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Barry University‘s College of Nursing and Health Sciences is proud to showcase a celebration of Black History Month with a touching alumni tribute. The joy of one incredible alum overcoming family trauma, then going on to secure a prestigious healthcare administrative fellowship is certainly noteworthy, but when a brother and sister both accomplish these feats, it’s a story we are honored to share.

“The Durojaiye Siblings: A Shared Journey of Dreams” will make its premier at a Virtual Watch Party on February 19, 2022 at 7:00 pm. Assistant Professor, Dr. Jeffrey Ritter, will host the evening and will lead a virtual Q&A with the Durojaiye Siblings, and Oyinkansola Ogunrinde, president of ACHE of South Florida (ACHE-SFL), immediately following the film premier.

“It is exciting to know our College of Nursing and Health Sciences has been part of creating this first-ever documentary highlighting two former CNHS graduate students. I am grateful these distinguished alums are willing to share their journeys with the world. I think many who watch this film will see qualities within themselves exemplified in siblings Bukky and Dapo. I believe their grit and dedication to reaching their dreams will inspire you. It is stories like this that showcase the pride we have in our students and their incredible commitment to improving both healthcare and the lives of others,” Dr. John McFadden, Dean.

The film takes us on a journey, as the Durojaiye Siblings take a chance on the Nigerian VISA lottery, move together to the United States and succeed first in banking, then in a dual master’s degree program at Barry University, which propels each to a competitive fellowship opportunity at renowned U.S. hospitals.

The film, written by Zac Rigg and filmed by Antonio Paris and Francisco Roa, introduces Olubukola (Bukky) and Oladapo (Dapo) Durojaiye. Along with their immediate family members, the pair entered the Nigerian lottery taking a chance for a future in America. As luck would have it, the siblings were both selected and moved together to Missouri in July 2014. Learning a new culture and creating connections proved an arduous task, but through commitment and determination they created a path full of integrity, dedication and an obvious passion for helping others.

Starting part-time, then promoted to full time, the siblings both earned promotions and started bright futures in banking. Dapo enjoyed banking, but wanted to return to his original career plan – to work in healthcare, so he researched and started the Master of Science in Health Services Administration and Master of Science in Public Health, a dual degree program at Barry University. Intrigued, Bukky was quick to enroll in the dual degree program as well and their experiences ignited a formidable desire that could not be extinguished.

Watching this film, viewers will see how their journey unfolds and undoubtedly be inspired by their commitment to family, culture, education and fellow humans. A testament that with hard work and dedication, dreams can indeed come true.