Renaissance man: as a Saint Mary's student, Haruna was on the shortlist for the Valedictorian Award and a Student Ambassador. / Photo by Francis Tatem
Senior Spotlight: Mubarak Haruna '22
While at SMC, Haruna was an officer in the Muslim Student Association and on the men's soccer team. Today, he's a model, actor, and Product Manager, striving to make Saint Mary's values "the guiding force that propels me into the future."
Mubarak Osiremiza Haruna 鈥22 graduated with a BS in Mathematics with a Computer Science concentration. Since graduating, he has worked as a Product Manager for numerous clients, including Google Cloud and Hands-On Technology Education. He's also a model and actor represented by Production Plus.
At Saint Mary's, Mubarak was on the men鈥檚 soccer team, served as Treasurer of the Muslim Student Association, and worked as a Student Ambassador for the Advancement Office. Mubarak was also a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success on campus made the shortlist for the Valedictorian Award.
Before graduating, Mubarak shared his favorite SMC memories and his hopes and plans for the future.
What were your favorite Saint Mary's memories?
"Some of my favorite SMC memories were with the Muslim Student Association. I enjoyed having fun with my two best friends, Haia and Rashin, who have made my experience at Saint Mary鈥檚 even more memorable. I am very honored that during our short time here, we were able to create a safe space for Muslim students on campus, ensuring they felt included and supported. We organized multiple events, including Iftars, Eid celebrations, and Islamic talks, to make our small Muslim community feel at home on campus. I also relished sharing my love for Afrobeat music as a Radio Host with KSMC.
Can you talk about your experience studying internationally?
As an international student, my whole worldview has been challenged and interrupted. It gives me a unique perspective as an observer of the student body at Saint Mary鈥檚, too. What I have observed about the student body is that there is a mysterious sense of faith and belief in their abilities to conquer the world even if the odds are against them. In the times ahead, when I come across a fellow Gael, I intend to remind them to 鈥減robe deeply the mystery of existence by cultivating the ways of knowing and the arts of thinking.鈥
What struck about Haruna about the Saint Mary's community: "There is a mysterious sense of faith and belief in their abilities to conquer the world, even if the odds are against them."
Who helped you along your college journey?
I am extremely grateful to God, as well as my family, friends, and professors. Without them, I would not be the man I am today. I am grateful for the unconditional love and support shown to me by my parents, whose sacrifices and efforts have made it possible for me to graduate college debt-free.
What does being a Saint Mary's alum mean to you?
I hope to serve honorably, diligently, and responsibly as an alumnus of this great college. While I understand that I plan to be a resource to SMC students in their various fields of pursuit, I understand that part of my work is that I won鈥檛 know when exactly I will be called to serve until that moment arises. With that in mind, I hold my experiences at Saint Mary鈥檚 in my heart, spirit, and soul, holding steadfast to the Lasallian principles I have learned during my time here and letting them be the guiding force that propels me into the future.
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