has helped four Rutgers–Camden track relay teams break records during winter and spring seasons. He also owns indoor program records in the 400 and 500 meters.
“It’s been an unbelievable experience,” Lloyd says of his track career. “My coaches (Rutgers–Camden track coaches Joe Puleo and Taiwan Lamb) inspired us. When you get on the track, any worries you had that day just went away. Track is something I’m passionate about.”
Lloyd says his college career wouldn’t have been complete if he hadn’t played for the Rutgers–Camden men’s basketball team, which he finally accomplished in his senior year.
“I always wanted to go back to basketball,” says Lloyd, who played basketball in high school. “It’s always been my favorite sport. I missed every aspect of basketball and I wanted to experience it again before I left college.”
At Rutgers–Camden, Lloyd has been an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team, a resident advisor for housing, a volunteer on the Student Advisory Committee and an employee at the Corner Convenience Store in the Campus Center.
“A young person like Akeem Lloyd is the exact reason I, and others in the field of higher education, do what we do,” says Jeffrey Dean, director of athletics for Rutgers–Camden. “When I met him I could tell that he was special young man just by the way he carried himself. Watching him grow into a young adult has been extremely rewarding. He will always be the example of someone who took the opportunity he was given, and absolutely made the most of it. He’s the type of young man you want to pull for, and he delivered in a big way. I could not be more proud to have had the privilege of knowing him.”
Lloyd came to Rutgers University–Camden through the Educational Opportunity Fund, a state-funded program that provides opportunities for higher education to New Jersey residents who would not be able to attend college without the program’s financial assistance and special services.
He says he wants to provide children with the same opportunities he had by working in urban development.
“I want to be in a position to provide character-building programs, sports, or other after-school programs that give youth something to do,” Lloyd says. “I consider myself a mentor. It’s important to me because so many people played that role in my life.”
Media Contact: Ed Moorhouse
856-225-6759
E-mail: ejmoor@camden.rutgers.edu