Benedict College 2023 Commencement

foreign [Music] [Music] [Music] time foreign [Applause] [Music] [Applause] foreign [Music] foreign [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Music] all right yeah foreign [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] what's up [Applause] foreign [Applause] [Music] foreign [Applause] [Applause] thank you [Music] [Music] um [Music] [Applause] [Music] laughs [Music] all right ladies and gentlemen more [Music] [Music] thank you [Music] foreign [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] foreign [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] foreign [Music] foreign [Music] on behalf of the Benedict College Board of Trustees faculty staff alumni parents Friends of the graduates and of course the class of 2023. [Applause] I greet you on this special occasion the 153rd commencement Convocation at Benedict College we pause today to celebrate graduation from college but not just any college you are graduating from Benedict College the HBCU that put the BC in HBCU [Applause] there is [Music] [Applause] hahaha please see I'm not going to do that I'm not going to do that and it's congratulations it's a graduation there is a greater and higher cause that we celebrate tonight as we recognize that just over 50 percent of Americans hold a college degree that number drops to 30 percent when we think of African Americans our historically black colleges and universities make up only three percent of the country's colleges and universities but enroll 10 of all African-American students and produce 20 of all African American graduates tonight we celebrate your success as you have earned the right to join the ranks of those special students who have earned college degrees earned college degrees college degree this did not occur by accident but was made possible by your intentional study habits inquisitiveness and refusal to settle for average while demanding Excellence from your institution and Superior achievement from yourselves while you are undoubtedly the driving force behind your success Benedict College played a vital role also as it provided an organized presentation of rigorous curricular and co-curricular experiences that exposed you to the world to world literature African American history The Sciences cyber security sports management entrepreneurship internship study abroad opportunities student research days the honors program the Arts Engineering technology virtual learning tools and assessments and Student Activities we use these platforms to demonstrate that you always have the ability to succeed some of you didn't realize it but we always knew we've always knew that each of you had what it took to be successful Benedict College fulfilled fulfilled VCU and open your eyes to a new world of possibilities and you have exceeded our expectations Benedict College extends sincere congratulations to our graduates who overcame it all including a worldwide pandemic to become laude back with laude and Summa from law graduates amen your final examinations have been graded your degree audits have been stamped clear for graduation you earned this commencement ceremony you've fought for it and you deserve it and tonight you are headed literally and figuratively to the stage to pick up the recognition that you have earned rejoice in your moment but realize that your educational success is not just for you but for those who will receive blessings because of you and for your faithfulness Benedict College steps into the spotlight tonight to present to you for all the world to see its highest student achievement awards College diplomas and we will proudly and each and every one of your names you did not arrive at this moment alone so graduates please stand and give an enthusiastic Round of Applause to your parents spouses family friends thank you and services [Applause] you are [Applause] [Music] this is now your time class of 2023 to carry the great name of Benedict College with you wherever you go and sustain Ed alma mater in the year but always representing the best of PC go forth now from 1600 Harvard Street back to your communities Across the Nation and around the world sharing your intelligence social Consciousness and enduring Liberation Concepts to lead those that you find in darknesses to places where the Golden Sunshine Falls congratulations and may God continue to bless each of you I now invite our student campus Minister Cameron C Wright to deliver the commencement prayer after the prayer Miss Kennedy Perry president of the senior class thereafter the program will proceed as printed let's graduate y'all thank you [Applause] did we buy our heads for a moment of Prayer almighty God holy and gracious God creator of the world and ruler of all things We Gather at this ceremony as students faculty staff friends and graduating seniors grateful for so many things that you have done God we thank you thank you for our president Dr Roslyn Clark artists we thank those who work to make the dreams of our students possible we come to celebrate the students who made it to the finish line after facing challenges illness death Financial burdens and emotional stress and after completing school before during and after covid-19 pandemic this was made possible because of your grace and mercy and with you being the god of their silent tears and their weary years they have faced completing this milestone in their life almighty God holy and gracious God I pray having the students leave this stadium and return to their Hometown God help them in some positive way to fulfill the Legacy that this college holds in being the best of this Seed where the Golden Sunshine Falls almighty God faithful God loving and forgiving merciful and full of grace we thank you for this day and another year we are grateful for this opportunity that the school afforded each one to learn together we ask a blessing upon this campus the seniors and honor programmed students families and friends draw near to us when we call you give us strength when we grow here Lift us up when we fall hear our prayers grant us your mercy and sustain us in your love may we seek deeper places where our compassion and joy reflect you and your love help this graduating class of 2023 to remember in years coming swiftly toward them all the smiles and not the tears bless us we pray in the name of Jesus and everybody in this Stadium Say Amen amen and amen [Applause] foreign [Applause] trustees president artist Bennett College family parents other relatives and Friends of the graduates and my fellow class of 2023. ladies and gentlemen I am proud to be a member of the Benedict College 2023 graduating class our journey from the time we arrived on campus to this day of departure has pointed toward this moment when we begin our post-collegiate life experiences the value and work about Collegiate Journey cannot be trolled here adequately in these Greek words but the experiences that the faculty staff and my fellow students have shared are written deep in our hearts at our Keepsake moments for the last time let us reflect on the importance of this occasion for other groups we may not pass this away again at this moment we pause to remember and reflect on the collective memories that will forever bind us in love some of them include late night study sessions preparing for final examinations senior papers seminar classes and of course the castle together we have overcome challenges of a worldwide pandemic have been active participants in an internal focus on equity and Justice and graduate tonight as War rages in distant lands do we remember foundly what it means to be a part of Benedict College family that sometimes brought us tears but today we wipe our tears of joy caused by the awesomeness of the seminal movement of our in our lives we remember the great transformation that has occurred in our life between the time we arrived on this campus thinking that we knew everything and standing here today admitting that Benedict College actually taught us something for the college promise my class that will represent the best of BC and you did your job of making us independent enough to liberate others we have no other choice than to succeed other than to prosper and then share our blessings as benedictines with others Benedict College you taught us we have learned through percept and by Example The Greatest lesson of all how to represent the best of BC so now this is our time this is our destiny this is our opportunity this is the occasion thank you [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] thank you [Music] foreign foreign [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] all right let's see today [Music] foreign [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] foreign [Music] [Applause] [Music] to the Board of Trustees president Roslyn Clark artist faculty staff parent and Friend Of The Graduate and of course my fellow members of the spring 2023 graduating class I am honored to introduce the speaker for the Benedict College 153rd commencement convocation Dr Deidra Trent executive director of The White House initiative on historically black colleges and universities Dr Trent's lifelong Mission has been to bring communities together in pursuit of a more Equitable and inclusive society when she was asked what made her choose to engage in this work she responded as a public school teacher for 40 years my grandmother motive me motivated me to continue her efforts and her belief that every child of giving the right opportunity could succeed Dr Trent earned her bachelor's degree in sociology and criminal justice from Hampton University and completed her Master's in doctoral degrees in public administration and policy from Virginia Commonwealth University having served in administrations for three former governors of Virginia Dr Trent has a wealth of federal state and higher educational experience and has witnessed firsthand the tremendous impact that public policies play an increasing or reducing opportunities for groups and individuals in February 2023 President Biden appointed her as executive director of The White House initiative on advancing educational Equity excellence and Economic Opportunity through historically black colleges and universities she is the first African-American woman to be appointed this position and she Bears the awesome responsibility of advocating for 101 historically black colleges and universities and nearly 280 000 students as a proud graduate of Hampton University and HBCU she has spent many years working to advance the mission and Elevate the status of these great institutions noting that hbcus were founded when other institutions refused to accept black students she said it they have fostered academic excellence and created Pathways opportunities for black students one publication wrote of her appointment to this important position is that she is thrilled to see the intentional election of a black woman in this role the selection symbolizes a recognition of power leadership and importance of having diverse voices at the table especially when representing our future leaders and making changes in the United States indeed Benedict College family please help me welcome a Trailblazer a fighter for justice and inclusion a leader in the field of higher education a graduate a supporter and an advocate for hbcus Dr Deidra Trent Dr Deidre [Applause] I'm not sure if I want to go after that that was fabulous sinalis and Kennedy you um you both have many many more presidencies in your future congratulations to you both and thank you for that kind introduction to um Benedict band of Distinction I saw you on the Today Show [Applause] congratulations Mr Johnson [Applause] [Music] Gotta Love an HBCU graduation good evening Benedict tigers Board of Trustees president artists Dr Grisby faculty staff family and friends I bring greetings on behalf of President Joe Biden and vice president Harris and to you class of 2023 I also bring the president and the vice president's heartfelt congratulations Dr artists thank you so much for inviting me to share in this special occasion to say that I am honored and humbled by this invitation doesn't even begin to quantify the depth of my gratitude Tigers before I begin I'd like to take a moment to share how much I admire your fearless leader and when I say Fearless I mean Fearless over the course of my career I've had an opportunity to meet and work with more presidents College presidents than I can count without a doubt Dr Artis is one of the most credentialed and Visionary leaders I've ever met hands down and I don't mean just among HBCU presidents I mean among all college presidents Dr Artis you have opened doors for so many people you have shattered glasses glass ceilings and you have blazed many trails your impact is immeasurable and the more than 150 years of Benedict's existence you are the first female president a distinction you also held at Florida Memorial University your leadership has been admired and recognized throughout the country and as the executive director of The White House initiative on hbcus I am personally familiar with your tireless efforts and personal sacrifices to advance this institution and to provide the best education possible for your students today being a college president under the best circumstances is difficult but being a college President at an HBCU is nearly impossible yet in the face of Relentless discrimination and bigotry you courageously plow through with Grace and dignity all for the sake of this day this day when over 370 70 students of your students step into the next chapter of their Journey your leadership and commitment are an inspiration to us all and I say all this to Simply say you are one bad sister please join me in sharing our deep appreciation one for one who walks in her Divine Purpose every day a woman of conviction and deep Faith a leader for this moment Dr Rosalind Clark artists now Dr R attacks you to say thank you to um your family I just want you to say that again I I don't know how much you understand how much your family had to sacrifice these are the folks who paid your tuition the folks who received your late calls the folks that sent care packages and and cash after you money who bought you fabulous dresses and clothes for your sorority and fraternity parties can you just one more time say thank you to those who are stay are sitting beside you and have been standing beside you your entire life [Applause] class of 2023 congratulations what a great honor for me to address you on this Monumental occasion there are few occasions Beyond weddings and childbirth that will compare to this moment and it warms my heart to be here with you [Music] most people think commencement ceremonies represent completion After all you've completed your coursework your projects your 30 page papers and your exams you're done with 8 A.M classes sell toast for breakfast elevators that go out at the most inopportune times not to mention Wi-Fi broken air conditioners and dorm rooms and faculty pushing you beyond what seems your physical and mental capacity but commencement is not about completion it's about a new beginning it's about blazing a new Trail and today marks a new beginning for you today you walk out of this fine institution armed with your degree to be sure but you also walk out with much much more as an HBCU Alum your degree is but one of the many credentials you carry with you today Benedict has equipped you mightily you've undergone a social and intellectual Journey that measures second to none your faculty and this Administration have poured their very best into you they're provided you with a high quality education and a safe environment to learn and to unapologetically be yourselves Benedict has instilled into you a sense of pride they've cultivated your desires and dreams and refine your talents and gifts excellence and leadership are the Hallmark of the Benedict and the HBCU experiences class of 2023 you are not only prepared for what's ahead you are uniquely equipped to lead as proud HBCU graduates you inherit a rich Legacy grounded and virtues of Excellence service and Leadership from its founding in 1870 Benedict College has consistently produced graduates that form the very Foundation upon which you now stand shoulder strong enough to hold up and at times carry the Next Generation you know your history all too well with a thirteen thousand dollar gift bathsheva Benedict from Rhode Island seated the establishment of this fine Institution just five years earlier the 13th amendment was ratified in the U.S Constitution thereby outlawing slavery Benedict like all historically black colleges and universities were was established to educate former slaves and and their descendants with the exceptions of Cheney Wilberforce and Lincoln universities with universities which were established before slavery and the other 100 plus hbcs were established right after slavery ended prior to that as it was mentioned it was illegal to educate black people in America Benedict's story is the story of every other HBCU in this country and today you joined the elite and privileged community of those who have matriculated through these great institutions generations of men and women have walked our grounds and each contribute to the American HBCU story take pride in knowing that whatever path you take your story will be yet another proud chapter in the annals of the HBC you story as I Was preparing for this speech I thought about my graduation from Hampton University 36 years ago I recall Ambassador Andrew Young the close associate of Dr Martin Luther King the Civil Rights icon and former mayor of Atlanta was my graduation speaker I don't remember what Ambassador young spoke about but I remember how I felt I was anxious I was excited I was a little nervous a little emotional but mostly mostly I just wanted him to sit down so I could walk across the stage to receive my degree and no doubt that's the only thing on your mind right now walking across this stage having your picture taken with degree in hand which will be plastered all over social media before you skip back to your seats so with that in mind I want to offer words that I hope will inspire you and then I will take my seat so you can take your picture [Applause] a scripture that was inscribed on the first page of my dissertation came to mind when I thought about what were the advice I could give this auspicious occasion it comes from the book of Isaiah and reads and they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places thou shall raise up foundations of many generations and thou shall be called the repairer of the breach the restorer of paths dwell in like in the ancient times of Isaiah today there's so much broken in our society we're dealing with the waning impacts of a global pandemic an uptick in violent crime and education system that throughout history has failed black and brown students an overly aggressive judicial system race relations gone amok politicians gone wild and social and economic inequalities and Mass Brokenness in our relationships Brokenness and our climate Brokenness and our health care System Brokenness and our mental and physical health and Brokenness in our economy our nation is besieged by Brokenness and we can name a lot of people who could be blamed for the state of Brokenness in this country but HBCU graduates don't point fingers or blame others we fix what's broken we restore that which is missing we repair that which is is broken hbcus grew out of communities of Faith who had the audacity to believe they could accomplish far greater than they could imagine they were able to see a future in America where their descendants would have full access to the American dream they saw an America where black people would no longer be considered three-fifths of a human being where they could vote and be represented by people who look like them were their kids and grandkids could go to the school of their choice and become whatever they wanted to become they saw in America where future Generations could thrive and not just survive class of 2023 as our ancestor gaze into the future they saw you so today I charge you to unite the faith of our our ancestors with the work that still needs to be done work that you will do as health care workers Educators lawyers Engineers I.T Specialists artists and so many many other professions sitting before me their sacrifices faith and works brought us this far because they were a focus on a better tomorrow for future Generations you are the recipients of their Journey now your story must be the prologue to the next chapter of future HBCU leaders you must be the repairers of the breach there's the restorers of paths to dwell in I admonish you Tigers to go forth with pride with boldness and with purpose go forth to build repair and to restore as you take the reins of leadership in our community that is your responsibility that is your mission in closing what would a commencement speech be if it did not include class of 2020 2023 this is your moments [Applause] may God bless you and may his hand guide you as you begin to write your chapter and America's HBCU story once again congratulations go Tigers to God be the glory for the great things he has done and the great things he will yet do in the life of Benedict College to God be the glory for sending us a messenger today who did not shrink from quoting the Bible we stand as a community built on faith God did not give us a spirit of fear we are prepared we will restore we will rebuild you will go out into the world ready to take the lead Tigers we are waiting for you the world is waiting for you Dr Trent thank you for being bold for being courageous for being a leader and an Exemplar for HBCU graduates Across the Nation we are indebted to you for your service to our country and we look forward to the day when one of the students assembled here will be introduced as the executive director of The White House initiative because you have laid the track to the River's Edge and our students will yet stand on your shoulders God bless you and thank you please step forward if you might just a moment so I can present you with a small token of our appreciation for your visit today hi everybody Tigers let's give our distinguished speaker a round of applause um Bros bras I love y'all you know I do you know I do but we're going to move forward with the spirit of decorum you're going to have your moment and I'm going to let you have it we're going to celebrate but we're going to move forward with our program with a measure of decorum at this point I acknowledge with appreciation the Benedict College instrumental Ensemble under the direction of Mr H Wade Johnson director of bands and Mr Ronald green assistant director let us please give them an appreciative Round of Applause at this time we welcome the return of the Benedict College concert choir under the direction of Mr Brian black to the college convocation along with the gospel choir under the direction of Dr Cabra Benford the combined choirs will now sing Worship Medley by Joe Pace please show our appreciation by giving them Applause and ladies and gentlemen we look forward to hearing you this time [Applause] thank you [Music] [Music] emotions [Applause] straight to water into it forever [Applause] together oh God [Music] be the name of the Lord [Music] [Applause] you are the sons of my friends [Music] is [Music] our praise to soul as I oh Merry Christmas [Music] [Music] I've been down forever [Applause] you [Music] [Applause] you're the best [Music] foreign [Music] Glory [Applause] forever [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] foreign College Board trustees in a vote taken in May 2023 authorized president Roslyn Clark artist to confirm the honorary degree of the law degree upon Dr ditra Trent in recognition of notable achievement in her field Madam president the honorary degree Citation for Dr Dietra Trent is printed in the commencement program in reference in her introduction Dr Dietrich Trent has demonstrated a lifelong mission to bring Community together in pursuit of a more Equitable and inclusive Society to believe passed from her grandmother that every child is given the right opportunity could succeed based upon service and the administration of three former governors he witnessed firsthand the tremendous impact that public policy plays an increasing or reducing opportunities for groups and individuals in February 2023 President Biden appointed you as executive director of The White House initiative on hbcus and you became the first African-American woman to be appointed to this position I think that's a end of applause [Applause] because of advocating for a hundred and one historical blank colleges in University in nearly a cities again nearly 280 000 students thank you as a proud graduate of Hampton University you stated that hbcus have fostered academic excellence and created Pathways to Opportunities you took you look forward to spending the next few years advancing and promoting hbcus for this reason and then college is pleased to welcome you into the family of distinguished honorary degree recipients who is represent through priests itself and examples the best of BC thank you Deuter Trent you are recognized today for exemplary service to our nation and all of the ways in which you bear witness to the possibilities and the ways in which public policy can influence the lives of under-resourced and marginalized communities of color for your tireless pursuit of equity Justice and inclusion we are honored to acknowledge your achievements and welcome you into the ranks of distinguished Benedict College alumni and now by virtue of the authority vested in Me by the Benedict College Board of Trustees I do hereby confer upon you the doctor of laws lld degree honoris Casa with all the honors privileges rights and responsibilities there unto appertaining right there [Music] we go uh I met this individual over 30 years ago when I lived here and before I became a board member well Dr Marshall C Grisby please come to the center stage foreign College Board of Trustees and a vote taken in May 2023 authorized president Rosalind Clark artist to confer the honorary doctor of law degree upon Dr Marshall C Grisby in recognition of notable achievement in his field Madam president the full honorary degree Citation for Dr Marshall C griswie is printed in the commencement convocation program Dr Marshall C Grizzly is impacted higher education for more than 50 years after graduating from Morehouse College your remarkable education career prepared for you servant leadership based upon your emergence and scripture as a Divinity School an immersion in solving real life challenges and possibilities that some of the nation's most celebrated hbcus it was in your role as the 12th President of Benedict College that you provided your most memorable contribution to Academia and continue leadership in HBCU community in your eighth year tenure at Benedict College programs were initiated that helped the institution achieve National recognition including the implementation of the first graduate Environmental Health Science Program in the southeast in the establishment of the first wide honors program at Benedict you also initiated a project that's called after it stands for armed forces teacher education for retirees in the establishment of the charter Day program which recognized the accomplishment of South Carolina businesses that advanced diversity and inclusion this became the premier fundraiser for the college in 1991. Benedict was one of five liberal arts colleges selected Nationwide as a recipient of the knights Foundation presidential leadership award designed to recognize and recreate Innovative president leadership and small liberal colleges Benedict College will also identify in both in the 1992-93 Edition the Money Magazine college guy is offered one of the best value in American higher education for the dollar finally your two daughters two grandchildren over to my left in wonderful white to help you understand that even the deeper level of importance the meaning of patience understanding forgiveness and love all these qualities around the HBCU for this reason Benedict College's honor to welcome home one of its illustrious former president and is proud to welcome you this distinguished family of honorary degree recipients who represented precept and by Example The Best of HBCU Marshall C Grigsby you are recognized today for exemplary service to the nation to the state to higher education and to all mankind you are an Exemplar a leader a gentleman a scholar especially a leader of Benedict College I walk in your footsteps I honor you I thank you for having LED Benedict College with Grace and dignity and kindness and setting an example for all of us to follow your tenure as the 12th President of Benedict College from 1985 to 1993 shall ever be remembered as a period of creative kind and Innovative leadership I honor you today and congratulate you on behalf of Benedict College and now by the virtue of the authority vested in Me by the Benedict College Board of Trustees I do hereby confer upon you the doctor of laws degree honoris Khalsa with all the honors privileges rights and responsibilities there unto appertaining [Applause] yes [Music] [Music] [Applause] congratulations [Applause] vice president virgin good evening will the parents grandparents spouses other relatives and Friends of the spring 2023 graduates please stay and receive our warmest thanks and Applause that's right give it up for your family thank you [Applause] we also want to acknowledge the following individuals thank you members of the Benedict College Board of Trustees family and guest of our honorary degree recipients the president's cabinet the college convocations and special events committee alumni and all Church constituency current and retired faculty and staff the president's office facilities athletics department campus print shop the dean's offices academic staff nurse Campus Police Department Marshalls registrar's office ROTC Color Guard information technology department and many many others too numerous to all name here who have provided exemplary services for this commencement convocation thank you all for your valuable contributions Benedict College extends its very best wishes and blessings to the class of 2023 thank you very much the Benedict's College military science program is part of the Gamecock Battalion at the University of South Carolina at this time we are pleased for the second consecutive year to recognize four members of the class of 2023 who were commissioned as second lieutenants in the United States Army on May 4th 2023. we recognize and applaud their extraordinary achievements please stand and be recognized as your names are called second Lieutenant Delicia Jones from Charleston South Carolina [Applause] was the cadell Lieutenant Colonel the highest ranking Cadet and the cadet Battalion commander of the 185 Cadets in the University of South Carolina Gamecock battalion she also received she also received the academic award for earning the highest grade point average 4.0 among senior females in the Gamecock battalion assigned to active duty adjective adjutant General Corps Fort Gordon Augusta Georgia congratulations Lieutenant Jones second Lieutenant Marvin's mark from Katy [Applause] second Lieutenant Mark is assigned to active duty in the military police Corps at Fort Leon Wood in Missouri and will be stationed in Korea second Lieutenant Camille Pete from Houston Texas second Lieutenant Pete is assigned to active duty quartermaster Corps at Fort Lee Virginia second Lieutenant Corey Witter from Columbia South Carolina second Lieutenant litter is assigned to the aviation Branch as a helicopter pilot for the South Carolina Army National Guard he is the first Cadet from Benedict College selected to serve as a pilot in 33 years having been selected as one of only six African-American Pilots selected among the 141 Cadets selected Nationwide congratulations to these outstanding officers Benedict College is proud of you and the service that you will render to our nation thank you very much [Applause] to the Board of Trustees president artists platform guests members of the faculty and staff graduating class ladies and gentlemen it is my pleasure to salute students who have completed their undergraduate studies with cumulative grade point averages of 3.00 or higher these students have a built themselves of the best thinkers and teachers in the field of Education we honestly believe that they will achieve and make great contributions to the local National and international communities students are required to earn the following grade point averages to graduate with honors from the college's baccalaureate degree programs and are designated and imprinted commencement program as follows 3.80 to 4.003 asterisks magna laude 3.50 to 3.79 to asterisks laude 3.00 to 3.49 one asterisk the honors graduates wear gold cords to signify their academic excellence many of these students have also qualified as graduates of the honors program they are wearing gold stalls and The Medallion of honors will all students graduating from the honors program please stand and remain standing [Applause] foreign will all students graduating with honors please stand and remain standing [Applause] [Applause] your academic achievements demonstrate the best traditions of Benedict College you have significantly improved the college through your cumulative powers of energies inquiries criticisms and accomplishments the college in turn has prepared you to represent the best of BC on behalf of Benedict College I express our pride in your accomplishments and congratulate you for this Milestone achievement of graduating with academic honors ladies and gentlemen special guests colleagues and friends please give these honest students a warm enthusiastic Round of Applause all right thank you you may be seated Benedict's college is pleased to begin the tradition of recognizing outstanding students in the college's graduate programs the undergraduate outstanding seniors received their plaques during the Baccalaureate service and honors Capstone program earlier this week the biographies of the outstanding students in the college's graduate program are printed in the convocation program as I read your names and biographical sketch please come to the stage to receive your plaques outstanding graduate students spring 2023 for the Tyrone Adam Borough School of Business and Entrepreneurship master of Business Administration program Dr Silas o Bentley foreign Dr Bentley embodies the qualities of a lifelong learner having earned his master's degree in one year while working full-time as a practicing physician he has a passion for geriatric medicine and is committed to addressing the needs of the world's aging population he also maintains a commitment to improving the health and quality of life for those living in rural communities Dr Bentley holds a certificate in organizational excellence in health care delivery from Harvard Business School he is also trained at Emory University School of Medicine and the Morehouse School of Medicine Dr Bentley is graduating with a cumulative grade point average of 4.0 and plans to use the knowledge yes the knowledge gained in the Benedict College MBA program to become a hospital administrator where he can have a greater impact the Tyrone Adam Borough School of Business and Entrepreneurship master of Business Administration programs outstanding graduate student award recipient for spring 22 23 Dr Silas Bentley congratulations congratulations [Music] [Applause] the School of Education Health and Human Services 2022-2023 outstanding graduate student Coach Frank Hyland [Applause] coach Highland represents one of the inaugural cohorts for the health and Sport management Department's Masters and Sport management degree he returned to school after 30 years and performed with Excellence maintaining a 4.0 grade point average as he worked full-time serving as the head coach of the Benedict College cross country and track and field teams where he won several several s-i-a-c championships and was coach of the year over and over and over again this platform gave coach Island opportunities to serve as an ambassador of the Masters and Sport Management program coach Highland promoted diversity through recruiting students from across the United States and the globe particularly from the Caribbean region he stated quote this recruitment method helped me help excuse me helped the student athletes learn and respect diverse cultures yet build lifelong bonds with people from different backgrounds and beliefs these efforts embraced and reflected the Benedict College Mission coach Highland was also instrumental in the Benedict College's collaboration that offered a meaningful experience for elementary middle and high school students to participate in a track event with one of our very own Benedict College siac student athletes upon completion of the Masters in sport Management program coach Highland accepted the head men's and women's track and field and cross-country Coach position at Virginia State University the School of Education Health and Human Services master of sport Management program is proud proud to recognize Coach Frank Hyland as its 2023 outstanding graduate student congratulations [Applause] please [Music] foreign for selection of the undergraduate outstanding senior include but are not limited to the student's academic achievements service to the college and service to the community each outstanding student has his or her biography printed in the convocation program the outstanding undergraduate seniors are asked to stand and be recognized when their names are called the School of Science and Engineering Mr Le Jay Lawrence computer science major from Hollywood Florida the Tyrone Adam Borough School of Business and Entrepreneurship Mr Casey M Cooper accounting major Sumter South Carolina [Applause] and the School of Education Health and Human Services Mr Darren Williams [Music] South Carolina all of these students have exceptional records of achievement at Benedict College congratulations to each of you from the students who were just presented I am pleased to announce I am pleased to present the outstanding senior in the class of 2023. Mr Le Jay Lawrence Mr Lawrence is an outstanding student with a 3.9 point average a winner of the president's Trophy and a member of the Benedict College honors program additionally he is a member of The National Society of black engineers and the international Student Association according to his professors Mr Lawrence has an exceptional understanding of Technology Concepts and displays strong leadership skills including but not limited to problem solving time management and teamwork as a peer Mr Lawrence has committed over 120 hours each year to tutoring fellow students since he enrolled at Benedict College he is also a founding member of the and the first lead of the Google developer student club which brings necessary industry resources to campus to expand the students skills and learning processes Mr Lawrence is also an active Community member and causes that he is passionate about he has been the director of Information Technology at the Jamaica Coalition against domestic violence since his freshman year and is currently the youngest person serving on the board of direct years he also worked as a graphic designer for international friendship Ministries based in Columbia South Carolina he is also the founder and president of gold giving others love through diversity charity established in 2016 a non-profit organization committed to providing resources and scholarships for low-income students to support their educational goals and achievements Mr Lawrence has also completed numerous internships throughout his academic experience at Benedict including Google as a software engineer in 2021 and 2022 his hard work and Stellar performance both in the classroom and at Google have culminated with Mr Lawrence receiving a lucrative job offer from Google which he has accepted throughout his time at Benedict College Mr lejane Lawrence has not only been a peer leader on the campus but also in the community ladies and gentlemen Benedict College congratulates the outstanding senior in the class of 2023 Mr Le Jay Lawrence well hi right there over here okay [Music] [Applause] congratulations to all of our honorees [Applause] [Music] [Applause] president artist I present Dr Leon Jeter interim Dean elect of the school of communication arts and social sciences who will present candidates from that school who have qualified to have degrees conferred upon them [Music] will the candidates and prospective summer graduates with the Bachelor of Arts ambassador of Science degrees in the school of communication arts and social sciences please stand [Applause] president artists on behalf of the faculty of the school of communication arts and social sciences and in accordance with their recommendation I present to you these candidates for graduation whose names are recorded on the colleges official graduation list thank you Dr Jeter president artist I present Dr Robert in Garner School of Science who will present candidates from that school who have qualified to have degrees conferred upon them yeah well the candidates and prospective summer graduates for the Bachelor's of Science degrees in the School of Science and Engineering please stand president artist on behalf of the faculty of the School of Science and Engineering and in accordance with their recommendation I present to you these candidates for graduation whose names are reported on the college official graduation list thank you Dr Garner [Applause] president artist I present Dr Tracy Dunn dean of the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship who will present candidates from that school yo can you qualified to have degrees conferred upon them will the candidates and perspectives summer graduates for The Bachelor of Science degrees in the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship please stand foreign artists on behalf of the faculty of the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship and in accordance with their recommendation I present to you these candidates for graduation whose names are recorded on the college's official graduation list thank you Dean Dunn president artist I present Dr Aquila Carter franzique dean of the School of Education Health and Human Services who will present candidates from that school who have qualified to have degrees conferred upon them well the candidates and prospective summer graduates for The Bachelor of Science and The Bachelor of Social Work degrees in the School of Education Health and Human Services please stand [Applause] on behalf of the faculty of the School of Education Health and Human Services in accordance with the recommendation I present to you these candidates for graduation whose names are reported on the college's official graduation list thank you Dean Francie president Ernest represent Dr Tracy Dunn dean of the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship graduate program will the candidates and prospective summer graduates and the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship graduate program who qualify to have the master of Business Administration degrees conferred upon them please stand [Applause] president artist on behalf behalf of Faculty of the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship master of Business Administration program and in accordance with their recommendation I present to you these candidates for graduation whose names are recorded on the college's official graduation list thank you Dean Dunn president artist I present Dr akilah carter-francy Dean of the School of Education Health and Human Services graduate program when a candidates in prospective summer graduates in the School of Education Health and Human Services graduate program who qualify to have the master of sport management degree conferred upon them please stand [Music] artist on behalf of the faculty of the School of Education Health and Human Services master of sport Management program and in accordance with their recommendation I present to you these candidates for graduation whose names are recorded on the college's official graduation list thank you Dean Carter friend seek candidates for Bachelors and master's degrees I salute and commend you for your outstanding achievements in your respective disciplines at Benedict College and now upon recommendation of the faculty and by virtue of the authority vested in Me by the Benedict College Board of Trustees I do hereby confer upon you the respective degrees of Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Social Work master of Business Administration and master of sport management with all the honors privileges rights and responsibilities thereunto appertaining you may now Don your hoods and tassels as symbols of your Ascension into the ranks of the truly educated [Applause] oh [Music] [Applause] all right [Applause] [Applause] Mr Scott blanks senior class advisor and professor of theater in the communication of arts department will read the names of the graduates as follows the school of communication arts and social sciences the School of Science and Engineering the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship the School of Education Health and Human Services the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and our entrepreneurship master of Business Administration program and the School of Education Health and Human Services master of sport Management program will the dean for the school of communication arts and social sciences please come forward to graduate a congratulate your graduates will the candidates for the bachelor's degree in the school of communication arts and social sciences please stand beginning with the first row [Applause] it's come to the states to receive your degrees [Applause] Kennedy Kerry laude [Applause] [Music] cenalus Muhammad summa laude [Applause] second Lieutenant Jalisa Jones summa laude [Applause] [Music] second Lieutenant Marvin's Mark laude [Applause] [Music] second Lieutenant Camille Pete Conrad [Applause] second Lieutenant Corey Witter summer laude [Music] Brittany Klink scales [Music] [Applause] [Applause] Elijah Elam laude [Music] Marcus Evans [Applause] [Music] Alyssa Guyton [Applause] [Music] Bryson Jeffrey [Applause] Cameron McKinney laude [Applause] foreign [Applause] Imani Dawkins that is [Applause] [Music] Misha Smith magnacoo Lord [Applause] win for somebody [Applause] Swagger laude yeah [Applause] Stacy Elder laude [Applause] Heather Hart [Applause] Kino on Bristol summa laude [Applause] Casey Chandler Cassie Chandler [Applause] Maisha Craven summa laude [Applause] Aaliyah Hairston laude [Applause] Kyrie Haynes laude [Applause] [Music] Alexis Hailey [Applause] Jordan Holland said thank you [Applause] Sierra McCullough magna laude [Applause] Brittany or summa laude [Applause] Lorenzo Rollins [Applause] Dina Rutherford magna laude [Applause] Elijah Scott [Applause] arnasia seals [Applause] Trevor Staley Camila Washington [Applause] Justice Williams Magna coulade [Applause] Oscar Mayer come Lord [Applause] Israel offered good Lord [Applause] oh yeah Tiana Brewers [Applause] Marcus Franklin laude Jeremiah Frazier laude [Applause] Joseph Felton [Applause] Imani Grant laude [Applause] Malik green magnitude [Applause] Joshua Jefferson magna laude [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Pablo Perez [Applause] so Tavia Pinder come on [Applause] Deborah kaifel summa laude La Quarry mcelwyn [Applause] Cayman Jernigan laude Montgomery [Applause] Angela Henry [Applause] Brianna Smith [Applause] Reuben Walker [Applause] by your elderly baby come Lord [Applause] [Applause] Chrissy Chaffin foreign [Applause] [Laughter] Cummings [Applause] Aaron Eaton laude [Applause] shuffling Giles Magna cumlog [Applause] Nicole Hughes magna laude oh Desiree Johnson coulog [Applause] Tia Lewis magna laude [Applause] foreign [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] ER [Applause] miles Pinckney laude [Applause] veronique extender Magna coulon Fabiana Riggins summa laude oh my God Kenneth Robinson Jr [Applause] Chase Shoemaker Coheed [Applause] Jordan Simons laude [Music] Deontay strollman [Applause] Linda Taylor [Applause] Sierra Walker a Magna crew Lord [Applause] in Santi wigginson summa laude [Music] [Applause] Antonio Wallace [Applause] to run Ocho Williams [Applause] will the dean for the School of Science and Engineering please come forward and congratulate your graduates [Applause] Sapphire Askins laude [Applause] vincia Balfour laude [Applause] Ariana Bastian summa laude [Applause] the rimbri Brantley coulon [Applause] because Lord [Applause] Jr Burns [Applause] Couture Clark coulade [Applause] LaShawn Cole magna laude [Applause] Zion Asia Cunningham [Applause] Hannah Davis laude [Applause] Melrose Evans [Applause] Carla Parkinson [Applause] come on [Applause] let's San Francisco [Applause] thank you Joshua Garbutt magna laude [Music] Samara Gilliam magna Lord [Applause] Audrina Grant magna laude [Applause] Lord [Music] [Applause] Shaniqua Henry Todd laude [Applause] Jane Hollins laude Capri Hughes [Applause] Alexandra John Lewis Sage benguel [Applause] Janae MacLeod Summa coulog [Applause] magna laude foreign Lord terencia Miller Magnum [Applause] Christian miners come Lord [Applause] hey Lonnie Moore [Applause] Raphael William Finney good Lord Adam Pemberton laude Ariana pittaway Chamberlain magna laude foreign [Applause] Lord [Applause] pass Richardson [Applause] Linda Roberts good Lord [Applause] Raquel Robinson Magna coulog [Applause] Lauren Rowe come on [Applause] Darion Russell [Applause] thank you [Applause] foreign [Applause] [Applause] Lord [Applause] Vanessa Sakura magna laude [Applause] Kiara Simmons [Applause] Kenosha Stubbs magna laude [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Jada Thomas [Applause] davia Williams [Applause] Shakira Williams magna laude [Applause] a Ron Witherspoon [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] oh [Applause] yeah Tenaya Thompson magna Lord [Applause] Vanessa Tucker long [Applause] Jason L Anderson silicon Lord [Applause] back to Godzilla laude Christopher [Music] they're called Dre Johnson laude [Applause] Lawrence Jello magna laude foreign [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] thank you [Applause] Fatima Muhammad [Applause] [Music] Mercedes Anthony Preston come on good Chantelle Thomas magna laude [Applause] and Iran [Applause] Candace Colebrook magna laude [Applause] Jordan Hill magna laude [Applause] Karen Jones [Applause] Diamond rice laude [Applause] Darnell cocus coulade [Music] thank you come Lord [Applause] Kelvin Tillman come on [Applause] Quincy Anderson come on [Applause] laude [Applause] [Applause] Brandon Lacey come Lord foreign [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] oh yeah oh yeah Cortez Slocum [Applause] chrisel Evans laude [Applause] Demetria Brown magical Lord [Applause] Tyrese map [Applause] Devonte Newbold magna laude [Applause] to Terrace Briggs foreign [Applause] [Music] [Applause] for the Tyrone Attenborough School of Business and Entrepreneurship please come forward Ayanna Freeman summa laude [Applause] Casey Cooper summa laude Randall Curry laude [Applause] Amber Francis magnacon Lord foreign [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] ebony Benefield [Applause] coulog [Applause] thank you [Applause] dimaria Copeland gynisha English to McCullough [Applause] I imagine [Applause] [Applause] good morning [Applause] [Applause] foreign [Applause] wheeler too long [Applause] Bryson Harris [Applause] holiday come on [Applause] Tyra Holmes [Applause] Gerald Kelly coulog [Applause] Elijah Kelly come on [Applause] John Lampley come along [Applause] [Applause] come on Christopher Murray come on [Applause] bring me a towel [Applause] Olivia Roker summa laude [Applause] Fiona Smith [Applause] Reginae Austin magna laude get back Austin magna laude Kiera Bowman come on [Applause] Emery Mitchell laude [Applause] Cheyenne Powell summer laude [Applause] Jalen Keenan thank you Lord [Applause] Tamara Letterman summa laude [Applause] oh Gabriel Mackey magna laude [Applause] Sean Smith magnacle Lord [Applause] kind of Ward silicon Lord [Applause] hello [Applause] yeah Preston Alexander magical law [Applause] thank you Joshua mapay come on [Applause] Simone Bryan [Applause] Stephen Campbell Magnum law [Applause] Drayton Jalen Golson semicolon [Applause] Pierre Lanes Magna cool law [Applause] n McCombs [Applause] Asia Milligan [Applause] Danielle Barnes [Applause] laurente Jackson come on [Applause] all right foreign [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] foreign [Applause] Watson [Applause] reason words silicon lawn [Applause] [Applause] [Music] Garcia Broadway come along [Applause] Kennedy bird magical law [Applause] Jada Daniels him a good Lord [Applause] come along foreign [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] Health and Human Services please come forward [Applause] Alicia Jenkins good Lord foreign [Applause] Davis [Applause] come on [Applause] DeAndre Brunson coulon [Applause] Sarah Burnett [Applause] [Music] Noah Kirkland magna laude [Applause] Rudolph LZ [Applause] there's a ray gunnels [Applause] Jordan Jenkins chemical log [Applause] Adriana Johnson magna laude [Applause] Jewel Jones [Applause] Victorious [Applause] Nicole Madigan laude [Applause] Alice Matthews good Lord [Applause] Chesney Miller come on foreign [Applause] Moses come on [Applause] lamia O'Neill Magnum [Applause] Xavier Payne [Applause] hey Sean Seymour [Applause] Ryan Smith come on [Applause] I see a stout come on [Applause] santiana Turner [Applause] Damien Tyler come on foreign [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] Stefano Brooks Summer come on [Applause] Jeremy Calhoun [Applause] okay LeRon Davis [Applause] Madison golden Jordan Kennedy [Applause] Jerome Kilpatrick cervical Lord [Applause] Jalen Kirk come on [Applause] I link Elaine Summers [Applause] Beyonce Lewis laude [Applause] Taylor Lewis Stone cooler come on [Applause] Elena Jones come on [Applause] Muhammad [Applause] England come on [Applause] tomorrow Williams [Applause] [Applause] Josiah Atkins [Applause] retired Benjamin come on [Applause] Miguel pase good morning Timothy Bing [Applause] Quentin Blair foreign [Applause] Savion Watson [Applause] come on Arlington [Applause] [Applause] Lord [Applause] Joey don't come on hi Trace Edwards foreign [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] Damien Jones hey [Applause] here [Applause] Jenny Jones Murphy magical Lord [Applause] Malik pan Cypress [Applause] Ariana Prescott magna laude [Applause] you're saying King cool Lord [Applause] Antonio president Malia Walkers good Lord [Applause] Xavier Clemens [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] hold on [Applause] Christopher Rivers [Applause] foreign Robinson [Applause] David Thomas good Lord [Applause] [Applause] Braden onesley [Applause] down here [Applause] Brown [Applause] say the drink of Pixley let me come on [Music] [Applause] Maya Smith come on Percy Folker chemical Lord [Applause] Jr Whitener Panda come Lord Aaron Williams Magnum [Applause] Garnett Magnum [Laughter] [Applause] [Applause] Iona Kelly Harrington McDaniel rumor come on [Applause] talk to my brother come on [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] idea Knight [Applause] for the dean for the School of Education Health Department Human Services please come forward oh we are now presenting our master's degree recipients Tristan Armstrong silicone [Applause] David Brown Jr silicone Lorraine Dunbar magna iano [Applause] Frank Highland Jr Summa coulon thank you [Applause] drayvon Alexander Jeffrey come on [Applause] Terry Mills come on [Applause] Kendrick swelley chemical lawn all right Williams to become law [Applause] s [Applause] [Applause] Marissa McDaniel [Applause] Ariana men's [Applause] [Music] NBA master's degree please come forward [Applause] ladies and gentlemen [Applause] I present to you the Benedict College graduating class of 2023 please give these outstanding graduates a rousing round up a pause [Applause] graduate of 2023 the Benedict College National alumni association takes great pride in saluting you for your accomplishments we are privileged to welcome you into our ranks over 18 000 strong the proud alumni of Benedict College commit their help and support to the college continues to prepare students to represent the best of BC I encourage you to always remember Benedict's contribution to your development commit yourselves to support and sing the Praises of your alma mater always and now will the graduates of the class of 2023 please stand and repeat after me the alumni pledge thank you I I can't buy solemnly pledge I'm broken allegiance to my alma mater [Music] and appreciation of the opportunities for development afforded me at Heritage College I pledge my active membership in the Benedictine College National Alumni Association wherever I may be through association with my fellow alumni the shall forever do my best deals and traditions of my alma mater I class at as a person to exemplify by rendering positive and dignified service to the community the state the nation and the world and the world thus living to bring honor and respect to Benedict College by being a powerful good in society and representing the best of BC graduates you promise to accept the alumni plan please answer by saying yes by virtue of the authority vested in Me by the Benedict's college national Alumni Association I give I declare all of you to be full-fledged participating members of the benediction college national Alumni Association may God bless each of you and may each of you be a blessing to Benedict as she leads in the 21st century and they benefited ever remain worthy of your respect your loyalty and your admiration please fasten the alumni plans that are located inside the alumni booklets that you just received to the left side of your rose as a visible symbol of your membership in the Benedict College National Alumni Association wear them with pride thank you so very much congratulations alumni we will now have our alma mater IAL [Music] foreign [Music] [Music] thank you [Music] foreign [Music] to you [Music] baby today for me [Music] [Applause] at this time the banner bearers Marshals ushers and may Sparrow are asked to assume your positions on the stage and field [Music] [Applause] [Music] thank you as we are assembling allow me to take this opportunity to thank you very much for your cooperation and participation in the 153rd commencement Convocation at Benedict College Benedict College sends its love prayers and best wishes to the class of 2023 go forth and represent the best of BC at this time we'll have our benediction Minister Cameron C Wright the Lord said to Moses tell Aaron and his sons this is how you bless the Israelites say to them the Lord bless you and keep you the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace may God's blessings follow you follow you all as you find new Journeys to travel may you walk safely along the pathways of your dream may his gentle hand guide the decisions you will make in the passions that you will follow in Jesus name that everybody say amen amen amen amen and amen amen this concludes the 153rd commencement Convocation at Benedict College congratulations class of 2023 may the good Lord bless you and keep you all the days of your life [Applause] there are few occasions Beyond weddings and childbirth that will compare to this moment but commencement is not about completion it's about a new beginning it's about blazing a new Trail today marks a new beginning for you take pride in knowing that whatever path you take your story will be yet another proud chapter in the annals of the HBC you story class of 2023 this is your moments may God bless you and may his hand guide you as you begin to write your chapter in America's hvcu story go Tigers [Applause] foreign

Channel: Benedict College

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Id: ktifWz8_l2U

Length: 172min 5sec (10325 seconds)

Published: Mon Jun 12 2023