Dr. Sheryl E. Smith gives opening remarks at the Oscar Ritchie Scholarship Induction Ceremony at the Kiva on Thursday.

The Oscar Ritchie Scholars Guild had its first induction ceremony Thursday in the Kiva for incoming freshmen.

The event, which was hosted by the Divison of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, was offered to incoming freshmen of African American, Latino American and Native American backgrounds.

Deans from various colleges on campus, along with President Lester Lefton, were also at the ceremony.

Geraldine Hayes-Nelson, executive director for Diversity Programming and Community Outreach, said she felt the ceremony was important for students.

“We want students to see a seamless system of support,” Hayes-Nelson said. “There are so many different facets of (our students); it’s more than just academics — it goes beyond.”

Sierra Ortiz, a freshman psychology major, said she really appreciates receiving the scholarship.

“It was helpful, and it made it feel that our college really cared about us,” Ortiz said.

She said she likes that Kent State shows an academic interest in its minority students.

Julian Johnson, freshman exploratory major, said he also likes that Kent State highlights minority achievement.

“It wasn’t the whole stereotype that if you are of color, you have to be an athlete,” Johnson said, in reference to the scholarship. “We actually work for it.”

Contact Akilah Porter at [email protected].