Brandon Henry

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

Major: Biological sciences. Class of 2007.

Background: Attended Diamond Bar High School in Diamond Bar, Calif. Focused on sports but also was involved in student government, participated in the Black Student Union, worked at the student store and dabbled in drama. Played baseball at Citrus College, then came to Sacramento State and played football in 2001. Has always been interested in medicine and when he realized that pro football was not in his future, he made it his focus. “I had to make a decision on what was going to be my future. In these last two years I’ve just really, really buckled down.” While at Sacramento State, Henry has spoken at local high schools about the benefits of college, worked in the ER at the UC Davis Medical Center and made the Dean’s List twice.

Influences: Mother, Carleece Williams. “Seeing her work as hard as she did to take care of me and provide for me the things that I needed was huge.” She and Henry’s late grandmother, Barbara Williams, raised him. “I can honestly say without having them, who knows where I’d be.” And his faith. “God is my strength. He’s the one that keeps me pushing and going.”

Highlight: “One of the best things I have enjoyed on this campus is the great relationships between the faculty and the students. There is faculty always available to give you whatever you may need.”

Proudest Accomplishment: “I would definitely have to say the first time I made the Dean’s List.” His mother was proud, too. “She always told me I could do it.”

Destination: Getting married to Aneesah Kelley in November. Both will start the master’s of public health program at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles. “Then, next fall, Lord willing, I’ll be at Howard University of Medicine.”