‘Rooms don’t shine until a Ram walks in’
WSSU graduates charged to lead, innovate and change the world
Nearly 600 Winston-Salem State University graduates departed to serve as they received their degrees Dec. 12 during the university’s fall commencement held at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Presided by Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Stevie L. Lawrence, the ceremony was marked by inspiring speeches, joyful cheers, proud tears and spirited celebration.
Christian X. White, senior class president, delivered a speech that packed a punch.
“I’m here to commend you, but I’m also here to challenge you to not let this milestone be the finish line,” White said. “As you venture out into a world – with or without continuing education – I charge you all to set your goals far, hold onto your visions tight, and understand this: Rooms don’t shine until a Ram walks in.”
“We are not just going to join industries; we are going to innovate them. Because Rams are more than qualified,” he continued. “Walk boldly, walk joyfully and walk like you have purpose, because you do. Walk like your ancestors paved the road, because they did. Walk like you belong in every room, because you absolutely do. And when you can’t find a room to fit in, build one and put your name on that door.”
Maliyah Winters, the 76th Student Government Association president, reminded graduates of how far they have come. “When we arrived on this campus, some of us were uncertain, others were confident, and many were somewhere in between. But WSSU has a way of shaping students to be strong leaders, professional pioneers and productive global citizens,” she said.
“Our world needs graduates who are not afraid to speak truth, to demand justice, to chase innovation and to choose compassion. And I believe wholeheartedly that each of you are ready to do just that,” she said.
Other speakers bringing greetings were Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines, who spoke of the significance of WSSU to the city as he encouraged graduates to call Winston-Salem home; and WSSU Board of Trustees chairman Brent Moore.
“You’ve worked incredibly hard to get here. You balanced classes, jobs, families and life’s surprises, all while still finding time for homecoming, sporting events and late-night parties, um, I mean, study hours,” Moore quipped
“The point is: You made it. And that’s because you are tough, brilliant and determined, all characteristics of a true Rams. As you leave Winston-Salem State, remember your degree is proof that you can overcome obstacles and you can choose and chase your dreams. Your walk across this stage today symbolizes the intersection of preparation and opportunity,” Moore said.
WSSU Chancellor Bonita Brown acknowledged the graduates’ supporters in her remarks. “To the parents, guardians, families and friends of the fall class of 2025, thank you for entrusting us with the humbling responsibility of sharing in the personal and intellectual enhancement of these graduates. While they sit in the seats of honor and receive their treasured diplomas, this graduation belongs to you as well. I know that your support has been invaluable to their success.”
The Rev. Brandon M. Helton, senior pastor of Piney Grove Baptist Church, delivered the invocation, giving thanks for the gift of education, for the pursuit of knowledge and for the journey that brought the graduates to this day.
During the ceremony, Cadet Kalina R. Ross was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army by Lt. Col. John P. Flach, professor and chair of the Military Science Department.
A moving selection of “Rockin’ Jerusalem” was delivered by the WSSU Choir, under the direction of Maestra D’Walla Simmons-Burke; while the Wind Ensemble, under the director of Dr. Michael Magruder, provided music.
Reginald McCaskill, president of the WSSU National Alumni Association, led graduates in their induction into the national organization, encouraging them to give back.
In concluding the program, Brown said graduation, by definition, means moving to the next level. At WSSU, that next level is to “depart to serve.”
Click here for a photo gallery of commencement.
