From the president
Russell Hooker, an undergraduate student at Saint Louis University, is majoring in Psychology with dual minors in African American Studies and Theatre. Beyond the classroom, Russell dedicates himself to serving his community. He assists new students and families as a SLU 101 Orientation Leader in navigating college life. As a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholar, Russell demonstrates his commitment to community building and service that underscore his belief in the power of education to uplift and empower individuals from all walks of life. Russell volunteers with Campus Kitchen Saint Louis University, an organization that works to address food justice issues by reducing food waste and providing meals to local residents. Using donated food that would otherwise be wasted, volunteers prepare, package, and deliver hundreds of meals each week. Russell received the esteemed Better Brothers Los Angeles Scholarship, awarded at the 10th Annual Truth Awards. The following year, he returned to Los Angeles to speak at the ceremony and work with the new cohort of award recipients. He is currently developing a mentorship program with Better Brothers LA.
Personal Statement
My name is Russell Marvel Hooker Jr., and I am a person who is born for change. I am black and queer which sets me up to be a force in this world for positivity. I have courage, strength, and change in my DNA. With that and being born and raised on the south-side of Chicago, I grew up surrounded by purpose and change. I enrolled into Saint Louis University (SLU) on academic probation for having an extremely low GPA from high school, therefore I saw coming to college as a challenge I could overcome and persevere through. Since being at SLU, I have made it my mission to be in excellence with other students of color, especially queer students of color. Gratefully being an orientation leader, speaker, and moderator at ceremonies, mentoring others, seeing my impact on students, and watching them make positive change all motivate me to go even harder. I dedicate my life to the advancement of people of color and change! I live everyday like it is my last, because I see how gratitude and positivity truly makes this world a better place.