JaNeika James spoke to WellsLink student scholars at a ceremony recognizing them
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – As students received their sashes and applause filled the air, the campus community celebrated the 21st Annual WellsLink Transition Ceremony with keynote speaker JaNeika James, a Newhouse alumna and television producer, sharing her journey to success with students.
The program supports undergraduate students of color. WellsLink provides mentorship and professional development for students.
Maximilliano Jimenez, an SU graduate student, works alongside the students as a WellsLink academic consultant and peer mentor.
“So the program focuses on students who not only want to be a leader on campus but also want to be academically excellent,” said Jimenez.
Jimenez noted that this program helps not only students but also himself.
“I think this is a good place to find hope. I think it’s a good space to explore academic endeavors and have a good network. A good foundation for students to back you. Like, we got your back. We’re here to help,” said Jimenez.
At the event, James spoke with students about her career after leaving Syracuse University.
“I moved to LA in 2005 with no backup plan,” James said. “My sister and I promised ourselves that if we weren’t in a writer’s room in 10 years, we’d find another path. But we didn’t have a Plan B. We just said that we would be in the room.”
After a decade, James was working as a supervising producer on Fox’s hit show, Empire.
She’s also been co-executive producer of the reboot of Gossip Girl, executive producer of Peacock’s Bel Air, and is co-author of the book Living Double. She expressed her gratitude for being invited to speak at the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of community.
“It’s an honor to be here,” James said. “To see how mentors and graduates from this program come together to support the next generation is truly inspiring.”
Throughout her speech, James encouraged the students to embrace challenges, remain focused, and pursue their dreams with the same relentless energy she had in her career.
“It provides the person in the community, mentors and graduates from the program, you know, and how they kind of come together to support partnerships,” she said.
Monica Lillie Jacobs, a first-year undergraduate student studying data analytics, received an award at the event.
“Meeting new people is not easy, but this program made it possible for me to step out of my comfort zone and try new things,” said Jacobs.
The ceremony closed with an overwhelming sense of empowerment as students, faculty, and staff reflected on the path ahead.
James’s words left students hopeful and determined, reminding them that success requires vision, hard work, and belief in oneself.
“I hope I said something inspirational.”