Seven Outstanding Students Inducted into UNC Pembroke’s Elite 1887 Society
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke will honor seven exceptional students as the 2025 inductees into the 1887 Society, one of the university’s most prestigious student honors.
Named for UNCP’s founding year, the 1887 Society recognizes students who exemplify the university’s core values of service, learning, engagement, leadership, integrity, school spirit and courage — principles inspired by the institution’s seven founders.
The inductees will be formally recognized at halftime of the Braves’ Homecoming football game against Shorter University on Saturday, October 10. Their names and portraits will be added to the permanent 1887 Society recognition wall in the Chavis University Center.
In celebrating these seven students, we honor not only their accomplishments but also the enduring legacy of our founders,
“Their leadership, service and academic excellence continue to inspire the entire UNCP community," Howard said.
The honorees represent a diverse group of leaders, scholars and community servants. This year’s inductees are:
Dalton Allen, a junior from Randleman, N.C., is majoring in history with a concentration in social studies education. He serves as a Chancellor’s Ambassador, lead resident advisor for Oak Hall, academic affairs chairman for the Student Government Association, and a peer ambassador for the Maynor Honors College.
Iva Angjeleska, a junior from Skopje, North Macedonia, is majoring in biology with a biomedical emphasis. She is a UNCP Scholar and peer academic leader and volunteers as a university photographer. Angjeleska also serves as the campus liaison to the National Association of College and University Residence Halls and is pursuing her passion for neuroscience and neurosurgery research.
Connor Blake, a junior from Pembroke, is majoring in biology. A Brody Early Assurance Scholar and certified clinical medical assistant, Blake also serves as a Chancellor’s Ambassador, Maynor Honors College member, founder of Blake Automotive Detailing, originator of the Blake International Student Fund and president of the Health Career Access Program (HCAP).
Mya Bryant, a senior from Cedar Grove, N.C., is majoring in theatre with a minor in musical theatre. She serves as the lead resident advisor for North Hall and Belk Hall, coordinator for the Casey Awards, an SGA senator, an officer in Sigma Alpha Iota and a chapter journalist for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
Destiny Holder, a junior from Clayton, N.C., is majoring in social work with a minor in sociology. She serves as president of the Campus Association of Social Workers, a Launch Leader and a Fidelity Scholar, while actively participating in WOMAN and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Holder also volunteers with the Pembroke/Lumberton Housing Authority, mentoring youth and supporting community programs.
Kimberly Pelagio-Luis, a recent alumna from Santa Ana, California, is pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching in elementary education. She serves as associate vice president of Academic Affairs for the UNC Association of Student Governments. She works as a college adviser with Duke University, helping students and families navigate the college application process.
John Squier, a senior from Raeford, N.C., is majoring in applied physics. He serves as Student Body President and a member of the UNCP Board of Trustees. He is also a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist in the U.S. Army Reserve and a volunteer firefighter with the Pine Hill Fire Department in Hoke County.
