Palm Beach Atlantic University is marking Native American Heritage Month by highlighting the experiences of two current students and an alumna with Native heritage. The university, located in West Palm Beach, shared how these individuals’ tribal backgrounds and time at PBA have influenced their personal and academic growth.
Angel Conlon, a 2015 graduate from Okeechobee, Florida, is a member of the Poarch Creek tribe. She earned a degree in communication with a minor in creative writing. Conlon said her education at PBA, which emphasized storytelling and included internships at local radio stations, helped prepare her for her career. She currently serves as chief operating officer for a regional real estate firm and works as both a realtor and freelance video editor.
Conlon participated in campus activities such as PBA Tonight and Monday Night Live during her studies. She expressed appreciation for the month’s focus on Native American culture: “I appreciate the recognition, not really for myself, but for everyone who came before me: for my family and those who still face discrimination, judgment, and prejudice,” she said. “I appreciate that there is respect and honor for the Native American past.”
Stone Parton, a junior studying management with a concentration in franchising, is involved with the Titus Center for Franchising at PBA. He currently interns at Exit Factor, a consulting firm. Parton’s favorite tribal tradition is an annual summer camp where Sappony youth learn about their history and take part in group activities.
“Native American Heritage Month is a reminder to appreciate where I came from and the generations before me who made it possible to pursue opportunities like studying at PBA,” said Parton, who grew up near Durham, North Carolina. “The biggest thing non-Natives can do to celebrate is to be curious. Ask questions and try to learn something new.”
Freshman Patience Szynkowski (Tuscarora), originally from the Tuscarora Reservation near Niagara Falls, New York, majors in biology with a focus on molecular biology and biotechnology. She described Nu:ya (nuu-yah), a New Year’s Day tradition where community members exchange greetings for treats and share meals together.
Szynkowski encouraged others to attend tribal events or powwows during Native American Heritage Month to learn more about Indigenous experiences. She spoke about challenges growing up on the reservation: “On the res, life was not easy,” she said. “I didn’t have running power; we were connected to solar panels. I feel like I can give others hope who might be experiencing similar issues.” Her goal is to work in biotechnology to provide medical solutions to underserved communities.
Conlon also noted that each November she celebrates at the Poarch Creek Powwow in Atmore, Alabama—an event that includes dancing, drum circles, dinners, and shopping for handmade gifts from Native artists.
“I’ve enjoyed getting to learn about my heritage because it’s so important to know about your culture and your family’s history,” Conlon said. “I am glad that our society is starting to recognize that Native Americans were here first.”
Szynkowski added: “For me, Native American Heritage Month is a remembrance of those in the residential schools who were stripped from their culture,” she said. “It reminds us that we are still here—no matter what happened, we weren’t erased from what we were before.”
More information about student involvement opportunities at Palm Beach Atlantic University can be found on its campus life page at https://www.pba.edu/campus-life.
