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On this special episode of Xavier Gold Live, co hosts Jamya Stewart and Amaya Sanford launch “The Commencement Series”, highlighting exceptional members of Xavier University of Louisiana’s Class of 2026. This episode will feature Reginald King ’26 and Keziah-Yvonne Smith ’26.

Reginald King ’26, a Chicago native and Accounting graduate, leaves Xavier with a legacy of leadership, philanthropy, and student engagement. Through his work with the Pre-Alumni Council, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and various campus initiatives, Reginald played an important role in strengthening the Xavier community and fostering connections between students and alumni. This fall, he will continue his academic journey at Columbia University, where he will pursue a Master of Science in Strategic Communication.

Joining him is Keziah-Yvonne Smith ’26, a Summa Cum Laude Political Science graduate from St. Louis, Missouri, who made Xavier history as the university’s first-ever Truman Scholar. A passionate advocate for public service, civic engagement, and social justice, Keziah served in numerous leadership roles across campus while building a legacy of activism and community impact. This fall, she will attend Columbia University as an HBCU Fellow to pursue a Master’s in Political Analytics before continuing her path toward a career in civil rights and voting rights law.

Join us as Reginald and Keziah reflect on their Xavier journeys, discuss the experiences that shaped them as student leaders, share their plans for the future, and offer advice to the next generation of Xavierites. This episode celebrates the excellence, service, and lasting impact of the Class of 2026 and the bright futures that lie ahead for these distinguished graduates.

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On this episode of Xavier Gold Live, co-hosts Jamya Stewart and Amaya Sanford sit down with Ayo Scott ‘03, a proud Xavier University of Louisiana alumnus whose work transforms art into a powerful tool for storytelling, liberation, and cultural preservation. Rooted in the spirit of New Orleans, Ayo’s paintings honor the culture bearers who keep the city alive through movement, music, tradition, and joy; from Mardi Gras Indians and second line dancers to the everyday people who shape the culture of the city.

Known for his layered style of “disrupted realism,” Ayo shares how history, memory, photography, and community influence his creative process and artistic vision. He also reflects on documenting New Orleans traditions, leading youth-centered community projects, and growing up in a legendary artistic legacy as the son of acclaimed sculptor John T. Scott, while creating a voice entirely his own.

The conversation explores creativity, identity, fatherhood, and the power of art to preserve memory and inspire connection. Through his work, Ayo Scott reminds listeners that art is more than expression yet it is culture, history, and a reflection of the people who continue to shape the soul of New Orleans.

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On this episode of Xavier Gold Live, co-hosts Jamya Stewart and Amaya Sanford sit down with Damon L. Williams, Jr. ‘01, a nationally recognized facilitator, speaker, and innovator for change. With over 20 years of cross-sector leadership across higher education, corporate, and nonprofit spaces, Damon is known for bringing people together, turning big ideas into action, and driving meaningful, lasting impact.

Throughout his career, Damon has led transformative work focused on building inclusive talent pipelines, strengthening organizational culture, and advancing equity through research, partnerships, and practice. His leadership spans roles such as Associate Vice President and Chief of Staff for Community Relations at the University of Kentucky and inaugural Associate Dean at Northwestern University for Graduate Education, where he helped create pathways for belonging, economic opportunity, and community impact.

He has also led nationally recognized diversity and inclusion initiatives at Emory University, Northwestern University, and Xavier University of Louisiana, along with earlier experience across finance, pharmaceutical, and telecommunications industries.

A proud graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, Damon holds a B.S. in Psychology, along with advanced degrees from Tulane University and Fontbonne University, and executive education credentials from Cornell, Northwestern, and Emory University. He is currently pursuing his doctorate in Leadership and Innovation at New York University and is also an alumnus of Harvard University’s Institute for Management and Leadership in Education.

Connect with #XULAAlumni on Social Media:
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When sharing about the podcast, use #XavierGoldLive to help us reach more people!

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