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WASHINGTON, DC February 16, 2021 – William A. Keyes, president of the Institute for Responsible Citizenship, announces scholars who have been selected to participate in the inaugural class of the New York Collegiate Institute, Sponsored by Select Equity Group.

The New York Collegiate Institute is in intensive program for some of the best and brightest African American male students attending colleges and universities in New York. They come together every other Saturday during the academic year and meet with individuals in a wide variety of career fields, participate in professional and leadership development workshops, and discuss some of the pressing issues of today. Many of the speakers who will engage them are alumni of the Institute’s Washington Program.

Institute alumni include Rhodes Scholars, Fulbright Scholars, and the recipients of numerous other prestigious academic awards. They have received PhD’s, MD’s, JD’s and MBA’s, and they are working in a wide range of fields, such as pastors, doctors, lawyers, teachers and college professors, and investment bankers.

The inaugural class represents a variety of schools and professional aspirations. They attend Baruch University, Fordham University, New York University, Wagner College, and York College of the City University of New York.

“The achievements of our alumni indicate that our program is working. I created the Institute to provide the most talented African American male students the kind of support they need to reach their enormous potential. We place them in a powerful network of talented men who can support them as they pursue extraordinary success for reasons that are bigger than themselves,” said Bill Keyes. Keyes welcomed the first class of scholars to Washington in 2003.

The program is sponsored by Select Equity Group, a New York-based investment management firm.

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New York Collegiate Institute, Sponsored by Select Equity Group

Class of 2021

Markens Aris majors in Economics at New York University. He is a research assistant in the Center for Social Media and Politics, the membership chair of Gentleman of Quality, Events Chair for the Academic Achievement Program, and a College Leader for the College of Arts and Sciences. Markens intends to pursue a career in law after graduation. His hometown is Pembroke Pines, Florida.

Jeremiah Bonnet majors in Sociology with minors in Africana Studies, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies and Chemistry at New York University. His goal is to become a pediatric neurosurgeon. He has shadowed doctors at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, served as a pediatric neurosurgeon emergency room volunteer at Boston Medical Center, and participated in a summer health professions education program at Howard University. At NYU, he is a Dean’s Honors Scholar, Presidential Honors Scholar and participates in the NYU Academic Excellence Program. His hometown is Sharon, Massachusetts. [Jeremiah has also been admitted to the Washington summer Institute.]

Hamilton Brooks majors in History at New York University. He has also studied Art and Political Science at NYU Madrid. He has interned at the Carnegie Council on Ethics, Harvard Library, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, NAACP, and the Democracy Initiative. He currently serves as the Field Director of GenVote, where he led voter engagement efforts at NYU. Before NYU, he served as Student Body President at the Potomac School. His hometown is Woodbridge, Virginia. [Hamilton has also been admitted to the Washington summer Institute.]

Nicholas Cartwright-Atkins majors in Business at Wagner College. He is a member of the football team, serves on the Community Standards Review Board, and participates in the Men of Color Initiative. After graduation, he hopes to become an investment banker. His hometown is Moorestown, New Jersey.

Jehmehl Fair majors in accounting at Baruch University where he is a member of the Macaulay Honors Program.  He is also a member of the varsity basketball team and volunteers for the NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.  He serves as a mentor in the Mentorship Project. Jehmehl will intern for Deloitte this upcoming summer in New York. After graduation, he plans to become a Certified Public Accountant. His hometown is Jamaica, New York.

Ron Hall majors in Politics and Economics at New York University. He is a Presidential Honors Scholar and was elected to serve as class president during his freshman and sophomore years.  He is also a peer mentor in NYU’s Academic Achievement Program. Ron is also a member of the Track and Field team.  He intends to attend law school and pursue a career in law. His hometown is Grand Prairie, Texas. [Ron has also been admitted to the Washington summer Institute.]

Ademola Ogunsanya majors in Finance at New York University. He is a mentor for the Breakthrough Scholars Leadership Program and the Academic Achievement Program. After graduation, he intends to become a consultant. His hometown is Bronx, New York.

Shaquille Profitt majors in English and is a Pre-Law minor at York College of the City University of New York, where he is a Student Ambassador and a Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholar. He has interned with Congressman Gregory Meeks and New York State Assemblyman David Weprin. He aspires to become a United States Attorney and later a federal judge. His hometown is Coram, New York. [Shaquille has also been admitted to the summer Institute.]

Juan Rodriguez majors in Finance at Fordham University. He and his team were named Consulting Cup finalists out of the 90 teams that participated. Juan also participates in the Fordham Marketing Association and works in the Modern Languages and Literatures office. After graduation, he hopes to become a financial advisor. His hometown is Bronx, New York.

WASHINGTON, DC February 9, 2021 – William A. Keyes, president of the Institute for Responsible Citizenship, announces scholars who have been selected to participate in its prestigious program during the summers of 2021 and 2022.

The Institute is in intensive two-summer program for some of America’s best and brightest African American male college students. The scholars live together in a residence hall, work at internships in their fields of interest, participate in a rigorous seminar on economic and constitutional principles, meet privately with prominent public and private sector leaders, participate in personal and professional development workshops, and enjoy a variety of social activities.

Admission into the Institute is extremely competitive. The newly-selected scholars represent a range of backgrounds and interests and attend a variety of colleges and universities. Four of the scholars attend institutions that have not previously been represented in the Institute — Colgate University, The College of William and Mary, Indiana University, and York College of the City College of New York.

Institute alumni have become Rhodes Scholars, Fulbright Scholars, and the recipients of numerous other prestigious academic awards. There are numerous PhD’s, MD’s, JD’s and MBA’s and alumni are working in a wide range of fields, including pastors, doctors, lawyers, teachers and college professors, and investment bankers.

“The achievements of our alumni indicate that our program is working. I created the Institute to provide the most talented African American male students the kind of support that many others in our society take for granted. We provide exposure to opportunities, valuable internship experiences, and introductions to people who can support them on their journey to pursue extraordinary success for reasons that are bigger than themselves,” said Bill Keyes. Keyes established the Institute in 2001 and welcomed the first class of scholars in 2003. The Institute will be in session June 6 to July 31, 2021.

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Institute for Responsible Citizenship
Class of 2022

Sterling Bland majors in Sociology and Mathematical Sciences at Harvard University. He has worked as a consultant on curriculum diversification for his hometown school district. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Ronald Reagan Leadership Award, Rotary Youth Leadership Award, and United Negro College Fund STEM Award. Sterling is considering a career that combines his interests in law and ministry. His hometown is Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Jeremiah Bonnet majors in Sociology with minors in Africana Studies, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies and Chemistry at New York University. His goal is to become a pediatric neurosurgeon. He has shadowed doctors at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, served as a pediatric neurosurgeon emergency room volunteer at Boston Medical Center, and participated in a summer health professions education program at Howard University. At NYU, he is a Dean’s Honors Scholar, Presidential Honors Scholar and participates in the NYU Academic Excellence Program. His hometown is Sharon, Massachusetts.

Hamilton Brooks is a History major at New York University. He has also studied Art and Political Science at NYU Madrid. He has interned at the Carnegie Council on Ethics, Harvard Library, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, NAACP, and the Democracy Initiative. He currently serves as the Field Director of GenVote, where he led voter engagement efforts at NYU. Before NYU, he served as Student Body President at the Potomac School. His hometown is Woodbridge, Virginia.

Alton Coston is a Public Policy and Africana Studies major at the College of William & Mary, where he participates in the college’s undergraduate research program. He has interned for the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia and as an investment research analyst for Washington Analysis, assessing investment risk arising from legislative or regulatory developments. Alton is a William & Mary Scholar and a Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholar. He plans to attend law school after graduation. His hometown is Richmond, Virginia.

Garvey Goulbourne is a Foreign Affairs and Global Development Studies major at the University of Virginia. He has interned with the Nevada Policy Research Institute and currently serves as a Research Assistant in the UVA Global Development Studies Department. He is president of his university’s United Nations Association chapter and participates in the Congressional Youth Council. After graduation, Garvey intends to work in foreign affairs and one day become an ambassador. His hometown is Roswell, Georgia.

Ron Hall studies Politics and Economics at New York University. He is a Presidential Honors Scholar and was elected to serve as first-year and sophomore class president. He is also a peer mentor in NYU’s Academic Achievement Program. Ron is also a member of the Track and Field team. He intends to attend law school and pursue a career in law. His hometown is Grand Prairie, Texas.

Zachary Harper is an Accounting major at Indiana University. He is a student in the Kelley Business School, where he is a Prebys Scholar. He has also been admitted into the Hutton Honors College. He serves on the Dean’s Undergraduate Student Advisory Committee. He is also gaining experience in finance as an Equity Research Analyst at BLK Capital Management, a Black-owned institution whose managers are African American college students. His hometown is Detroit, Michigan.

Kareem Isaac is a sophomore at Howard University. He is majoring in Psychology and hopes to use the knowledge he gains there in the field of Advertising. He has volunteered extensively with the National Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. His hometown is Silver Spring, Maryland.

Kellin McGowan majors in Economics at the University of Chicago. He was the first African American valedictorian at Saint Thomas High School in Houston, Texas. He achieved that distinction while participating in speech and debate and competing on the school’s track and field team. He currently serves on the board of directors of University of Chicago Democrats. After graduation, Kellin intends to attend law school and become an immigration attorney.

Maxwell Morant is a Kenan Scholar in the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has served in the Undergraduate Senate and was named Mr. Freshman by the Black Student Movement. He is also a Resident Advisor for Carolina Housing. After graduation, Max intends to pursue a career in investment banking. His hometown is Durham, North Carolina.

James Mullins majors in Ethics, Politics, and Economics at Yale University and is active with the Yale Black Men’s Union. Off campus, he has been involved with The Carolyn Foundation. After graduation, James intends to pursue a career in nonprofit administration. His hometown is Hersey, Pennsylvania.

Jonathan Oates is a Political Science major at Yale University. He is a Senator on the Yale College Council and also serves as a Residential College Team Director. Jonathan has also served as the Director of Social Media with the Bethel AME Church and interned with a nonpartisan think tank, ThinkTennesse. After graduation and law school, Jonathan intends to work at the intersection of law and public policy. His hometown is Knoxville, Tennessee.

Shaquille Profitt majors in English and is a Pre-Law minor at York College of the City University of New York, where he is a Student Ambassador and a Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholar. He has also interned with Congressman Gregory Meeks and New York State Assemblyman David Weprin. He plans to attend law school and aspires to become a United States Attorney and later a federal judge. His hometown is Coram, New York.

Jovan Sheshbaradaran majors in Business Administration and Political Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he is an Honors Carolina Scholar. He has served as a marketing intern for the Schiele Museum of Natural History and a youth ministry Intern with the First Wesleyan Church in Gastonia, North Carolina. After graduation, Jovan hopes to work in marketing. His hometown is Belmont, North Carolina.

Chandler Washington majors in Economics and Political Science at Colgate University. He will be the Institute’s first scholar from Colgate. He is a Benton Scholar and has been elected to serve as a Senator in the university’s Student Government Association. Chandler is interested in pursuing a career in either law or finance. His hometown is Pasadena, California.

Founder of The Institute for Responsible Citizenship

William Keyes understands the passion it takes to leave behind the familiar in favor of searching out a better world. Keyes hitchhiked his way from his hometown of Washington, North Carolina to Washington D.C., fiercely determined to build a career in public policy.

Four decades later, it’s fair to say that he succeeded. In the years since that journey, William Keyes has worked on Capitol Hill and as a White House Senior Policy Advisor, provided insights as a private consultant, and emerged as a trusted voice in higher education. Above all else, Keyes is known as the founder, president, and driving force behind the Institute for Responsible Citizenship — an intensive leadership program that gives young African American men the skills, exposure, and opportunities they need to build extraordinary careers and contribute to the betterment of society.

For 17 years, the Institute has pursued this mission under Keyes’ leadership. Over 200 students have become a part of the program’s far-reaching network. Alumni have earned recognition as Rhodes and Fulbright Scholars and graduated from America’s top-ranked graduate and professional programs. They are lawyers, teachers, doctors, and entrepreneurs. They stand at the forefront of a rising generation of leaders who will guide us to a better future.

The Institute for Responsible Citizenship remains the proudest aspect of Bill Keyes’ career, and one that has earned considerable acclaim over the years. Keyes has received several awards, including the Mac A. Stewart Distinguished Award for Service from the Todd A. Bell National Resource Center on the African American Male at Ohio State University, Dr. Asa G. Hilliard Model of Excellence Award from the College Board, and the Warrior Award at the International Colloquium on Black Males in Education.

Aside from his work with the Institute, Keyes has maintained an active presence at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is the only person in the university’s 225 year history to earn a Ph.D. while serving as an officer and committee chair on the Board of Trustees. He also created the Leadership Program and has served on several other boards at UNC.

Going forward, Bill Keyes intends to continue his efforts to facilitate academic growth and extend greater opportunities to African American men in higher education.

Where did the idea for The Institute for Responsible Citizenship come from?

Sadly, some of the most talented African American male college students are ignored and neglected. Though these young men need as much guidance and support as anyone else, too many people look at them and say, “They will be fine. I’d rather focus on young men who really need my help.” Or, talented young men are often ignored in favor of those pursuing futures as athletes or entertainers. I had the strong desire to recognize and reward young African American men who are working hard and achieving great success in and out of the classroom.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

Almost every day includes telephone conversations with some of the 200+ young men who are alumni or scholars in the Institute. Some of them are the first in their families to attend college and almost all of them, regardless of their socioeconomic status, are making academic, professional, or life decisions that require advice beyond their immediate networks of family and friends. I am blessed to have had a lot of exposure and experiences that enable me to offer advice in a range of areas. I also have a wonderful
network of friends — from the Supreme Court to Wall Street — who can help. The other telephone calls include those in which I am recommending our alumni for Internships, prestigious fellowships, or jobs. And increasingly, I am counseling our alumni on matters such as how to deal with difficult employees.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I bring ideas to life by convincing talented young men just how talented they are, showing them the tremendous opportunities that are available to them, inspiring them to take advantage of those opportunities, supporting them on their journey toward success, and constantly reminding them that the purpose of their hard work and success is to be a blessing in the lives of others. My ideas come to life as my alumni are serving as lawyers, doctors, pastors, journalists, teachers, businessmen, and in so many other capacities in which they are making a difference.

What’s one trend that excites you?

During the coronavirus pandemic, many organizations started using media like Zoom to conduct meetings. Schools and universities shut down their campuses and moved their classes online. These experiences may lead to a greater acceptance of mediated communication and a greater likelihood of the Institute succeeding at connecting students in multiple locations for new programs. Having General Colin Powell or Congressman John Lewis engage a few hundred students in several cities around the country at the same time rather than 12 or 24 students in their offices is an exciting prospect.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

I speak to everybody. I meet tons of people and learn about their life stories and the keys to their success. The large number of conversations I have with people from various walks of life constitute my research database, giving me a bank of information on a wide range of topics that inform the advice I give my scholars and alumni.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Get all of the education and credentials you can get as quickly as possible. Then, the quality of the opportunities that come your way will be much greater, allowing you to build a great life and career faster.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

That politics is not our savior. Our lives are richer in almost every way because of the brilliance of entrepreneurs. They are the ones who have created vaccines, surgical devices, computers and software, the automobile and airplane, air conditioning, works of art, and so many other things that make our lives better, though we take those creations for granted. It is easy to quantify that the people and communities who have focused more of their attention on entrepreneurship have fared better than those who have relied heavily on political action. Our lives are also richer because of teachers. When I was a attending segregated southern schools as a kid, my teachers saw themselves as being on the front lines of the civil rights movement. It would be the young men and women they taught who would help the movement succeed and who would walk through the doors that the movement opened. I could go on about the important roles that private individuals have played and continue to play. Politics and government are important, but I think most people have an exaggerated view of their importance.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Get out of the office and get out of the house. Meet people. Some of the best ideas and collaboration come from human beings with whom you make a sincere connection, often in a nonbusiness setting.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

This is a tough question for me because I was never focused on growth. I have selected only 12 young men for my Institute every year. I’ve been focused on intense differencemaking in the lives of one young man at a time. The network has grown, not by admitting more students but by continuing over a number of years. To date, we have operated 17 summer sessions in Washington, so we have more than 200 alumni. The next phase is the establishment of weekend programs in cities around the country. Thanks to the generosity of the John M. Belk Endowment, we established programs in Charlotte, Durham, and Greensboro, North Carolina for young men who attend the colleges in those cities. These weekend programs have been superb, and we are currently serving more than 100 students across those three cities. So now, we are looking at building this model out to Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, New York, Boston, Chicago, St. Louis, Atlanta, Nashville, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area over the next five years. That will take far from 12 scholars at a time. I think it is important to note that our ability to develop strong and lasting partnerships in those cities is improved exponentially by the success we’ve had in our core program. That took time.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

Me? Fail?

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Ok, here’s a business idea that has nothing to do with my work. I have two young grandsons and I love to put them in my car and take them out with me. The problem is that the installation of baby car seats seems to require an advanced degree in Engineering. Could someone please create a car seat that would be simple to install and fit every type of vehicle?

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

I didn’t spend it. I gave it away. There are so many people around us who have so many needs. They might be students in my Institute who are making A’s at top ranked universities but struggling to survive while they do so. Or they might be people we see on the street. I must admit that I’m selective about whom I give money to, but I give away a ton of it. There is nothing I have that I am not willing to give away or use to be a blessing to others. It is also true, though, that there is nothing I need or even want that I don’t have. Coincidence? I don’t think so.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

The telephone. Email, text messaging, and social media are more efficient media for sharing information, but when it comes to important relationships, nothing beats hearing another human voice on the phone. Except seeing them face to face, of course.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People. It resonated with me when I read it almost 50 years ago and I’m still recommending it today.

What is your favorite quote?

It’s my own: “Rules are for other people.” The point is not that we should recklessly disregard rules or laws, but that we should not allow rules or laws to be excuses for us to avoid making a difference everywhere we can.