Diamond Melendez ’15

Born in Bronx, New York and raised in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Diamond Melendez ’15 researched more than ten South Carolina colleges looking for the right fit.

She found it when she toured Winthrop, finding the beautiful campus, approachable chemistry professors and small class sizes to be just what she was wanted. Right from the start Melendez excelled in her coursework and involved herself with various student groups and activities. She volunteered at Emmett Scott Recreational Center as an elementary school tutor, was a member of the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and was a STEM scholar. During Melendez’s junior year, she was accepted into the McNair Scholars Program.

“I had so many amazing Winthrop mentors who created excellent educational opportunities for me,” Melendez said.

“Getting to perform hands-on organic chemistry research in Winthrop labs that were filled with scientific equipment elevated my college experience and directly influenced my career path. The McNair Program helped me prepare for pharmacy school. I would not be where I am today had it not been for the support and guidance that I received while attending Winthrop.”

After graduating from Winthrop in 2015, Melendez went on to earn her professional doctorate degree in pharmacy from the University of Maryland. She is now completing her residency at South College School of Pharmacy and Kroger Health, while also serving as a clinical instructor at the college’s School of Pharmacy.

Melendez remembers her Winthrop experience fondly. “I believe that the opportunities provided to me as a McNair Scholar greatly enabled my educational achievements, Melendez said. “I am forever grateful for the amazing faculty members that provided both opportunities and guidance during those transitional years.”