As Urban Scholar Darian Stephan envisions walking across the graduation stage, he reflects on the loved ones and mentors who have supported him. Although it’s hard to prioritize one mentor’s help over another, if he’s being honest, there is one man who has made all the difference in his world — his dad.
When Stephan was one year old, the Milwaukee native’s parents were in a terrible car accident. His mom didn’t survive, and his dad, Anthony, was left with serious injuries that included a broken back and jaw. Doctors told him he would never walk again. But he did, surviving and thriving and ultimately taking care of two little boys by himself.
“You would never know my dad’s story by looking at him. He’s just a regular person,” Stephan says. “He never complained or took anything out on my brother or me. He got up every day and pushed forward. My dad had to confront so much adversity and persevered through all the obstacles so we could have a normal, stable life. I feel like I have no excuse to not succeed. He’s my hero and inspiration and the reason why I feel like I can do all things.”
Introducing President Obama
Although it only takes one person to make a difference in one’s life, Stephan has been blessed to have many supporters. When he was a freshman, Stephan joined the MKE Fellows program, which “encourages talented young students from Milwaukee to pursue and complete their college education.” The corporate communication major was introduced to John Daniels III, president of MKE Fellows, who serves as his mentor to this day.
“Darian has masterfully crafted a way to fund his dreams while investing in his future,” Daniels says. “He does not let challenges stop him.”
On Nov. 1, 2024, Stephan received a phone call at work from Daniels offering him the opportunity of a lifetime.
“At the time, I was working at Walmart Auto Care Center when I got a call from my mentor,” Stephan explains. “He asked me if I wanted to introduce President Barack Obama at his pep rally the next day. Of course, I said, ‘I would love to.’ I then got on the phone with representatives from President Obama’s campaign and had to do a background check.”
The next 24 hours were a whirlwind. By 10 a.m. the next day, Stephan was introducing President Obama on stage in Milwaukee.
“I didn’t have time to prepare or be nervous,” Stephan says.
Before introducing the former president, Stephan asked President Obama what was the biggest lesson he had learned while in office.
“He looked at me, gave me that Obama smirk and said to listen more than you speak,” Stephan explains. “The whole experience was a blessing.”
JohnRaé Stowers, associate director of the Educational Opportunity Program, is also a big fan of Stephan. They got to know each other when she served as an adviser for the Urban Scholars program.
“Darian is special because he’s both outgoing and deeply committed,” Stowers says. “I’ve watched him chase after what he wants, lock in with focus, and win—every single time. Whether it was joining his fraternity, securing his job with the Milwaukee Bucks or making moves toward his future, he’s been relentless in his pursuit. But what truly sets him apart is his heart. He’s driven not just by personal success but by a desire to make his family proud and be a pillar for his brothers.”
As a former first-generation student herself, it’s important for Stowers to follow her students and mentees closely because she’s walked their path.
“Darian’s journey is a testament to the power of growth, faith and perseverance,” Stowers adds. “He didn’t just let college happen to him — he took charge of his experience, made intentional decisions, amazing connections and stayed committed to becoming the best version of himself.”
Eyes on the future
Serendipitous moments, like meeting the right mentors at the right time or embracing an opportunity to meet a former president, seem to follow Stephan. He currently works as a corporate social responsibility intern with the Milwaukee Bucks and was recently offered a full-time position as a people, impact and culture coordinator. He gladly accepted and begins in early June.
As another major milestone draws near, Stephen thinks about his mom a little more and what she might think of the person he’s become.
“She passed when she was 23,” Stephan says. “Now I’m even approaching that age. I’m going to be living longer than she did. Life is too short, you know. I always think, how can I just make an impact and uplift others with the time that I have here?”
