As a visual arts major with a concentration in arts therapy and an active member of STARS and the campus ministry team, Ciridany Genchi Cortez was dedicating her time at CBU to the Lasallian core values of service and learning. Still, the letter informing her that she had been selected as a Lasallian Fellow was shocking.
“I thought it was spam!” she exclaimed. The honor, however, sank in after professors encouraged her to attend the informational meeting, where she met the other four Lasallian Fellows and knew she belonged there.
“Going and seeing all the students there, I reflected and realized I did make a difference in the three years I was at CBU. I was able to lend a hand, encourage people, provide smiles, and simple hellos that can go a long way.”
While the shock still lingers some to this day, Ciridany knows that her faith in God and the support of her parents, brothers, loved ones, and CBU community has helped clear away the obstacles in ways she never thought possible.
As a graduating senior in high school, Ciridany was unsure if college was right for her. After taking a year and a half off to work in her hometown in Georgia, Ciridany was introduced to U-LEAD, a leadership and development organization. Through her time working with U-LEAD, Ciridany felt empowered to apply and pursue her degree.
Ciridany knew she was looking for a small and intimate school that was close to home and steeped in strong values and faith. When her scholarship offer from CBU arrived, Ciridany knew Memphis was the next step in her journey.
Once at CBU, Ciridany immediately found a home in the Visual Arts Department.
“Ciri brought such warmth to the department,” said Professor Melinda Posey. “She was always ready with a kind word, a gentle smile, and so generous. She was a glue that made sure new students always felt included and part of our community.”
Ciridany also applied that kindness, warmth, and generosity to her extracurriculars, and quickly joined STARS and campus ministry. “STARS and campus ministry really helped me develop my character,” said Ciridany.
The exposure to diverse people and experiences opened her up to different points of view and perspectives, but Ciridany was also leaving her mark.
“On each occasion, Ciri is someone who has a presence that grounds everyone around her. When she is around us, we know things will be okay and we know that she will put a smile on our face,” said Brother Christian Camacho. “Ciri leads through example—acting with unwavering integrity, offering support without judgment, and helping guide others with gentle wisdom. Her presence has a way of lifting those around her, creating a work environment rooted in trust, respect, and purpose.”
These experiences have guided her as she thinks about her next steps. Currently working as an interpreter for a K-12 district in Georgia, Ciridany hopes that five to ten years down the road, she’ll be teaching art to children and young people who don’t often have the means or access to creative outlets.
Attending CBU has left her grateful, empowered, and driven to continue to make a difference as a testament to her faith and Lasallian values. As Brother Camacho noted, “When I think of what it means to be Lasallian, I think of Ciri.”
Although she headed back to Georgia in December as a winter graduate, she’ll be back to leave her imprint as a student and now a graduate when she walks across the stage on Saturday, May 10.
