Boys II Men graduation season kicks off at Aurora University

A guy can have on a masterfully-tailored suit with the best polished brogues on his feet and a firmly-starched collar around his neck, yet there is hardly a better fit for a phenomenal man than donning a cap and gown.

Boys II Men graduation season kicked off May 6 at Aurora University where six scholars crossed the stage, shifted the culture and changed the narrative. Some did it in spite of the odds. Others did it because of them.

"I'm just so grateful for this opportunity. I'm thankful my family members were able to watch me walk across the stage, and I really appreciate everyone who supported me on this journey," said Scholar Juan DeLaTorre who joined Boys II Men in eighth grade and is continuing his education at Aurora University in the MBA program.

"This weekend was truly a gift for me," said Scholar Steve Ruffin. "I won my conference track championships, took home gold in the 4 by 4 relay and reached lifetime personal records in all of my track events. Oh yeah, and I graduated college. God is too good, man!"

Both DeLaTorre and Ruffin also received the 2018 Phenomenal Man of the Year Award. All six will continue taking the road less traveled while inspiring the next generation to do the same.

Boys II Men college graduation season continued over the next two weekends at Northern Illinois University, Western Illinois University, Miami University and in the Nation's capital at Howard University where the second scholar will be hooded and graduate with his Ph.D.

Rounding out the month will be 20 Boys II Men Phenoms who will walk across their respective high school stages and become the next generation of Boys II Men Scholars as they prepare to matriculate to universities throughout the nation.