2017 graduates express excitement in creative ways
Many Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) graduates showed their creativity through their unique mortarboards and attire. But for some graduates, this was also a way to tell the stories of their journeys and where they are headed as they “Depart to Serve.”
As students marched into Bowman Gray Stadium during the Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 19, they shared their messages of gratitude, accomplishment and encouragement.
Dealva Glaspie, a biotechnology graduate, had a decorated mortarboard with the message, “I turned my cant's into cans, and my dreams into plans.” Glaspie is the first in her family to earn a college degree. “I finally made it. I turned my dreams into plans,” Glaspie said.
“A lot of my friends went to predominately white institutions and believe that their degrees are better, but that’s not true,” Olglesby said. “A lot of graduate schools want students from WSSU because they know that we have been properly prepared and are ready for the work force, and I think that is great.”
Olglesby plans to attend graduate school in the fall.
Taylor Gaulden, an interdisciplinary studies graduate, had a picture of her recently deceased grandmother on her mortarboard. “I promised my granny that I was going to do it, and I did.,” Gaulden said.
James Bullock, a sports management graduate and former member of the Rams football team, was at the front of the processional with a large crown atop his graduation cap. About 25 family members from Cleveland were there to cheer him on.
Berenice Rodriguez, a nursing graduate whose parents migrated from Mexico, displayed the message, “Lo Hicimos. Gracias mami y papi,” which means “We did it. Thank you, Mom and Dad.” Rodriguez is the first in her family to graduate from college. “I did what I’m doing for them.”
Attorney and CNN analyst Bakari Sellers delivered the commencement address. During his address, he spoke of his father, civil rights veteran Cleveland Sellers Jr., who was convicted and jailed in 1968 at the Orangeburg Massacre.
“We lit a torch of freedom whose light shines still for all the world to see, and it is that torch we pass to you today,” Sellers said. “So don’t be afraid to dare greatly and fail. Don’t be afraid to aim high and fall short. Don’t be afraid to be the miracles you already are.”
Sellers, a former South Carolina representative, said history is full of achievements that were not supposed to happen.
“Throughout history, Americans have always showed a true talent for exceeding expectations,” Sellers said. “Life isn’t fair but it’s not fixed either.”
Class of 2017
WSSU recognized more than 1,200 graduates during the ceremony.
The ceremony honored WSSU students who earned their degrees in summer and fall 2016 and spring 2017. Many outstanding students were among the class of 2017. More than 1,100 undergraduates and 129 graduates received degrees.
Graduates included:
- Sisters Eomba F. and Edith Pungu, immigrants from the Congo who are earning their master’s in nursing degree to become family nurse practitioners. The sisters will cross the stage together for the second time as WSSU graduates.
- Nursing Bridge to Ph.D. Scholars Nicole Calhoun, Morine Cebert and LaKita M.J. Knight, who will earn their master’s degree and continue their education this fall as doctorate in nursing students at Duke University.
- Taylor Evans, a third-generation educator who has several job offers in special education.
- Victoria Segwick, a chemistry major who will attend the Medical Sciences Ph.D. Program at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
- Anthony Wells, a marketing major who plans to join AllianceBerstein as a private wealth consultant in New York City. While at WSSU, he studied abroad in Brazil and the Dominican Republic and studied at the Harvard University Business School.
Also at the ceremony:
- Dr. Donna Gwyn Wiggins, associate professor of music, was awarded the 2017 Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching.
- Dr. Brenda Allen, provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs, received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for her contributions during her eight-year tenure at WSSU. Allen was recently selected as the president of Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, her alma mater.
A bold past. A brilliant future.
For 125 years, Winston-Salem State University has fostered the creative thinking, analytical problem-solving, and depth of character needed to transform the world. Rooted in liberal education, WSSU’s curriculum prepares students to be thought leaders who have the skills and knowledge needed to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. WSSU is a historically Black constituent institution of the University of North Carolina with a rich tradition of contributing to the social, cultural, intellectual, and economic growth of North Carolina, the region and beyond. Guided by the motto, “Enter to Learn. Depart to Serve,” WSSU develops leaders who advance social justice by serving the world with compassion and commitment. Join us in celebrating our 125th anniversary with events throughout 2017. Learn more at the 125th Anniversary website.
